wfn.org | Baha'i news: Update on third trial session of Iranian Baha'i leaders

[Sally Weeks <sweeks@bwc.org>]

>Baha'i World News Service
>http://news.bahai.org
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Update on third trial session of Iranian Baha'i leaders

GENEVA, 13 April (BWNS) - Details are emerging from yesterday's court appea 
rance in Tehran of seven imprisoned Iranian Baha'i leaders.

The Baha'i International Community has learned that when the prisoners arri ved 
at the court, their families were not allowed to enter, signaling a clo sed 
hearing.

Inside the courtroom, however, the prisoners saw numerous officials and int 
errogators from the Ministry of Intelligence - along with a film crew which  
had already set up its cameras.

Concerned over the presence of non-judicial personnel in a supposedly close d 
hearing, the Baha'is - with the agreement of their attorneys - declined t o be 
party to the proceedings.

The judge adjourned the session and did not announce a date for continuing  the 
trial.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran should immediately set free these seven innoc ent 
prisoners," said Diane Ala'i, Baha'i representative to the United Natio ns in 
Geneva.

"The dictates of justice demand no less," she said. "They are now about to  
enter the third year of their incarceration on baseless charges which they  
have categorically denied and for which the government has no evidence what 
soever.

"At the very least, they should be released on bail and steps be taken to e 
nsure that their trial is conducted fairly, in accordance with internationa l 
standards of jurisprudence.

"If their confinement is to continue, the harsh conditions under which they  
are being held must be improved," she said.

Yesterday's session was the third in the ongoing trial of the seven Baha'is , 
who have been accused of espionage, propaganda activities against the Isl amic 
order, and "corruption on earth," among other charges. Their first cou rt 
appearance was 12 January this year.

The seven defendants are Mrs. Fariba Kamalabadi, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, M r. 
Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mrs. Mahvash Sabet, Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli , and 
Mr. Vahid Tizfahm. Mrs. Sabet was arrested on 5 March 2008 and the ot hers on 
14 May 2008.

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