On anniversary of arrests, Canadian MPs highlight Iran’s human rights violations

16 May 2012

OTTAWA — In a wide-ranging debate that took place on the fourth anniversary of the arrest of imprisoned Iranian Baha'i leaders, members of the Canadian Parliament voiced their grave concern about worsening violations of human rights in Iran.

Earlier on Monday 14 May, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs – John Baird – marked the anniversary by issuing a statement which said, "Iranian authorities continually undermine the right to freedom of religion by tolerating and even encouraging persecution of Baha'is, Christians and members of other minority...

Canada's House of Commons debate on Iran’s human rights violations coincided with the fourth anniversary of the arrest of six of the seven imprisoned Baha’i leaders. Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird issued a statement marking the anniversary. Pictured (left to right): Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs; John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Scott Reid; and Irwin Cotler.

Persecution intensifies as former Baha'i leaders mark anniversary behind bars

14 May 2012

GENEVA — Iran's former Baha'i leaders begin their fifth year in prison today amid an intensification of the persecution of their co-religionists.

The seven prisoners each face the bleak prospect of 16 more years in jail for crimes they did not commit. Next week also marks the first anniversary of raids on homes of Baha'is associated with an informal initiative offering higher education to community members barred from university. Nine educators later received harsh prison sentences.

The detention and conviction of these and other Baha'is is a...