Results 1 to 10 of 109

UN panel criticizes Iran’s repression of minorities

GENEVA, 30 August 10

A United Nations panel of experts has expressed concern over Iran’s continued repression of ethnic and religious minorities, including members of the Baha'i Faith. In conclusions issued last Friday, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) questioned why Iranian minorities – such as Arabs, Azeris, Balochis, Kurds and Baha'is – are so poorly represented in Iran’s public life

Global support intensifies for Iran's seven Baha'i leaders

GENEVA, 26 August 10

An increasing number of governments, human rights groups and prominent individuals are raising their voices against the harsh prison sentences handed down earlier this month to Iran's seven Baha'i leaders. As lawyers for the prisoners prepare to appeal against the 20-year jail terms, the government of New Zealand has voiced its concern that the trial "was conducted in a manner that was neither fair nor transparent

Harsh sentences are a judgment against an entire religious community

NEW YORK, 15 August 10

The harsh prison sentences handed down to seven Iranian Baha'i leaders who are absolutely innocent of any wrongdoing is a judgment against an entire religious community, the Baha'i International Community said today. Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi, whose Defenders of Human Rights Center represented the Baha'i defendants, said she was "stunned" by the reported 20-year jail terms

U.S.A. joins Netherlands, U.K. and European Union in chorus of condemnation at prison sentences

GENEVA, 13 August 10

The United States of America has said it "strongly condemns" the sentencing of seven Iranian Baha'i leaders to 20 years imprisonment. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton described the act as a "violation of Iran's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

International outcry at prison sentences for Iranian Baha'i leaders

GENEVA, 11 August 10

Reports that seven Iranian Baha'i leaders have each received prison sentences of 20 years have been met with condemnation from governments and human rights organizations around the world. Australia, Canada, France, Germany – and the President of the European Parliament – have all expressed strong statements of concern

Reports say Iran's Baha'i leaders "sentenced"

NEW YORK, 08 August 10

The Baha'i International Community has received reports indicating that seven Iranian Baha'i leaders have each received jail sentences of 20 years. The two women and five men have been held in Tehran's notorious Evin prison since they were arrested in 2008 – six of them on 14 May and one of them two months earlier

Detention extended for seven Iranian Baha'i leaders

05 August 10

The imprisonment of seven Baha'i leaders in Iran has been extended for a further two months, the Baha'i International Community has learned. The trial of the seven concluded on 14 June. No verdict has yet been given

Spanish author discovers "bridge between East and West"

MADRID, Spain, 03 August 10

When author Rafael Cerrato decided to pay a short visit to the north of Israel in 2006, little did he suspect that it would give rise to a new book. Passing through the city of Haifa, he was deeply impressed by the buildings and gardens of the Baha'i World Centre, situated on the slopes of Mount Carmel. "I was amazed," said Mr. Cerrato. "I immediately thought I had to discover what lay behind that beauty.

The Baha'is of Ivel: Undaunted spirit

GENEVA, 11 July 10

Following the demolition of Baha'i homes in the Iranian village of Ivel – reported last week – there is another story that must also be told: that of sympathetic villagers who have commiserated with their Baha'i neighbors over the injustices they have been forced to endure

Homes demolished in campaign to drive Baha'is out of Iranian village

GENEVA, 28 June 10

Homes belonging to some 50 Baha'i families in a remote village in northern Iran have been demolished as part of a long-running campaign to expel them from the region. The action occurred in Ivel, Mazandaran, when inhabitants – incited by elements inimical to the Baha'i community – blocked normal access to the village, while allowing trucks and at least four front-end loaders to begin leveling the houses