News coverage from around the world

The situation of the seven imprisoned Baha’is has received wide media coverage around the world. Some of the reports may be accessed at the following links:

• State Department criticizes Iran for persecuting religious minorities

  CNN – 13 March 2010 The U.S. State Department condemned Iran's persecution of religious minorities on Friday following the Iranian authorities' detention of Baha'is and Christians in recent months. Iranian authorities have detained more than 45 Baha'is in the last four months, and as many as 60 Baha'is are imprisoned in Iran on the basis of their religion beliefs, the State Department said.

• Baha'is in 'constant fear of losing everything,' including their lives

  Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty – 10 March 2010 “The economic stress is severe on the Baha’is,” says Sovaida Ma'ani Ewing, international lawyer and author of the book Collective Security Within Reach, “the social stress is severe, and there’s constant fear that someone’s going to break into your house and take your family members. That’s what life’s like. You’re in constant fear that you’re going to lose everything, up to and including your life.”

• Iranian crackdown on Baha'is, opposition activists, journalists continues

  VOAnews.com – 14 February 2010 The Iranian press is reporting that a number of Baha'is have been arrested, along with opposition activists, journalists, and human-rights defenders, during an ongoing crackdown. U.S. officials will speak Monday at a U.N. Human Rights Commission meeting in Geneva to urge Iran to improve its human-rights record. Members of Iran's persecuted Baha'i minority have been the focus of a recent series of arrests, according to leaders of the group and the Iranian press.

• Call to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayed Ali Khamenei

  Le Monde – 5 February 2010 An open letter signed by 36 French academics calls for the Baha’i leaders in Iran to be freed. “We ask that this systematic ill-treatment, orchestrated by the most radical wing of the clergy and the State ceases, that Iran recognizes freedom of conscience, and that these men and women are released.”

• Bahai on trial in Iran worries brother from afar

  New York Times  – 22 January 2010 For as long as Bahaism has existed, the forebears of Rezvan Tavakkoli have abided by it. And over the generations, since the faith’s origin 166 years ago, Mr. Tavakkoli’s people have paid the price of their devotion.

• Iran v. Baha’i

  Yale Journal of Human Rights – 14 January 2010 The trials of seven Baha’i leaders have begun this week. The leaders are accused of anti-government activities, including organizing the Ashura protests, sending pictures of unrest abroad, keeping arms and ammunition in their homes, desecrating Islam, and spying for Israel. The Baha’i international community rejected all allegations and noted the Baha’i’s absolute commitment to nonviolence….

• The scapegoating of Iran's Baha'is

  CBC News, Canada – 13 January 2010 Oppressive regimes attack human rights on two levels. The most obvious assault, as we have seen in Iran in recent months, aims at suppressing political opponents and protest. But history teaches us that we need to worry about a secondary level of attack as well, the kind that takes place in the shadows.

• Iran starts trial against Baha'is

  NRC Handelsblad, Rotterdam, Netherlands – 13 January 2010 In Teheran, a trial began yesterday against seven members of the Baha'I minority, accused of espionage, activity against national security, and "corruption on earth." The announcement was made by (Iranian) state media.

• Iran’s Ebadi says seven Baha’is must be acquitted

  WashingtonTV – 12 January 2010 In an exclusive telephone interview with WashingtonTV on Tuesday, Shirin Ebadi, one of the lawyers defending the seven detained Baha’i leaders in Iran, whose first trial hearing took place today in Tehran, said that if “justice” were to prevail, the only verdict that could be reached over this case was one of “acquittal.”

• Iran begins trial of Baha'is on spying, Israel links

  The Times of India – 12 January 2010 Seven members of the Baha'i faith went on trial in Iran on Tuesday on charges of spying and collaborating with Israel in an effort to damage national security, Iranian media reported.

• Iran court opens trial of 7 Baha'is on spy charges

  Associated Press – 12 January 2010 Seven members of Iran's Baha'i minority went on trial on Tuesday on charges of spying and acting against the country's national security, state media reported.

• Human rights violations in Iran

  Hir TV, Hungary – 12 January 2010 Interview about human rights violations in Iran on Hungarian national news television.

• Local Baha'is rally for seven followers on trial in Iran

  Washington Post – 12 January 2010 For now, sending prayers was the best they could do. That was the feeling among 15 members of the Baha'i faith who gathered Monday night in a townhouse off Logan Circle to sing, read poems and pray for seven Baha'is who went on trial Tuesday in Iran for espionage and other crimes against the state.

• U.S. 'strongly condemns' Iran spy trial of Baha'is

  Agence France Presse – 12 January 2010 The United States decried on Monday Iran's decision to try seven members of the banned Bahai religion on charges of spying for arch-foe Israel. "The United States strongly condemns the Iranian government's decision to commence the espionage trial against seven leaders of the Iranian Bahai community," U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said in a statement.

• Iran Baha'is begin spying trials

  BBC – 12 January 2010 Seven members of the Bahai faith have been put on trial in Iran. The defendants face charges of spying for foreigners, cooperating with Israel and "corruption on Earth", a charged which carries the death sentence.

• In Tehran, trial of former leaders of Baha'i community expected to open

  Le Monde, France – 12 January 2010 The judiciary offensive of the Iranian government against the Baha'i religious commmunity could tighten this week. Two trials, accusing some members of this 300,000-strong community, regularly persecuted by the Iranian authorities in the 19th century, will take place in coming days.

• Trial under way for Baha'i leaders in Iran

  CNN  – 12 January 2010 Seven leaders of Iran's Baha'i minority went on trial in Tehran Tuesday accused of spying for Israel, a charge their supporters say is motivated by religious discrimination. … "We understand that no observers were allowed in the court," said Diane Ala'i, the Baha'i representative to the United Nations in Geneva. …

• Faith, life and death in Iran

  The Guardian, United Kingdom  – 12 January 2010 Cheri Blair writes: “As the Iranian government struggles to contain growing demands for freedom and democracy from its courageous people, it is flailing around trying to deflect blame for the protests. Foreign media and other countries, including Britain, have been accused of encouraging unrest. But the regime is also worryingly turning on all-too-familiar scapegoats within Iran. …”

• The canaries in Iran’s cages

  The Globe and Mail, Canada  – 11 January 2010 The Islamic Republic of Iran is going to show any wavering authoritarian regime just how it's done. No “colour” revolution will be allowed. No surrender to the street. No departing on a quickly arranged flight to seek refuge, as the Shah did. This regime has no intention of playing “nice” with anyone …

• In Iran, Baha’is in the firing line

  Le Monde, France – 10 January 2010 I am not a Baha'i. I was unaware that Baha'is even existed! What a strange name, Baha' i… In Iran, Baha' is are persecuted, they are locked up, they are persecuted, their goods are destroyed. But of what crime are they accused? Born in Iran in the 19th century, this religion, built on the succession of Prophets, is based on tolerance and pacifism.

• Amid turmoil, Iran set to try 7 Baha'i leaders

  CNN  – 9 January 2010 A trial for seven Iranian Baha'is that has come to symbolize the persecution of followers of the faith is set to unfold next week with added controversy and global attention.

• Concern over persecution of Baha’is in Iran

  The Hindu, New Delhi  – 9 January 2010 Prominent Indians have expressed deep concern over the continued persecution of the Baha’is in Iran and called upon the government to take up the issue with Tehran.

• Iran prosecutor says Baha’is arrested over recent unrest

  WashingtonTV  – 9 January 2010 Tehran prosecutor Abbas Ja’afari Dowlatabadi said on Friday that members of the outlawed Baha’i faith had been arrested in connection with the anti-government protests last month on the Shiite holy day of Ashura.

• Iran arrests banned Bahais over protests

  Agence France Presse  – 8 January 2010 Members of Iran's outlawed Bahai faith have been arrested in connection with recent anti-government protests and some weapons were seized, IRNA news agency quoted the Tehran prosecutor as saying on Friday.

• Our duty to Baha’i Iranians

  Palatinate, Durham University, U.K. – December 2009 The last person in Britain to be executed for blasphemy was Thomas Aikenhead, an 18-year-old student at Edinburgh University who was altogether too vocal in his lack of respect for the scriptures as authoritative texts on history and morals. On the day of his hanging in 1697…

• Ban on Iranian newspaper lifted

  Telegraph, U.K. – 26 November 2009 Iranian authorities imposed a ban on the country's largest newspaper for publishing a photo of a temple belonging to the outlawed Baha'i movement, only to rescind the decision less than 24 hours later.

• Iran bans paper for running photo of Baha’i temple

  Associated Press – 23 November 2009 Iranian authorities have banned the country's largest-circulation newspaper for publishing a photo of a Baha'i temple, state media reported.

• Law on human rights needs to be realised, say experts

  DNA Read the World, India – 17 July 2009 The international law on human rights need to be realised, and realised sooner. This was the outcome of the day-long seminar held on the 'Rights of Minorities – with focus on Bahais in Iran' and organised by Justice and Peace Commission of St Pious College, on Thursday. …

• Reports: Trial of Baha'is delayed in Iran

  CNN – 14 July 2009 A death-penalty trial of seven Baha'i prisoners accused of spying for Israel has been delayed, Iranian officials have told family members, according to the U.S. Baha'i Office of External Affairs. he trial did not begin Saturday as scheduled and no date for its resumption has been given, the Baha'i office said.

• Trial for 7 in Iran hits home for Houston-area family

  Houston Chronicle – 10 July 2009 On Saturday, as his brother is scheduled to stand trial in Iran on charges that could result in the death penalty, 65-year-old Kamal Khanjani and other members of the Baha’i faith will gather for a prayer service in Missouri City.

• The man behind Tehran’s Freedom Monument

  BBC World Service – 8 July 2009 Architect Hossein Amanat talks about the inspiration behind the Freedom Monument.

• For Baha’is, a crackdown is old news

  The New York Times – 26 June 2009 Sometimes during the past two weeks, making her rounds as a hospital resident, Dr. Saughar Samali has caught a glimpse of television news in a patient’s room or heard a bulletin on the radio in the family-practice office. Against her desire, against her better judgment, she has been plunged back into the maelstrom of Iran. …

• Religious minority speaks out

  NPR’s “Tell Me More” – 18 June 2009 Members of the Baha'i faith, Iran's largest religious minority, have long been discriminated against and persecuted by the Islamic Republic of Iran government. Farhad Sabetan, an official within the Baha'i faith community, offers a reaction to the recent elections.

• Imprisoned In Iran For Religious Belief

  Voice of America editorial – 17 May 2009 In a report released this month, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, a bipartisan governmental body, described a deteriorating situation regarding religious freedom in Iran -- particularly for Baha'is, Evangelical Christians, and Sufi Muslims. …

• Baha’is say jailed leaders in Iran face harsh new accusation

  CNN – 14 May 2009 Seven Baha'i leaders jailed in Iran face a possible new accusation that could lead to the death penalty, the religious group said Thursday, and a major human rights group has called for their release.

• Detained Baha’i leaders may face more charges in Iran

  The Hindu, India – 14 May 2009 On the eve of the first anniversary of the arrest of the seven Baha’i leaders without any access to their lawyer, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Shirin Ebadi, their supporters feared more charges would be slapped against them.

• A bleak future for Baha’is

  News Statesman, London  – 13 May 2009 International pressure may have set Roxana Saberi free, but the plight of seven Iranian Baha'is, imprisoned in Tehran a year ago, has gone largely unnoticed. … Ms Saberi leaves behind her many other inmates in Tehran's notorious Evin prison whose “crimes” against the Iranian state are also open to question.

• An Unfortunate Anniversary in Iran

  Michael Rubin in National Review Online – 13 May 2009 While the U.S. press celebrates getting Roxana Saberi, one of its own, out of Evin prison, most Iranians are not so lucky.

• BBC-Persian TV report

  BBC-Persian television  – 13 May 2009 A segment on the evening news on BBC-Persian television addresses the situation of the seven Baha’i leaders in prison for a year. (Note that the newscast is in Persian.)

• Seven Baha’i leaders at risk of execution

  Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty  – 13 May 2009 A report on the radio network also known as Radio Farda, in the Persian language.

• Seven Baha’is in Iran may face new charge

  WashingtonTV – 12 May 2009 Seven members of the Baha’i faith, who have been detained in Iran for nearly one year, may face a new accusation, the World Baha’i News Service reported on Tuesday.

• Iran’s Ebadi says aide freed on bail

  France 24/AFP  – 13 March 2009 An aide of Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi who was arrested in January for links with the banned Bahai faith has been freed on bail by the Iranian authorities, Mrs. Ebadi told AFP on Friday.

• Human rights defender released on bail in Iran

  IranVNC, DC – 12 March 2009 Iranian authorities have released on bail a human rights defender, who had worked at the Tehran office of the Center for the Defense of Human Rights, run by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi, the BBC Persian Service reports today.

• Russell Brand says human rights no joke

  Sky News  – 26 February 2009 Fifteen of Britain's top comedians have signed an open letter calling for the Iranian government to respect the human rights of its citizens.…

• Stand up for Iran’s Baha’is

  The Times of London  – 26 February 2009 Voices from the arts call for the imprisoned Baha'i leaders in Iran to receive a fair trial -- Sir, We are deeply concerned at the continuing imprisonment for more than eight months of seven leaders of the Baha’i community in Iran. No formal evidence has been brought against them.…

• U.S. rights report names and shames Mideast states

  AFP  – 25 February 2009 WASHINGTON (AFP) – The United States Wednesday singled out regional ally Egypt as well as Iran, Libya and Syria in the Middle East for jailing rights activists because of their beliefs. In particular, the State Department's human rights report for 2008 said the situation in arch-foe Iran had worsened…

• Seven Iranians charged with spying for Israel

  The Lede: New York Times Blog  – 23 February 2009 By Robert Mackey. Last week, the Iranian state-run broadcaster Press TV reported that seven Iranian followers of the minority Bahai faith, who were arrested last year, will be tried in Tehran as soon as this week on charges of “espionage for Israel, desecrating religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic Republic.” …

• Claims of ‘show trial’ as Baha’i seven face court and death

  The National, Abu Dhabi – 23 February 2009 As seven leaders of the Baha’i faith prepare to go on trial in Iran on charges ranging from spying for Israel to insulting Islam, the case is bringing the plight of the Baha’i community into the spotlight.…

• Les Religions du Monde (World Religions)

  Radio France International (RFI)  – 22 February 2009 The regular program “World Religions” on Radio France International opened with a segment about the situation of the Baha’is in Iran. Journalists interviewed Dr. Foad Saberan and Mrs. Caroline Samandari, whose cousin Aziz Samandari is one of more than 30 Baha’is currently jailed in Iran. The link above is to an MP3 audio download of the program.…

• Iran's Religious Persecution

  VOA editorial – 22 February 2009 More than 9 months have passed since 7 leaders of the Baha'i community in Iran were arrested and sent to prison with no access to legal counsel. Now the Iranian government has announced the 7 have been charged with espionage. …

• Interview with Nobel winner Ebadi

  Channel 4 News, Britain  – 19 February 2009 Nobel Prize for Peace winner Shirin Ebadi talks to International Editor Lindsey Hilsum in her Tehran office about harassment her legal work is facing. Last week in Tehran, Ms. Shirin Ebadi said that the Iranian judicial system was acting “illegally” by preventing her from meeting with her Bahai clients.…

• Iran moving to “eradicate” Baha’i faith – senior analyst

  IranVNC, DC – 19 February 2009 Washington, 19 February (IranVNC)—Iran is engaging in a “systematic” effort to “eradicate” the banned Baha’i faith in that country, a senior analyst at the US Commission on International Religious Freedom [USCIRF] told IranVNC yesterday.

• DFAT 'concerned' over fate of Baha'i leaders

  The Canberra Times, Australia – 19 February 2009 BY JENNA HAND The Australian Government is ''deeply concerned'' at news that seven leaders of the Iranian Baha'i community have been charged with spying for…

• Religious leaders face spying charges in Iran

  CNN International – 18 February 2009 TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- Seven imprisoned leaders of the Baha'i faith in Iran have been accused of espionage and will face court hearings within a week,…

• Espionage Accusations Highlight Persecution of Bahais in Iran

  Dulcinea, New York – 18 February 2009 by Josh Katz Iran has charged members of the Bahai faith with spying for Israel, underscoring the religion’s contentious relationship with the Iranian…

• Baha’i arrested in northern Iran – report

  IranVNC, DC – 18 February 2009 Washington, 18 February (IranVNC)—An Iranian member of the banned Baha’i faith has been arrested in the northern city of Sari, the Human Rights Activists in…

• Congressman Mark Kirk on Bipartisan Resolution for Baha’is

  Changing Times Blog, Germany – 18 February 2009 ”In Germany, they first came for the gypsies, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’ta gypsy. Then they came for the Bolsheviks, and I didn’t speak up…

• Commentary: Stop religious persecution in Iran

  CNN – 17 February 2009 By Rainn Wilson Editor's note: Actor Rainn Wilson plays paper salesman Dwight Schrute in the television comedy "The Office." Rainn Wilson says fellow…

• Concern Grows Over Trial Of Baha'is In Iran

  RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty, Czech Republic – 17 February  2009 An Iranian judiciary spokesman has said that the trial of seven Baha'i leaders accused last year of spying for Israel will take place next week.…

• Iran says detained Baha'is face spying charges

  Reuters India – 17 February  2009 TEHRAN (Reuters) - Seven Iranian members of the Baha'i faith held on suspicion of spying could be indicted by next week, the Islamic Republic's judiciary…

• Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on…

  EU2009.cz, Czech Republic -17 February 2009 The EU expresses its deep concern at the grave charges raised against seven Baha’i leaders in Iran. They have been detained by the Iranian authorities for…

• Iran Accuses 7 Jailed Leaders of Bahai Faith of Espionage

  Washington Post, United States – 17 February  2009 By Thomas Erdbrink TEHRAN, Feb. 17 -- Seven leaders of the Bahai faith who have been detained for more than eight months in Iran have been officially…

• EU calls on Iran to reconsider espionage charges against Bahais

  UAE Daily News, Canada – 17 February 2009 BRUSSELS -- The European Union expressed Tuesday its "deep concern" at the espionage charges raised against seven Bahai leaders in Iran.…

• Iran charges its seven citizens with espionage

  Xinhua, China – 17 February 2009 TEHRAN, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Judiciary spokesman Ali-Reza Jamshidi charged seven Iranians with espionage, the official IRNA news agency reported on…

• Iran says detained Baha’is to be indicted within days

  IranVNC, DC – 17 February 2009 Washington, 17 February (IranVNC)—Iran’s Judiciary spokesperson Alireza Jamshidi said today that seven Iranian members of the banned Baha’i faith charged…

• Seven Baha’is charged with espionage in Iran

  Thaindian.com, Thailand – 17 February 2009 Tehran, Feb 17 (IANS) An Iranian court has charged seven members of the outlawed Baha’i sect with espionage, IRNA reported Tuesday.…

• Bahaism successors accused of espionage in Iran

  TREND Information, Azerbaijan – 17 February 2009 Seven leaders of Baha'i religious community have been arrested on charges of spying for foreign states in Iran. The criminal case against them will be…

• Iranian judiciary confirms trial of Bahais for espionage

  Earthtimes (press release), UK – 17 February 2009 Tehran - A spokesman of the Iranian judiciary confirmed Tuesday that seven members of the Bahai religion would soon face trial on charges of espionage,…

• Britain concerned about Iran trial of Baha'i members

  International Herald Tribune, France – 16 February 2009 LONDON: Britain voiced concern on Monday at the imminent trial in Iran of seven members of the Baha'i faith who are accused of spying for Israel and could…

• Fears seven Iranian Baha'is could face execution

  ABC Online, Australia – 16 February 2009 MARK COLVIN: Seven members of the Baha'i religion are due to face court in Iran this week charged with spying for Israel. The Baha'i faith is banned in Iran…

• Iran prosecutor: Bahais are Israeli agents

  Tehran Times, Iran – 16 February  2009 Iran’s Prosecutor General Qorban-Ali Dorri-Najafabadi says members of the banned Bahai sect have irrefutable links with Israel.…

• Britain 'very concerned' over Iranian Bahai charges

  AFP – 16 February 2009 LONDON (AFP) — Britain expressed concern Monday over charges laid against seven members of the banned Bahai religion in Iran, accusing Tehran of targeting…

• Seven friends face revolutionary court

  Guardian.co.uk – 16 February 2009 Baha'is' rights have often been violated in Iran; now, as pressure mounts on the government, activists' lives are being threatened.

• Iran accuses Bahais of having ties with Israel

  Associated Press, Tehran – 15 February 2009 By AP Iran's chief prosecutor is accusing members of the minority Bahai faith of sharing information on Iran with enemy nations such as Israel.…