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Canada deplores Iran’s detention of members of the Baha’i community

Toronto, Ontario, 16 February 2010 (CBNS) — On the weekend, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs made a further public statement expressing Canada’s grave concern regarding Iran’s treatment of the Baha’is in Iran. On Monday, country after country voiced their concern over the deteriorating human rights record of Iran before the United Nations Human Rights Council. The Iranian Government’s response at the session “completely discredited itself, ” said Diane Ala’i, Baha’i representative to the United Nations in Geneva. See “Nations rally to defend human rights in Iran” on the Baha'i World News Service.

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Department issued the following release on February 14, 2010: The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding reports that Iran has arrested another seven members of Iran’s Baha’i community:

“Canada deplores Iran’s detention of seven more members of the Iranian Baha’i community today. Alaeddin Khanjani, Ashkan Bassari, Maria Jafari Ehsani, Bashir Ehsani, Romina Zabihiyan and Houtan Sistani were arrested this morning. Mona Misaghi was arrested on February 10, 2010. These individuals appear to have been detained on the basis of their faith. This is unacceptable. We call on the Iranian authorities to ensure the immediate and safe release of these individuals, as well as all other members of the Baha’i community currently in detention, without delay.

Baha'i leaders make second court appearance

Geneva, 7 February 2010 (BWNS) — 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.

Concern about the fate of Baha'is in Iran intensifies

Toronto, Ontario, 3 February 2010 (CBNS) — Local Baha’i communities across Canada will gather on Sunday 7 February to elect regional delegate(s) to attend the annual Baha'i National Convention in Toronto, in April. While an annual event, this year's election coincides with a more ominous occasion, the second session of the trial in Iran of Baha'is on charges of “propaganda activities against the Islamic order”, the establishment of an “illegal administration”, cooperation with Israel, sending secret documents outside the country, acting against the security of the country, and “corruption on earth”. Baha'i communities throughout the world have grave concern about the fate of their fellow believers in Iran, and will be offering prayers on Sunday for the protection of the entire Baha'i community of Iran.

Date set for next trial session of Baha’is as international outcry puts Iran on trial

After being held more than 20 months in Iran's infamous Evin prison, seven Baha'i prisoners went on trial 12 January.Toronto, Ontario, 20 January 2010 (CBNS) — Iranian authorities have announced that the next trial session of the Baha’i leaders in Iran will be held 7 February. The charges against the seven have been denounced by governments and human rights organizations around the world. They represent an effort to put on trial an entire religious community simply because they hold different religious beliefs than those in power.

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

The following is from the Baha’i World News Service:

Geneva, 13 January 2010 — 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.

Trial of seven Baha'i leaders underway

Toronto, Ontario, 12 January 2010 (CBNS) — The Baha'is of Canada were distressed to learn this morning that the trial of seven Baha'i leaders in Iran has begun in Tehran. The U.S. State Department issued a strong statement condemning the actions of the Iranian government late Monday. This follows a similar statement by Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs on Friday.

Canadian government concerned by ongoing detention of Baha'i prisoners in Iran

Toronto, Ontario, 9 January 2010 (CBNS) — On Friday, Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon issued a strong statement expressing concern over Iran's continued detention of seven leaders of Iran's Baha'i community (see CNN's coverage).

UN gives final approval to resolution criticizing Iran for human rights violations

From Baha’i World News Service.

United Nations, 18 December 2009 — 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.

St. Albert Baha’is host 16th annual Unity in Diversity concert

Isokan Afrika - a pan-African group of drummers and dancers.St. Albert, Alberta, 10 December 2009 (CBNS) — For the Baha’is in St. Albert, Alberta, the annual Unity in Diversity concert in November has become an important opportunity to contribute to a stronger sense of unity in their increasingly diverse city.

Baha’i youth participate in PowerShift 2009

Click here to read the statement.Ottawa, Ontario, 24 November 2009 (CBNS) — As governments prepare for the United Nations Climate Conference in Copenhagen (COP-15) in December, Canadian Baha’is are involved in a number of activities aimed at addressing climate change and environmental sustainability.