(HRA News, 25 Sep 2010) Ali Ehsani, a Baha’i resident of the city of Semnan, was arrested on his way to work, and given a sentence of two years imprisonment.
According to HRA reporters, Ali Ehsani, a Baha’i living in Semnan, was first arrested in 1388 (2009) on charges of teaching the Baha’i faith and being a threat to national security due to his participation in Baha’i activities. He was then released with a sentence of two years probation and two years of exile from Semnan. On Wednesday, Sharivar 31, 1389 [September 22, 2010], he was arrested at 7 AM while he was going to work, and was immediately transferred to Semnan prison to spend two years of incarceration.
It should be noted that after Ehsani family inquired about his arrest, officials told them that they had had to arrest him in the street, since they didn’t know where he lived. However, Semnan is a very small city, and Ali Ehsani had been arrested at his home the year before.
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Translation by Iran Press Watch
Source: http://www.hra-news.org/1389-01-27-05-24-07/4166-1.html
October 2, 2010 1:53 pm
This small city is so well known to the world for the photographs we have seen of graffiti spray-painted on the houses citizens, for the destruction and vandalism done to businesses and homes, vehicles and other personal property, and for the lack of police protection there.
Now, unfortunately, the world is coming to know that even protections which are observed in secular, non-religious states, protections of due process and of an impartial hearing that should be assured, especially within a religious community dwelling beneath the all-seeing eye of its Creator, even these civil structures are not fulfilled for the people of Semnan.
Are prayers are for thanks to those brave citizens who walk with kindness and act rightly toward the injured ones. Our prayers are also for Ali Ehsani and his family.