Editor’s Note: Iran Press Watch regrets that due to the pressure of work it failed to report on an important development in Semnan, as reported through Mihan site on Tuesday, April 14, 2009. For the sake of the completeness of our historical records, that report is now shared in translation:
In mid February 2009, Murteza Hamidi [presumably a Muslim] was arrested by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in Semnan.
Previously, on December 15, 2008, his home was raided at the same time as the homes of 20 Baha’i families were attacked by agents of the same Ministry in a widespread operation.
The charge against Mr. Hamidi is “possession of Baha’i books and materials”, and “relationship with Baha’is”. It should be noted that his grandfather is a Baha’i, as are many other members of his family; therefore it is perfectly natural and understandable for Hamidi to have Baha’i printed materials in his possession and to have interactions with Baha’is.
Repeated efforts by his family to secure his freedom have remained futile, and Mr. Hamidi continues to languish in prison without any recourse. The other point that adds to the anxiety of this situation is that Mr. Hamidi and his family have been extensively pressured by the Ministry of Intelligence to file complaints against some Baha’i residents of Semnan for promoting the Baha’i Faith to him and his children. Through this method, the authorities hope to create a legal pretext for further harassment and persecution of the Baha’is of Semnan.
Is this effort not another step in an organized and systematic campaign to eliminate the Baha’is of Semnan? This would then be an effort which could serve as a dangerous and inhumane model for the rest of the nation to entirely eliminate the Baha’is.
[Posted on http://emails.mihanblog.com/post/125. Translation by Iran Press Watch.]
August 19, 2009 1:30 am
Now that international media routinely have articles that mention the Baha’i Faith, and search engines index massive amounts of free information, the only thing necessary for proclaiming Baha’i teachings in Iran would seem to be for the national media to publicize interesting accusations, for religious teachers to recount amazing conspiracies, and for ‘persons unknown’ to spray paint very visible advertisements on shops, homes and cemeteries.
The anti-diversity forces have found that Baha’is are superhumanly fortified against falsifying their belief, but they must have already known that true Iranians are not going to falsely condemn their families. Mr. Hamidi is apparently an example of the values that have brought Iran back from a condition like death in recent centuries, to one of increasing world importance, through the efforts both of those at home and those abroad.
August 19, 2009 8:29 am
Isn’t this old news?
6 monthes ago or so!
August 19, 2009 10:41 am
This is news to me…thanks for sharing it.
August 19, 2009 11:34 am
As long as there is one Sangesari Baha’i left in the world, Imam joomeh of Semnan’s desire to rid Semnan of you Baha’is will fail. And from what I hear there are thousands of Sangesari Baha’is living outside Iran with family connections inside Iran ready to come back and rebuild Semnan after the mollahs finish their job of tilling the heart of the people. Even Gangis Khan could’t defeat Sangesaris. Let alone the frail imam joomeh and his dear frail friend Aya Khamenei, formerly known as supreme leader of Iran, now known to the world as The “Dictator” of Iran as forever made available on Youtube. Humpy dumpy sat on the wall. Humpy dumpy had a Great fall… The Divine Physician Who lifted the veils knows how to make stars to fall let alone humpy dumpy.
August 19, 2009 12:19 pm
My hearts goes out to Mr. Hamidi and his family, indeed to all of Semnan. It seems that the authorities there have reached a new, desperate low. They appear to be on the verge of declaring kinship and friendship a criminal act! This development by anti-Baha’i forces in Semnan is a craven act aimed at crushing the resounding, ever-resilient truth of the Baha’i Faith. Why won’ t these “authorities” learn from history? Such measures never succeeded in the past and won’t succeed now!
August 19, 2009 12:24 pm
Dear “A”
Yes, it is old news, hence our apologies in the “Editor’s Note”, which we hope you saw.
We have an enormous amount of materials to read each day, process, translate, write, comment, etc. Once in a while we get behind, because we also have jobs, families and other challenges of life. We hope that you will forgive us if once in a while we get behind in this volunteer work.
Editor.
August 19, 2009 2:40 pm
Dear Admin,
I had littel time and simply I didn’t see the “Editor’s Note” .Sorry!
A.
August 19, 2009 6:12 pm
Dear Best Beloved of Admins.:
Your service to the dearly loved Friends of Iran is a standard that few could hope to equal. Thank you for the unforgettable inspirations and for the knowledge this extremely valuable website has imparted to us! Please tell your family on our behalf how much we appreciate the enormous effort you are making in His Name.
August 19, 2009 8:08 pm
Dear Admin,
I echo the sentiments of SB: you are doing a great job!
Best wishes with the website and the attempt to publicize the plight of the Baha’is of Iran. The people who are behind these inhumane acts like to keep it secret and this is a great way to counter their evil plans.