(BWNS) Iranian authorities have notified the lawyers of seven imprisoned Baha’i leaders that the next session of their trial will be held on 7 February, the Baha’i International Community learned today.
At their first court appearance, held 12 January in Tehran, the charges were read to the seven, who categorically denied the accusations.
“While we know little about what actually took place inside the court, we can now say for certain that these seven innocent Baha’is stood up and firmly rejected all of the charges against them,” said Diane Ala’i of the Baha’i International Community.
“We can also say that, based on the international outcry that accompanied the first session of their trial, the world is watching this proceeding closely and that the Iranian government will be held accountable for any injustices,” she said.
The charges against the seven, according to accounts in government-sponsored news media, were: espionage, “propaganda activities against the Islamic order,” the establishment of an “illegal administration,” cooperation with Israel, sending secret documents outside the country, acting against the security of the country, and “corruption on earth.”
The seven defendants are Mrs. Fariba Kamalabadi, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mrs. Mahvash Sabet, Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Mr. Vahid Tizfahm.
All but one of the group were arrested on 14 May 2008 at their homes in Tehran. Mrs. Sabet was arrested on 5 March 2008 while in Mashhad. They have been held in Tehran’s Evin prison ever since, spending their first year there without formal charges or any access to lawyers.
Source: Baha’i World News Service
January 21, 2010 12:27 am
The world is watching and waiting for the outcome of this trial. God bless each of the seven “Yaran.” A constant chorus of prayer rises upward to the Supreme Concourse for their assisance and succor from around the world. We think of them everyday in our Baha’i communities; they are our heroes, our icons of sacrifice and spiritual leaders in the truest sense.
January 21, 2010 5:23 am
The date set for the trial is just 4 days before the anniversary of the establishment of Islamic regime in Iran, a day in which people of Iran are planning a huge peaceful demonstration all across country.
It is just the working of the devious minds of the rulers, scared of millions of people showing up in the streets, that are attempting to divert attention by focusing on the trial and blaming country’s problems on the Baha’is so that they can hold onto their power.
The people of Iran are smart and won’t fall in this trap.
January 24, 2010 7:45 am
The Baha’is are not on trial here it is the doctors of Islam. The Yaran have already receved their heavenly reward in the opertunity to bare these tribulations for the love of God. While it is my first thought to feel sorry for the suffering of these servents of God, I must remind myself there is no greater gift from God in this life than to be offered the cup of marterdom and to drink from it. I am not worried about the fate of these Yaran, God will surly do with them as he pleases. I will weep for the people of Iran if the harm a hair upon their heads as there will be no rest for these people and fear and trembeling will be their companion. My love goes ou to those who love their God.
David MacIsaac.
January 25, 2010 12:04 am
Here we see the depth of the corruption and falsehood expounded by these idle Haji’s and Akhoondi’s. Isn’t it funny that they have chosen the next date to be 4 days before the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution? They are trying to make an example out of the innocent Yaran to keep people off the streets, but it will back fire, the people of Iran are on to the ways of these wolves who adorn themselves with the crowns of knowledge. May God watchover and protect these innocents. These false clerics cannot extinguish the Truth of Baha’u’llah’s mission…
January 26, 2010 2:31 am
Thank you David MacIsaac for expressing my thoughts and feelings so eloquently.
January 27, 2010 2:42 am
The seven devoted Baha’i prisoners has spread the Baha’i Faith far and wide. Their plight has been on the news around the world! One cannot pick any Baha’i litreture that is not instructing importance of kindness, love, and peace! Thanks to age of information, one can find Baha’i Writings, at libraries, bookstors, and internet. They have been translated to all languages. My dad was a dedicated physician who served the sick, needy, and down-throdened for over 45 years in Esfahan, Iran. He was a devote Baha’i. I have founded two free clinics for the poor in North Carolina since 1998. I have volunteered there last twelve years. I am a Member of the Baha’i Faith. The Baha’is live in every continent, every country, and every corner of the world. They have dedicated their lives to the service of humanity for 160 plus years. The Baha’is are not involved in politics and they are peace-loving!