Persecution

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.

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).

Toronto, Ontario, 30 October 2009 (CBNS) — Canada tabled a resolution at the UN last Thursday condemning Iran’s human rights record and will introduce it this coming week. It is the sixth resolution which Canada has tabled at the U.N. since 2003. The resolution has been passed each year by a vote of the membership of the U.N.General Assembly, attracting many co-sponsors, including the EU.

Geneva, 17 August 2009 (BWNS) — The trial of seven Baha'i leaders imprisoned in Iran has been postponed until 18 October, the Baha'i International Community learned today.

According to Diane Ala'i, the Baha'i International Community representative to the United Nations in Geneva, following a request for postponement of the trial from Mr. Hadi Esmaielzadeh and Ms. Mahnaz Parakand – attorneys from the Defenders of Human Rights Center who are representing the seven Baha'is – the court has decided to delay the hearing for two months.

Toronto, Ontario, 8 March 2009 (CBNS) — Because of its importance and the gravity of the situation facing the Baha'is of Iran, the following letter from the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies in the Baha'i world, dated 6 March 2009, is being posted on this news website of the Baha'i Community of Canada as well as many other Baha'i websites around the world.