In 1994 I had the pleasure and honor of working at the Baha'i International Community as an intern for the Main Representative of this NGO to the United Nations. I will never forget that summer, as it was my first true exposure to fighting for human rights on behalf of Baha'is who were being systematically persecuted by the Government of Iran. As an intern, I learned how advocating on behalf of the Baha'is on the world stage is essential and necessary to improve the conditions of their rights, and moreover, create a platform to voice the injustices and continued violations of human rights by the Iranian Government. Unfortunately as yet, the violations have continued and now, recent events have placed this issue once again on the world stage.
7 Bahai's were arrested and imprisoned in Spring of 2008 due to incredulous unfounded allegations, including spying for Israel and propaganda against Islam etc. The trial is ongoing and the allegations are being bravely fought by the first Iranian awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Shirin Abadi.
Being raised Muslim, I can tell you personally that it infuriates me that these allegations and actions could be made against these Baha'is, ranging in age from 35 to 75, with occupations including an educator, engineer, school principal, factory owner, social worker and optometrist. Anyone that knows any facts about the Baha'i Faith knows that it is a religion that has no tolerance for disunity, political scheming or any such crimes as described which they are clearly fabricating. Rather, it represents ideals and vision that necessitates mutual respect, obedience to government and acknowledgement that all religions, including Islam are part of one greater plan of one God and as a result are invaluable and necessary for continuing evolving progress of the human race. Furthermore, the organization of Baha'is are created to promote these ideas, support global community development and encourage everyone to see everyone else as part of one human family. Despite this however, there is a legal authority in Iran that sees these Baha'is and their organization as a threat.
The Baha'i International Community, the same NGO that I worked for 15 years ago, issued a letter to the Prosecutor of the Iranian court that articulates in eloquent detail, the reasons that these allegations are false. It provides an outline of the history of the violations of human rights against the Bahai's over the years and argues persuasively that the judiciary must take into consideration these facts and judge fairly. I have attached the link and urge you to read this.
If you want to help bring attention to these issues, please write your Congressman to support a bill currently on the House and Senate floor (Senate. Res. 71, House. Res. 175) condemning the Government of Iran for its continued state-support persecution of the Baha'i religious minority.
As a Baha'i and lawyer, I thank you for listening.
“It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.” --Robert Kennedy
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