MP shares concern for welfare of Bahá’is in Tehran jail

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Richard Benyon, MP for Newbury, has added his support and concern for the seven Bahá’is awaiting the second session of their trial in Tehran. West Berkshire’s Bahá’i community has already expressed its unease.

He said: “The continued detention of these Bahá’i leaders in Iran, as part of the ongoing persecution of the Bahá’i community in Iran, is extremely troubling. I share the concern of the West Berkshire Bahá’i Community for the welfare of these seven Bahá’is.

“Jail conditions are harsh and they are only allowed periodic visits from family members.  They were arrested in Spring 2008. Their continued detention throughout the trial must be extremely unsettling and upsetting.”

The trial is expected to continue on 7 February.

Concern as February 7 looms

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West Berkshire’s Bahá’i community say they are concerned for their seven Iranian friends in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison, as February 7 looms – the date set for the second session of the much-delayed trial.

The trial started on 12 January 2010, with the Iranian authorities indicating that the day’s proceedings were merely the ‘first session’.

Shawn Khorassani, a West Berkshire based Bahá’i, said: “We are concerned for our friends who are still in jail. The start of the trial prompted a strong international reaction and messages of support, including a call by Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi for their immediate release and ultimate acquittal.

“We are praying that the voices of people from all over the world, with their messages of goodwill, will put an end to this persecution.”

The charges against the seven were reiterated in news accounts in government-sponsored news media as: espionage, “propaganda activities against the Islamic order,” the establishment of an illegal administration, co-operation with Israel, the sending of secret documents outside the country, acting against the security of the country and “corruption on earth”.