These seven Baha'i leaders were held in Evin Prison, in Iran, since May, 2008 (since March, 2008 in one case), on trumped up charges. On August 9, 2010 they were sentenced, after a string of trials where very little defense was permitted, while their lawyer -- Nobel prize winner Shirin Ebadi -- was living in exile outside Iran, to 20 years in prison. (Later reduced to 10 years.) They are absolutely innocent of the charges created to imprison them. Several of them have serious health conditions, one man is 76 years of age. Following the sentencing they were transferred to Rajai Shahr Prison, which is well documented amongst human rights groups of the world for its harsh conditions. The seven former leaders were consistently denied access to their attorney, Shirin Ebadi -- Iranian lawyer, human rights activist and founder of Centre for the Defence of Human Rights in Iran. On October 10, 2003, Ebadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her significant and pioneering efforts for democracy and human rights, especially women's, children's, and refugee rights. She was the first ever Iranian to have received the prize. There are many other innocent Baha'is imprisoned in Iran, where some social scientists suggest that conditions could be ripening for a mass slaughter of members of this peaceful, non-political religion.

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August 15, 2010: Harsh sentences a judgement against an entire religious community

August 10, 2010: Seven Leaders Transferred to Rajai Sharh Prison Where Human Rights Conditions are Deplorable

August 9, 2010: Seven former leaders reportedly sentenced to 20 years in Iranian prison

August 5, 2010: Detention for seven former leaders extended for two additional months

June 15, 2010: Trial appears to have ended

April 12, 2010: Trial Adjourned Following Protest by Prisoners

October 18, 2009: Trial of Baha'i Leaders Again Postponed, No New Date Set

August 17, 2009: Trial of the seven arrested leaders (Yaran) is delayed until mid-October

August 1, 2009: Iran Commences Post-Election Violence Trials

July 29, 2009: From Iran Press Watch

An AP story from Cairo states that 'The state news agency IRNA said Wednesday that indictments had been issued against “around 20″ detainees involved in “planning and carrying out sabotage” and that trials will begin on Saturday. Among the defendants are some who had contact with the Mujahedeen-e Khalq _ a dissident group of Iranian exiles _ and members of the Bahai faith, who are often targeted by the Iranian government, IRNA said.'

July 25: Baha'i Day in Jamaica

July 15: PM underlines concern for Iran’s Bahá’ís at historic meeting with Bahá’í delegation

July 11, 2009: Baha'i Rights Day

Bloggers, social network and Twitter users poured out information regarding the plight of Iran's long persecuted Baha'i community. The very real possibility of a genocide against this peaceful minority was brought forth. We thank everyone who participated in this campaign and urge you to keep informed of developments. Bringing the light of an observant world to human rights abuses through the internet is a peaceful, nonviolent means of standing against such abuses.

"Evil is like a shadow -- it has no real substance of its own, it is simply a lack of light. You cannot cause a shadow to disappear by trying to fight it, stamp on it, by railing against it, or any other form of emotional or physical resistance. In order to cause a shadow to disappear, you must shine light on it." ~Shakti Gawain, teacher and author (b. 1948)


UPDATE on July 11

In the midst of Baha'i RIghts Day, Iran Press Watch was able to confirm that the trial of the Yaran members has been delayed. Please visit the update page on Iran Press Watch.


For updates and information please check the Muslim Network for Baha'i Rights' Baha'i Rights Day site.

Amnesty Int’l Calls for Urgent Action in Support of Imprisoned Baha’i Leaders

Via Amnesty Int'l-July 6th, 2009


The seven members of Iran’s Baha’i religious minority are scheduled for trial [date ti be determined -- ELP]. If convicted, they could face the death penalty.

The detainees’ families were told in May that they were now facing the additional charge of mofsed fil arz (being corrupt on earth), which can carry the death penalty, and that a new date for their trial has been set. They are scheduled to appear on 11 July before Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran where they are likely to be charged with mofsed fil arz, as well as “espionage for Israel”, “insulting religious sanctities” and “propaganda against the system.” Their lawyers have never been able to visit them since their arrest, though they have been allowed family visits.


Cherie Blair on persecution of Baha'is in Iran