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Baha'i leaders make second court appearance

GENEVA, 07 February 10

Seven imprisoned Baha'i leaders appeared in court today in Iran for a second session of their trial. The session was once again closed, and family members were not permitted in the courtroom, the Baha'i International Community has learned. The hearing, which lasted just over one hour, does not seem to have gone beyond procedural issues. No date was given for any future sessions

Baha'is condemn lack of due process at trial in Iran

NEW YORK, 31 January 10

The Baha'i International Community has issued a statement condemning the trial of 16 individuals in Iran yesterday as a "violation of all internationally accepted standards of legal due process." The statement highlights the lack of proper legal representation for the defendants and the use of unreliable "confessions" in the trial. One of the 16 on trial is a Baha'i

Detention of ten Baha’is leads to fears for other prisoners

NEW YORK, 27 January 10

Concern is growing over the lack of information about the status of 10 Baha'is who were arrested earlier this month in Iran. In addition to worry about their safety, there are fears that charges against these 10 will be used to create false evidence in court against the seven Baha'i leaders who have been held since 2008 and whose trial is set to resume on 7 February

Date set for seven Baha'i leaders' next court session

GENEVA, 20 January 10

Iranian authorities have notified the lawyers of seven imprisoned Baha'i leaders that the next session of their trial will be held on 7 February, the Baha'i International Community learned today. At their first court appearance, held 12 January in Tehran, the charges were read to the seven, who categorically denied the accusations

World reacts to the trial of the seven Baha'i leaders

GENEVA, 13 January 10

Iran's decision to begin the trial yesterday of seven Baha'i leaders has triggered a strong international reaction, including a call by Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi for their immediate release and ultimate acquittal. "If justice is to be carried out and an impartial judge should investigate the charges leveled against my clients, no other verdict can be reached save that of acquittal," said Mrs. Ebadi, in comments posted on WashingtonTV, a Web-based news service in the United States. Mrs

First session held in trial of Baha'i leaders in Iran

GENEVA, 12 January 10

The trial of seven imprisoned Baha'i leaders began today in Iran. Initial reports indicate that the trial was marked by numerous violations of legal due process. After about three hours, the hearing ended. Authorities indicated that today’s proceeding was merely the “first session,” and no date for future sessions was given

Baha'i International Community rejects allegations that arrested Baha'is had weapons in homes

GENEVA, 09 January 10

The Baha'i International Community today categorically rejected new allegations by the Iranian government that arms and ammunition were found in the homes of Baha'is who were arrested in Tehran last Sunday. "This is nothing less than a blatant lie," said Diane Ala'i, the Baha'i International Community's representative to the United Nations in Geneva

Trial of seven Baha'i leaders in Iran looms

GENEVA, 05 January 10

Recent developments in Iran have raised grave concern about the ultimate fate of the seven Baha'i leaders who are scheduled to go on trial next Tuesday. "The Baha'i community in Iran has all too often been subjected to campaigns of vilification and false charges devised to deflect the attention of a disquieted population onto the Baha'is and away from those in power," said Diane Ala'i, the Baha'i International Community representative to the United Nations in Geneva

UN gives final approval to resolution criticizing rights violations in Iran

UNITED NATIONS, 18 December 09

The United Nations General Assembly gave its final stamp of approval today to a strongly worded resolution condemning Iran for a long list of human rights violations. By a vote of 74 to 49, with 59 abstentions, the General Assembly confirmed an earlier vote by its Third Committee in November on a resolution that expresses "deep concern at serious ongoing and recurring human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Human Rights Day in Germany puts spotlight on Iran

LANGENHAIN, Germany, 09 December 09

Youth from a drama troupe joined with local dignitaries this week to address themes of exclusion and prejudice as they commemorated Human Rights Day with the Baha'i community of Germany. The program took place at the Baha'i National Center, on the grounds of the European Baha'i House of Worship, with more than 200 people in attendance.