Archives › 2009 › May
Amnesty International releases its 2009 human rights report
The Amnesty International 2009 human rights report chronicles the persecution of Baha’is in Iran and Egypt during 2008.
Congressman Frank Wolf urges Obama administration to make human rights a key component of dialogue with Iran
Rep. Frank Wolf of Virginia expressed concern that seven Baha’i leaders who have been in prison for more than a year may face death on charges of “spreading of corruption on earth,” a capital offense in Iran. “Human dignity and freedom must not be made a sidebar as the Administration seeks to engage the Iranians,” [...]
Australian Parliament calls for release of Iran's seven imprisoned Bahá’í leaders
On May 25, 2009 the Australian House of Representatives expressed “serious concern” that the detained Baha’is have had no access to legal representation and have not been subject to due legal process. Click here to access the full transcript.
Choral Festival gets better from year to year
It’s hard to believe the event could get any better… Rich harmonies from about 150 talented voices filled the 1,200-seat Baha’i House of Worship auditorium with uplifting scriptural music at two free public concerts on Sunday May 24, 2009. It is estimated that about 700 people attended the 10:00 a.m. concert and perhaps 900 at [...]
EU Presidency issues statement on religious freedom in Iran
On May 25, 2009 the presidency of the European Union issued a statement expressing its deep concern about the increasing violation of religious freedom in Iran. The statement reiterates the EU’s concern about seven Iranian Baha’is who were arrested in early 2008.
When Naiyareh Karimimanesh lost her life, a gift was passed along to two other women through organ transplants.
VOA – Imprisoned in Iran for religious belief
Voice of America published an editorial titled “Imprisoned in Iran for religious belief” on May 17, 2009, about religious persecution in Iran.
Minister Cannon expresses concern over Iran’s continued detention of seven Bahá’í leaders
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, made a statement on May 14, 2009, marking the anniversary of the arrest and detention last year of six Baha’i leaders in Iran, who, with another arrested two months earlier, remain in custody.
UK renews call for release of detained Bahá’ís
The United Kingdom has reiterated its concern for seven Baha’i leaders imprisoned in Iran on the first anniversary of their detention in the following statement: UK government renews call for release of detained Baha’is
Bahá’ís say jailed leaders in Iran face harsh new accusation
CNN International today published the following story: Baha’is say jailed leaders in Iran face harsh new accusation
Human Rights Watch – Iran: Free Bahá’í leaders
Human Rights Watch issued a statement today titled “Iran: Free Baha’i leaders”. The statement calls on the Iranian authorities to release the seven detained Baha’i leaders.
Bahá’í Leaders Remain Unjustly Detained After One Year
The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran issued a statement titled “Baha’i Leaders Remain Unjustly Detained After One Year” on the anniversary of the detention of the Baha’i leaders in Iran.
An Unfortunate Anniversary in Iran
On May 13, 2009, the National Review Online posted an article titled “An Unfortunate Anniversary in Iran” by Michael Rubin about the anniversary of the imprisonment of the Iranian Baha’i leaders.
BBC Persian TV report on the anniversary of the arrest of Iran's Baha'i leaders
BBC Persian TV included a report on the anniversary of the arrest of Iran’s Baha’i leaders. The segment on the Baha’is starts 29:10 mins into the broadcast.
A bleak future for Baha'is
The New Statesman today published an article titled “A bleak future for Baha’is” by Mojan Momen, Iranian author, and academic and Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society.
Seven Baha’i Leaders at Risk of Execution
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty published a report titled “Seven Baha’i Leaders at Risk of Execution” in Farsi on May 12, 2009. Iran Press Watch has posted a English translation of the report.
Iranian Baha'i leaders may face new accusation on anniversary of imprisonment
NEW YORK, May 12, 2009 (BWNS) – The seven Baha’i leaders currently imprisoned in Iran are facing the anniversary of their arrest this Thursday, along with new and extremely grave accusations, after spending a year in jail without formal charges or access to their lawyer, Shirin Ebadi.
Iran: a faith on trial
openDemocracy published an article titled “Iran: a faith on trial” by Bernd Kaussler on April 23, 2009, about the persecution of the Iranian Baha’i community.
USCIRF releases its 2009 annual report
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom released its 2009 annual report today. The persecution of the Baha’is in Iran, and in other countries, is referenced in a number of sections. Access a video of the release of the report at the National Press Club
BIC posts update about the situation of the Baha'is in Iran
The Baha’i International Community posted some new information today on its “Iran Update” page about the persecution of the Baha’is in Iran. The new information is italicized.