Update on third trial session of Iranian Baha’i leaders
13 April 2010
(BWNS) GENEVA — Details are emerging from yesterday’s court appearance in Tehran of seven imprisoned Iranian Baha’i leaders.
The Baha’i International Community has learned that when the prisoners arrived at the court, their families were not allowed to enter, signaling a closed hearing.
Inside the courtroom, however, the prisoners saw numerous officials and interrogators from the Ministry of Intelligence – along with a film crew which had already set up its cameras.
Concerned over the presence of non-judicial personnel in a supposedly closed hearing, the Baha’is – with the agreement of their attorneys – declined to be party to the proceedings.
The judge adjourned the session and did not announce a date for continuing the trial.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran should immediately set free these seven innocent prisoners,” said Diane Ala’i, Baha’i representative to the United Nations in Geneva.
“The dictates of justice demand no less,” she said. “They are now about to enter the third year of their incarceration on baseless charges which they have categorically denied and for which the government has no evidence whatsoever.
“At the very least, they should be released on bail and steps be taken to ensure that their trial is conducted fairly, in accordance with international standards of jurisprudence.
“If their confinement is to continue, the harsh conditions under which they are being held must be improved,” she said.
Yesterday’s session was the third in the ongoing trial of the seven Baha’is, who have been accused of espionage, propaganda activities against the Islamic order, and “corruption on earth,” among other charges. Their first court appearance was 12 January this year.
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. Mrs. Sabet was arrested on 5 March 2008 and the others on 14 May 2008.
Source: BWNS – English, Persian
Also see these related news: Radio Zamaneh
April 14, 2010 4:55 pm
“Concerned over the presence of non-judicial personnel in a supposedly closed hearing, the Baha’is – with the agreement of their attorneys – declined to be party to the proceedings.”
I am so moved by the brave and noble Yaran for not bowing to expediency, for showing all, the way forward.
“Say: O people! Walk ye neath the shadow of justice and truthfulness and seek ye shelter within the tabernacle of unity. “
April 15, 2010 10:06 am
Allah’u’Abha. Since the early 80’s with the death of Mona my mind, my heart and my soul have belonged to the Baha’i’s Iran. Though I am a native of and live in the United States I feel my heart was born in Tehran birthplace of my beloved faith. To that end my prayers and my thoughts are constantly with my brothers and sisters everywhere who face persecution for knowing, telling, and spreading the truth of the divine revelation of Baha’u’llah.