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Baha'i leaders to be put on trial in Iran for religious affiliation
Seven followers of the Baha'i religion are in jail because of their beliefs
By: Michael Allen
Issue date: 3/10/09 Section: News
Seven leaders of the Baha'i faith are being detained in an Iranian prison. They will be on trial in the coming weeks; most people who are even allowed a trial are executed.
The Baha'i Seven have been charged with espionage for Israel, insulting other religions and using propaganda against the Islamic government. No evidence has proven formidable against them.
"They have inability of their lawyer, who is the Nobel Laureate, Shirin Ebadi, to access the prisoners or their files, and the further sentences they face on trial which could be more imprisonment or even the death penalty, all embody injustice and the denial of human rights," said, Texas A&M's Baha'i Club President Natalie Kash, a sophomore biological chemistry and macromolecular biophysics major.
The seven have been held in Evin Prison in Iran, for almost a year.
"Today, the Iranian government regards Baha'is as apostates and "unprotected infidels," said Cheryl Powers, the public information officer for the Baha'i community of College Station.
People from all over the world have questioned Iran's Human Rights process and expressed their sorrow and extended their prayers toward the prisoners. People are calling this act religious persecution.
The United States is trying to pass a bill called House Resolution 175 that "condemns the Iranian government for its state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights,
This bill calls upon Iran to set the seven free.
"I hope that one day Baha'is, and members of all religions, will be able to openly and freely practice their religion in all parts of the world," Kash said,
In Iran, followers of religions other than Islam who are put on trial never see the light of day again. They either spend a lifetime in a jail cell or face execution.
In the past, men and women have been arrested and subjected to mental and physical abuse in an effort to get them to deny their faith. If they chose not to disband their faith, they most likely perish.
Taraz Nosrat, a freshman electrical engineering major and member of the Baha'i community and A&M organization, had an uncle who was imprisoned in Iran for his beliefs.
Nosrat said his uncle was moving and hired a mover to help bring his belongings to his new home. En route, Iran has several checkpoints. The truck was inspected at one point and authorities found Baha'i books.
Upon discovery of the books, the driver was arrested and detained until Nosrat's uncle turned himself in. Nosrat's uncle was sentenced to death, but later received a reduced sentence - life in prison - for good behavior.
"He was released after being held captive for seven years. His release was due to international pressures and his work in Iran," Nosrat said.
This is just one of the many arrests taking place daily.
The prejudice and exile may be taking place in Iran, but it is felt locally by those whose families overseas are in danger because of their beliefs.
"What is happening in Iran is truly horrible and we are trying to raise awareness of the horrible events that have and are occurring," said Derek Groh, senior information and operations management major.
Islamic leaders said the Baha'i religion is creating a threat to the people of Islam.
In Iran, the 300,000 followers of the Baha'i faith make up the smallest religious group in the country. Since 1978, more than 200 followers of the faith have been killed; many have lost their jobs and have been oppressed or banned from practicing their religion in public. They are despised more than the Jews in the Iranian community.
"In November 2004, the Baha'is of Iran wrote a courteous letter to then-President Mohammad Khatami in which they requested that their civil and human rights be respected. Since that letter was distributed, Baha'is throughout the country have been arrested and detained for varying periods of time," Powers said.
Baha'i is a monotheistic religion. Founded in the 19th century in Iran, it is the newest of independent religions. The Baha'i believe in a man who proclaimed to be a messenger of God, equal to the prophets of Noah, Abraham, Jesus and Mohammed.
The prophet's name was Baha'u'llah. Baha'u'llah left a life of riches and comfort to face intense persecution to teach his idea of unity.
Baha'i religion believes that a representative of God comes every 100 years, updating social laws, but leaving spiritual laws.
In this case, Baha'u'llah is viewed as one of the representatives of God.
Essentially, all the world's religions represent states in the revelation of God and purpose for humanity. Baha'i is derived from the Arabic meaning - glory.
The complete interpretation of Baha'i is meant to represent a whole or unity.
"The Baha'i Faith teaches that humanity must now learn to eliminate other barriers and prejudices that continue to separate us, a task that no plane or telephone can accomplish but that is left to our own efforts and consciousness," Kash said.
"Thus, it is important that, not only each believer of the Baha'i Faith, but also every believer in justice and human rights raises their voice for these seven religiously persecuted Baha'is and make a significant effort to help their situation, sending a message not only to Iran but to the world that religious persecution will not be tolerated," Kash said.
How to help
To get involved in trying to free the Baha'i Seven please write your local congressman for support. To seek more information on the Baha'i faith or the conflict taking place in Iran visit
http://www.bahai.us/
For further questions or information feel free to contact Natalie Kash at natkash9@hotmail.com
Devotion ceremonies are 2 p.m.every Sunday at the Baha' i Church, open to everyone of all religions.
The Baha'i Seven have been charged with espionage for Israel, insulting other religions and using propaganda against the Islamic government. No evidence has proven formidable against them.
"They have inability of their lawyer, who is the Nobel Laureate, Shirin Ebadi, to access the prisoners or their files, and the further sentences they face on trial which could be more imprisonment or even the death penalty, all embody injustice and the denial of human rights," said, Texas A&M's Baha'i Club President Natalie Kash, a sophomore biological chemistry and macromolecular biophysics major.
The seven have been held in Evin Prison in Iran, for almost a year.
"Today, the Iranian government regards Baha'is as apostates and "unprotected infidels," said Cheryl Powers, the public information officer for the Baha'i community of College Station.
People from all over the world have questioned Iran's Human Rights process and expressed their sorrow and extended their prayers toward the prisoners. People are calling this act religious persecution.
The United States is trying to pass a bill called House Resolution 175 that "condemns the Iranian government for its state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights,
This bill calls upon Iran to set the seven free.
"I hope that one day Baha'is, and members of all religions, will be able to openly and freely practice their religion in all parts of the world," Kash said,
In Iran, followers of religions other than Islam who are put on trial never see the light of day again. They either spend a lifetime in a jail cell or face execution.
In the past, men and women have been arrested and subjected to mental and physical abuse in an effort to get them to deny their faith. If they chose not to disband their faith, they most likely perish.
Taraz Nosrat, a freshman electrical engineering major and member of the Baha'i community and A&M organization, had an uncle who was imprisoned in Iran for his beliefs.
Nosrat said his uncle was moving and hired a mover to help bring his belongings to his new home. En route, Iran has several checkpoints. The truck was inspected at one point and authorities found Baha'i books.
Upon discovery of the books, the driver was arrested and detained until Nosrat's uncle turned himself in. Nosrat's uncle was sentenced to death, but later received a reduced sentence - life in prison - for good behavior.
"He was released after being held captive for seven years. His release was due to international pressures and his work in Iran," Nosrat said.
This is just one of the many arrests taking place daily.
The prejudice and exile may be taking place in Iran, but it is felt locally by those whose families overseas are in danger because of their beliefs.
"What is happening in Iran is truly horrible and we are trying to raise awareness of the horrible events that have and are occurring," said Derek Groh, senior information and operations management major.
Islamic leaders said the Baha'i religion is creating a threat to the people of Islam.
In Iran, the 300,000 followers of the Baha'i faith make up the smallest religious group in the country. Since 1978, more than 200 followers of the faith have been killed; many have lost their jobs and have been oppressed or banned from practicing their religion in public. They are despised more than the Jews in the Iranian community.
"In November 2004, the Baha'is of Iran wrote a courteous letter to then-President Mohammad Khatami in which they requested that their civil and human rights be respected. Since that letter was distributed, Baha'is throughout the country have been arrested and detained for varying periods of time," Powers said.
Baha'i is a monotheistic religion. Founded in the 19th century in Iran, it is the newest of independent religions. The Baha'i believe in a man who proclaimed to be a messenger of God, equal to the prophets of Noah, Abraham, Jesus and Mohammed.
The prophet's name was Baha'u'llah. Baha'u'llah left a life of riches and comfort to face intense persecution to teach his idea of unity.
Baha'i religion believes that a representative of God comes every 100 years, updating social laws, but leaving spiritual laws.
In this case, Baha'u'llah is viewed as one of the representatives of God.
Essentially, all the world's religions represent states in the revelation of God and purpose for humanity. Baha'i is derived from the Arabic meaning - glory.
The complete interpretation of Baha'i is meant to represent a whole or unity.
"The Baha'i Faith teaches that humanity must now learn to eliminate other barriers and prejudices that continue to separate us, a task that no plane or telephone can accomplish but that is left to our own efforts and consciousness," Kash said.
"Thus, it is important that, not only each believer of the Baha'i Faith, but also every believer in justice and human rights raises their voice for these seven religiously persecuted Baha'is and make a significant effort to help their situation, sending a message not only to Iran but to the world that religious persecution will not be tolerated," Kash said.
How to help
To get involved in trying to free the Baha'i Seven please write your local congressman for support. To seek more information on the Baha'i faith or the conflict taking place in Iran visit
http://www.bahai.us/
For further questions or information feel free to contact Natalie Kash at natkash9@hotmail.com
Devotion ceremonies are 2 p.m.every Sunday at the Baha' i Church, open to everyone of all religions.
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