26th anniversary of martyrdom of 10 Baha'is hanged for teaching children's classes

Three articles on the heroic martyrdom of 10 Baha'i women in Shiraz, 26 years ago this week. A fourth article is available here.

Remembering a day of tragedy, a day of courage

June 18, 2009

This week marks the 26th anniversary of the day 10 Bahá'í women were hanged in Shiraz, Iran, for teaching religious classes to Bahá'í youth -- the equivalent of being Sunday School teachers in the West.

One of the men attending the gallows on that day in 1983 confided to a Bahá'í: "We tried saving their lives up to the last moment, but one by one, first the older ladies, then the young girls, were hanged while the others were forced to watch, it being hoped that this might induce them to recant their belief. We even urged them to say they were not Bahá'ís, but not one of them agreed; they preferred the execution."

According to eyewitness reports, the women, ranging in age from 17 to 57, went to their fate singing and chanting, as though they were enjoying a pleasant outing.

The 10 women who were executed In Shiraz, Iran on June 18, 1983
for teaching Bahá'í children's classes in Iran

All of the women had been interrogated and tortured in the months leading up to their execution. Some still bore visible wounds.

The youngest of the martyrs was Muna Mahmudnizhad, known as Mona, a 17-year-old schoolgirl who, because of her youth and conspicuous innocence, became a symbol of the group. In prison, she was lashed on the soles of her feet with a cable and forced to walk on bleeding feet.

Yet she never wavered in her faith, even to the point of kissing the hands of her executioner, and then the rope, before putting it around her own throat.

Another young woman, Zarrin Muqimi-Abyanih, 28, told the interrogators, whose chief goal was to have her disavow her faith: "Whether you accept it or not, I am a Bahá'í. You cannot take it away from me. I am a Bahá'í with my whole being and my whole heart."

The judge said, during the trial of another of the women, Ruya Ishraqi, 23, a veterinary student: "You put yourselves through this agony only for one word: Just say you are not a Bahá'í and I'll see that...you are released..." Ms. Ishraqi responded, "I will not exchange my faith for the whole world."

The names of the other women hanged on June 18, 1983 were: Shahin Dalvand, 25, a sociologist; Izzat Janami Ishraqi, 57, a homemaker; Mahshid Nirumand, 28, who had qualified for a degree in physics but had it denied her because she was a Bahá'í; Simin Sabiri, 25; Tahirih Arjumandi Siyavushi, 30, a nurse; Akhtar Thabit, 25, also a nurse; and Nusrat Ghufrani Yalda'i, 47, a mother and member of the local Bahá'í Spiritual Assembly.

All had considered their duty to teach Bahá'í religious classes — especially after the government had barred Bahá'í children from attending even regular school.

From the US Baha'i website.

25 years on, sister of executed Bahá’í prays for change

Few incidents in Iran of recent decades have been more shocking than the group execution of ten Bahá’í women in Shiraz on 18 June 1983. Their crime? Teaching children following the government’s ban on Bahá’í pupils from attending schools.

Among the hanged was 25-year old Shirin Dalvand, pictured right.

“Shirin had moved with our whole family to the United Kingdom but returned to Shiraz to finish her degree in sociology,” recalls Shirin’s sister Shahla Davarpanah, who now lives in Newcastle in the north-east of England, “When the Iran-Iraq war started, no one could come out. Shirin stayed with our grandparents.”

The cruel hangings of Shirin Dalvand and her nine co-religionists not only revealed the religious basis of Iran’s persecution against Bahá’ís. It also demonstrated the courage with which the group faced their executioner.

Ranging in age from 17 to 57, the ten were led to the gallows in succession. The authorities apparently hoped that as each saw the others die, they would renounce their own faith. But according to eyewitness reports, the women went to their fate singing and chanting.

All of the women had been interrogated and tortured in the months leading up to their execution. The youngest of those killed was Muna Mahmudnizhad, pictured left, a 17-year old schoolgirl who because of her youth and innocence became, in a sense, a symbol for the group. In prison, she was lashed on the soles of her feet with a cable and forced to walk. Yet she would not be swayed from her Faith, even to the point of kissing the hands of her executioner and then the rope before putting it around her own throat. Muna’s story inspired a best-selling song and music video in Canada, and is now being made into a major feature film. Oscar-nominated actress from House of Sand and Fog, Shirin Agdashloo, has committed to playing the role of Muna’s mother in the film.

25 years on from the Shiraz hangings, Shahla Davarpanah is anxiously concerned about the safety of the seven Bahá’í leaders in Iran, recently arrested in dawn raids ominously similar to the events of the early 1980s when some 200 Bahá’ís were killed for their faith. “These events bring back all the memories,” said Mrs Davarpanah. “It’s hard to believe it’s still happening.”

But she senses that the people of Iran have changed since the events of 1983. “They know more than before. They have been told lies for so long and now can see that the Bahá’ís are not what the authorities say they are.”

Along with the worldwide Bahá’í community and countless other friends and supporters, Mrs Davarpanah is praying that the persecution of Bahá’ís in Iran will soon end. “I hope that the Bahá’ís in Iran will soon have the freedom to be able to live their lives in peace,” she said, “and that others will see the reality of what they truly stand for.”

From Bahá'í News UK

The Right to Believe!

Posted: 18 Jun 2009

Editors' Note: Today, June 18, marks the anniversary of martyrdom of 10 brave and devoted Baha'i ladies in Shiraz. Iran Press Watch is pleased to mark their sacrifice of love with the following essay.

Dedicated to the loving memory of the 10 women who were put to death in Shiraz on 18 June 1983 because of their adherence to the Baha'i Faith!

Pondering upon the voyage that has led humankind to its present-day place and purpose, one cannot overlook the reality that advancement and innovation, nobility and fulfilment, comfort and gratification, have all come to us by means of supreme sacrifice.

Many have walked the face of the earth throughout the years and centuries, and — partaking of the provisions and treasures offered by creation — have passed into the vastness of forgetfulness; yet there are those who have covered – with mighty strides – the same distance in order to leave behind a mark of distinction, not only by the way they lived but also by the manner in which they died … Those who have not merely walked upon the earth, but rather irrigated it with the tide of love that has surged in their hearts for humanity.

The world today stands on a ground more solid than ever before for the realisation of the need for a brotherhood that is worthy of humankind; and speaks more proudly than ever for the liberty it now offers humanity in the recognition of the rights of every single human being! Many have indeed been the pure souls of every race, religion and creed who have impressed their prints on the book of creation with the suffering they have endured for freedom and liberty and with the sacrifices they have made in the path of justice and equity.

Amongst such noble souls who stood up for their right – and the right of others – to believe were 10 Iranian women who lived amongst us not so far back in history; and gave their lives in utter submission on 18 June 1983 in the nation's Southern city of Shiraz for refusing to deny the truth of a religion they had espoused. To these women, the Muslim clergy in Iran gave four chances to simply state in mere words their recantation of their faith; however, instead they decided to drink from the chalice of martyrdom and to adorn the pages of history with the crimson that was the beautiful colour of the blood streaming out from their loving hearts.

One of these 10 women, a mere child of 16, by the name of Mona Mahmudnizhad, spoke of liberty and the right to believe only months before her martyrdom in one of her school essays. In this essay entitled, liberty and upholding-liberty in Islam, she writes:

"The fruit of the religion of Islam is liberty and upholding liberty. Whoever tastes this fruit shall partake of its benefits. Liberty is a resplendent expression amongst all other glowing expressions in the world.

Humankind has always strived for liberty and freedom; so why is it that this freedom is at times taken from us? Why has freedom not always existed from the start of humanity? Why has the world always seen tyrants who have imposed their will upon others? Why are there people who are willing to inflict any sort of injustice upon the others in order that they may safeguard their own interests? What really is true liberty? What is the true meaning of freedom? How does it even come into being?

Some claim that they work to establish equality, and therefore they need freedom! In response to them, I say that absolute equality will never be possible regardless of whether you live in utmost freedom or under utter suppression. Instead, one must strive for the equality of rights; and one can work towards attaining equality of rights even in the absence of freedom…

Why is it that you don't allow me the freedom in society to express my aspirations; so that I may say who I am and what I seek! So that I may be able to introduce my religious beliefs! Why is it that you don't grant me the freedom of speech and penmanship, so that I may print my thoughts in newspapers and speak out in radio and television?

Yes, freedom is a heavenly gift, and this gift must be bestowed upon all; yet, you do not allow me to speak out freely as a Baha'i!

Why is it that you do not wish to know that a new religion has appeared? Why is it that you do not remove from before your eyes those thick veils covering the brilliant new Revelation that has dawned?

Perhaps you feel in your subconscious mind that you are not free! That is certainly a reality; and you do indeed lack freedom! You are devoid of the freedom to think! You have put limitations on your thinking and frozen your thoughts…

Freedom is a heavenly gift; so do not deprive yourselves of such a gift! By God; it is a pitiful sin to do so! God has granted this freedom within the essence of every human; and therefore you as a creature of God cannot deprive me of it; and I, as a creature of God, shall not grant you permission to deprive me of it.

God gave me the freedom to think; and thus I thought and reflected and reached the certitude that Baha'u'llah is the Truth. God granted me the freedom to express; and thus I cry out and express that Baha'u'llah is the Truth. God granted me the freedom to write; and thus I write with eloquent penmanship that Baha'u'llah is "Him Whom God Shall make manifest". He is the Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i Faith, and His book is a Divine Book. God granted me the power to think, to write and to believe; and — in giving me such powers — God's will was not contingent upon a freedom that you would bestow upon me.

Therefore the outcome of your taking our freedom away lies only within the sins you have stored for yourselves. Do give us our freedom then, for we have the power to believe in God and Baha'u'llah; and this power no earthly weapon can destroy! Nay, your efforts will only strengthen our faith. One of the Teachings of Baha'u'llah is the unification of humankind; thus we have the freedom to strive to attain it. Another one of His Teachings is non-involvement in politics, thus we are free not to interfere in your politics…"

Such were some of the words of a teenager spoken in turbulent days, when men and women were taken to the gallows for no other sin but believing in what they felt in their hearts to be the truth!

Numerous indeed were homes that were set on fire…properties that were confiscated or looted…bodily injuries that were sustained…and emotional bruises that resulted.

Children watched in despair as their belongings were burnt to ashes…as their fathers and brothers were slapped and kicked around…as their mothers and sisters were pulled by the hair and shoved into cars and driven away….

And yet for all who gave their lives, martyrdom was the ultimate expression of liberty. They had the freedom to believe and nothing — not even giving up their lives — was to stand in the way of their right to believe!

And such have been the marvellous acts of heroism upon the stage of the recent drama in the land of Persia! The heroes and heroines of this theatre of love, those who set out dancing on their way to the habitation of their Lord, have indeed been overwhelmed by sorrow and pain, calamity and tribulation, sacrifice and martyrdom; but all of this they welcomed as proof of their love and vindication of their faith. All of this they bore willingly in the fervent hope that their sacrifice may further the cause of the oneness of humankind.

For each and every man, woman and child, who has ever championed the cause of equal rights for humanity and of the freedom to believe and to co-exist in peace, may the songbirds eternally sing salutations and praise; and may those dear souls forever be remembered with gratitude and reverence.

• Mrs. Nusrat Yalda'i, 54 years old
• Mrs. 'Izzat Janami Ishraqi, 50 years old
• Miss Roya Ishraqi, 23 years old
• Mrs. Tahirih Siyavushi, 32 years old
• Miss Zarrin Muqimi, 28 years old
• Miss Shirin Dalvand, 25 years old
• Miss Akhtar Sabit, 20 years old
• Miss Simin Sabiri, 23 years old
• Miss Mahshid Nirumand, 28 years old

From Iran Press Watch

Haleh Rouhi's (30) story - on prison conditions

Read more on the three imprisoned Baha'i youth in Shiraz here. View pictures of Haleh here.

I am Haleh Rouhi, a Baha'i Prisoner

Posted: 12 Jun 2009

Editor's Note: In May 2006, a group of over 80 dedicated individuals were arrested in and around the city of Shiraz. They were involved in a teaching project benefiting underprivileged children of several neighborhoods. The volunteers taught the children basic personal hygiene, moral principles and kind ways to interact with others, including parents and siblings. At first children came only slowly to the volunteers, some with their pocket knives ready! Their attitude soon changed. They even started getting up early on the days of their class to tidy the open field, clearing away the garbage and debris, sprinkling water to reduce the dust in their gathering area and generally preparing the field for their class.

The volunteers had obtained permission from the Islamic authorities of the city to conduct their activities. Muslim members of the group were immediately released. However, 54 Baha'is were detained for a few days, but later released on bail. In August 2007, these Baha'is were tried by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court. They were charged with "offences relating to state security".

Three of them, namely, Raha Sabet, Haleh Rouhi and Sasan Taqva, were sentenced to four years imprisonment for "organizing illegal groups" and "propaganda on behalf of groups that are opposed to the Islamic regime". The other Baha'is in the group received a one year suspended sentence provided they participate in a three year "Islamic studies' course, much of which consists of anti-Baha'i propaganda, to which students are not allowed to respond.The essay below is written by Haleh Rouhi, one of the three Baha'is sentenced to 4 years of imprisonment. Translation is by Iran Press Watch.

By Haleh Rouhi ( on May 21, 2009)

With utmost sincerity, I traveled for a year to a district near Shiraz known as Sahl-Abad in order to help a small group of underprivileged residents, hoping that I could bring joy to a heart, comfort a soul and help a weak spirit.

One day, as I was driving home alone in the car, I was stopped and arrested by Islamic authorities. When I asked for an arrest warrant, I received a harsh reaction, and was taken into custody without seeing any warrant. On the same day, a few Islamic militants showed up at my home while my mother was alone. They forced their way inside, took all my personal belongings and all our family photos. To this date none of the items have been returned.

I was interrogated for 28 days at the detention centre of the Ministry of Intelligence. During the whole process, I explained with the greatest honesty all the activities in which we had been engaged. Again, at the court proceedings, I clearly explained in detail all the humanitarian services we performed to the respected judge assigned to my case.

In October 2007, after interrogations were concluded, I was sentenced to four years of imprisonment. I could not believe what I was hearing. I appealed, requested a revision of my case and of the charges against me. As I was waiting for the result, I was summoned to the office of the Ministry of Intelligence by a phone call. Upon arrival, I was taken to a cell and two days later, I was told: "you are here to serve your jail term and you will remain here for four years".

Today over 18 months have passed since that day.

During these months:

I have been deprived of contact with other prisoners and have been denied even the social life to which regular prisoners are entitled. I have only been granted a 5 minute family visit each week. Prisoners are allowed daily phone contacts with their families; however, I have been denied this. For the first 8 months, I was even deprived of having a book.

Prisoners are entitled to family leave, they are granted 5 days for every 25 days of imprisonment. The leave has turned into a struggle for me and my family. For no valid reason, and for a long time, the intelligence office and the courts force my family to go from one government office to another, before I am finally granted a leave. The time between my leaves is generally 3 or 4 months and sometimes even longer. In order to renew my family leave, we have to spend hours and hours in the courts with the hope of obtaining permission for an additional 5 days or a week with my family.

A prisoner has to be in jail, but I am kept in a detention centre that is normally used only for initial questioning. My cell has no openings; my food is left for me behind the door. If I need to get out of the cell, that is not possible. I have to spend the whole day in the confined area. If I am taken out at any time, I am blindfolded. I am only allowed 10-20 minutes a day out of my cell, in an enclosed area without a roof, for fresh air. Even the timing of this short break is determined by the prison guards; nor is there any possibility to extend these few minutes.

Is a ten minute break sufficient for a person who is kept 24 hours a day in a closed cell?

I have let go of whatever happened before the issuance of my prison verdict. Today, if I am a prisoner, treat me like one. If I am a prisoner, take me to a prison, let me get fresh air, let me have access to a telephone, let me have contact with others, let me have the same social life and rights to which prisoners are entitled, etc. Did the organization in charge of overseeing the prisons include this detention centre (called Plock 100) in its list of prisons? Does the prisons organization accept the conditions of the detention centre in which I am held as a prisoner? Does the organization accept this detention centre as a prison?

Signed

Haleh Rouhi

From Iran Press Watch

A visit to the prison of Shiraz

A rare peek into the conditions of prison life for the three young detained Baha'is of Shiraz.
(Excerpt:)

Let us pray for their steadfastness and ask God to remove their difficulties. We can pray individually or in groups. Let us raise our hands to God and ask for His mercy to shower upon these two prisoners and all the other male and female inmates who are spending their days in the various prisons of Iran. Let us pray for the freedom of all the captives who are inflicted with a heavier load of tyranny and injustice than the rest of us, irrespective of their religion, belief system, ethnicity or
language.

Visit – Shiraz "Plock 100"

Posted: 09 Jun 2009

Editor's Note: Iran Press Watch was pleased to receive the following moving essay, which describes the feelings of many Iranian Baha'is. It is presented below in translation; the original in Persian is attached.

By a passer by

I miss them a lot. I am talking about the three Baha'i youth: Sasan Taqva, Raha Sabet and Haleh Ruhi. I like to visit them, and for this purpose, I travel to Shiraz. Come along if you like. It takes some concentration to summon the power from within. First we say prayers, meditate and then visualize Shiraz, a city whose foundation was laid upon a spiritual dream. I hope that someday the spiritual city of Shiraz will be worthy of a great hero to initiate a world-encompassing movement from within this spiritual place.

Together, we pass through the streets of Shiraz to reach the prison facility of the Ministry of Intelligence, called Plock 100. This is the place where the three youth are incarcerated. We enter quietly. We walk through narrow concrete hallways with high ceilings. Everywhere is dead silent; we move forward quietly. After passing through a few covered areas, we arrive at a metal door. Slowly we open the door. We see a small L-shaped area; looking around, we don't see any windows — do you see any? No light can penetrate the cement walls and into the cell. The air is heavy, there is not enough oxygen and it is hard to breath. What a jail! The florescent ceiling light is on at all times. The floor is bare concrete, without so much as an old carpet to cover it. There are only a few blankets to use as a mattress and cover. There is an old television set which appears to have been installed some time ago. There are a few books, magazines and personal items in the other corner of the cell.

Haleh and Raha, two angel-like girls, under the pressure and hardships of the past 18 months in jail, look skinny, weak and pale. They are only allowed outside in the small yard 15 minutes each day to get a little fresh air. Everything, even down to the timing of these short breaks, is determined by the prison guards. Despite all these restrictions, they seem happy; it is as though they are living in a different world. They enjoy each other's company.

We hear footsteps, then the door opening. Look at the girls — they are silent. It seems that Raha has a piece of paper and a pen in her hands. We see a male guard at the door, he is waiting for something. The girls give him a list of the necessary items that they need — there are no stores in this prison. There is no conversation between the girls and the guard. Can you hear anything? If you ask the girls, they will tell you that they are forbidden to talk to the male guards, and that there are no female guards at this prison. I understand you have good reason to feel upset; those who set out to serve their forsaken, deprived countrymen with love and compassion are detained in an atrocious prison which can best be likened to jailhouses from the Middle Ages.

Let us pray for their steadfastness and ask God to remove their difficulties. We can pray individually or in groups. Let us raise our hands to God and ask for His mercy to shower upon these two prisoners and all the other male and female inmates who are spending their days in the various prisons of Iran. Let us pray for the freedom of all the captives who are inflicted with a heavier load of tyranny and injustice than the rest of us, irrespective of their religion, belief system, ethnicity or language.

Friends, it is time to go. Let us part with a message to the girls: "Haleh, Raha, we deeply love you! We are proud of you as our countrymen and as our fellow Baha'is. You are symbols of strength and steadfastness. You are worthy role models for Iranian youth".

Slowly, we head towards the door; we take another glance at the cell and its high walls. Certainly you agree that this horrifying prison with its solid concrete walls has not succeeded in creating a barrier between the girls and ourselves.

We open the metal door quietly, enter the hallway and go towards the other side, where the obedient follower of his Lord, Sasan, is all alone in his cell. We open the door and see a cell similar to that of the girls. We see a young man, smiling and resigned to the will of God, is whispering prayers in the corner of his cell.

Think for a little while! How has he tolerated 18 months of solitude? What has given him such power to be joyful and content? We wholeheartedly listen to his prayer which has filled the atmosphere of his cell: "Subhanika ya hu, ya man huwa hu. Ya man lisan ahadan illa hu."[1] The thick, solid walls of his cell cannot prevent him from conversing with his Lord.

We hear that many outside the jail are praying along with him. Apparently, he can hear their prayers; during deep meditation he can even see them (in the same way that my friends and I had seen you while we were in jail and had gained energy from you). Dear Sasan, my good friend, we have to go now.

May we witness the freedom of all of the innocent prisoners of Iran!

O entrapped bird! May you live to witness that blessed day when there are no more cages and confinements in the world!

[1] This expression appears 19 times in Baha'u'llah's Tablet of the Bell [Lawh-i Naqus] and means, "Sanctified art Thou, O He; O He Who is He; O He other than Whom there is none but He."

[Original attached. Translation by Iran Press Watch.]

Download: Origianl Persian

From Iran Press Watch

Meeting the three imprisoned youth in Shiraz

Three articles: Two moving first-hand accounts of the experiences of travelers who met three of the Bahá'í prisoners in Iran, and other news from Shiraz. From iranpresswatch.org.

A Visit with the 3 Imprisoned Youth in Shiraz

Posted: 13 May 2009

Editor's Note: The following is a letter by Neysan Mohajer, kindly shared with Iran Press Watch. Mr. Mohajer's sister, Shomeys, had an opportunity to visit with the three imprisoned Baha'i youth in Shiraz, and some of her recollections are reflected in this letter.

By Neysan Mohajer

This is a moving account of my sister's home visit with Sasan Taqavi in Shiraz on Sunday May 10, 2009. Sasan is one of the three youth imprisoned 18 months ago in Shiraz on a 4 year sentence. He had been home for a week, while the two other youth, Haleh Rouhi and Raha Sabet, went back to prison today May 12, 2009, after a one-week break at home.

Shomeys also had the bounty of visiting Haleh Rouhi (see attached photo) yesterday, May 11, at whose house there were lots of youth present. These visitors were the youth who had been arrested while performing community service, and then ordered by the court to attend Islamic Education once a week. Shomeys said she felt she was in heaven among the chosen angels of BahaE2u'llah. Sasan's sister, Roya, is also among this group of youth arrested while performing community service. Imagine how hard it must be for his parents. If you have not seen the letter Roya wrote to Sasan at Naw-Ruz, it is here: http://www.iranpresswatch.org/2009/04/letter-sasan/

Shomeys has only written the account of her personal experience of visiting Sasan, but not what was said during the visit. She had an opportunity to hear Sasan speak about his torment and hardship, and learn about how he was doing. But with Haleh there was a large group, and it was not possible to talk in depth.

In the past 18 months these three did not even have a mattress to sleep on. They had to sleep on the floor — all have severe backaches. After months of pleading by Sasan's parents, all three have now been given a mattress only recently. Sasan, as you know, had a broken leg after his arrest, which is not fully healed and needs treatment.

Sasan's family is originally from Bushihr and lives in a small rented house in Shiraz under impoverished conditions. Sasan was granted leave from prison for one week after 110 days of not being released. They are very strict and harsh about allowing them to have a furlough. This time Sasan's father wanted Sasan to stay one more week, but Sasan knew this would be impossible to ask. His father determined went alone to ask the prison authorities for permission. Meanwhile Sasan prayed and pleaded with Baha'u'llah not to break his father's heart. Sasan knew this would be too much to ask Baha'u'llah. When his father returned Sasan saw him happy and joyful. Baha'u'llah had granted his father's wish — he was granted an extension for another week. For Sasan this was a nothing but a pure miracle and a proof of the confirmations of Baha'u'llah. So he is going back to jail on Monday May 18.

Sasan is confined to solitary confinement, and is not allowed to speak or see anyone the whole day. His daily exercise and fresh air is a half hour slot each day when he is taken to another room which has no roof. Every time he has to come out of his cell, he is blindfolded. Sasan said his loneliness was very hard to overcome.

During her visit Shomeys chanted the Tablet of Abdu'l-Baha (attached) during which Sasan was holding back his tears. When it ended they all cried and wept together. This Tablet seems as though it w as specially revealed for people like Sasan. Abdu'l-Baha says a seated lover is better than an itinerant learned man. She chanted the same Tablet when she visited Haleh.

The three in prison have set aside Wednesdays at 8 pm (Iran time) to pray for each other. When Shoemys was leaving, Sasan asked her to remember him in her prayers on Wednesday at 8 pm. He said to her, "Dear Shomeys, do not forget to say a prayer for me on Wednesday. Chant it loudly, so I can hear you from my lonely cell." He repeated, "I want to hear you…"

I am planning to go to the Guardian's resting place [outside London] tomorrow, Wednesday at 4:30 PM, which is 8:00 PM in Shiraz. Let's be with them and visit them on Wednesdays with our souls.

Qurbanat, Neysan

A Visit with Sasan Taqva

Posted: 15 May 2009

Editor’s Note: As Iran Press Watch reported earlier (http://www.iranpresswatch.org/2009/05/visit-shiraz/), a description of some recent visits has been received and is shared below in translation.

By Shomeys Mohajer

The moment of seeing a friend again is an unforgettable moment… I could not believe my eyes would be blessed by visiting such a cherished friend as dear Sasan.
Years ago, when we served together on the [now defunct] National Youth Committee, he was the representative for region 9 from Shiraz. He was a dignified young man with a radiant face, who — although he spoke with great excitement — refrained from exaggeration. When his turn came to give his report; everyone was in awe of the activities of the youth in his region.
His reports reflected the fact that he was not a man of mere words; but that he was a man of action. His activities were interesting experiences for others, and everyone always remained in eager anticipation of hearing his reports; so that they could carry back news of great events as a souvenir. Then again this region has always been blessed with divine favours, and the Dawning of the Revelation of the Blessed Bab from that land is testimony to this claim.
Shiraz and events and incidents therein have always marked the beginnings of new movements in the Cradle of the Baha’i Faith. In the same way that the seven Brides of Shiraz[1] released unprecedented energy in the Baha’i world, 53 love-intoxicated young people brought back to life the epic movements of their ancestors and set out to breathe life into this blessed land by serving the inhabitants of the land of Baha’u'llah’s birth… Yet alas, it has been a year and a half since three of these ardent lovers of the Beloved Beauty have been incarcerated in the prison of Shiraz, and the rest of the youth have been subjected to sitting in weekly classes where they have to endure calumnious misinterpretations of His blessed Faith.
I was finally able to visit with dear Sasan. How I wish my pen had the ability to capture the spiritual power of those moments. How can my pen recount what I witnessed? A power beyond any physical force… Yes, I saw in Sasan a sort of spiritual strength not easily describable… How can I express those moments? I did not wish for them to come to a conclusion… Yet time was short…
He said a bit about the difficult conditions in prison and his utter loneliness there… However, whatever he said was indicative of some great strength… indicative of the bounties of Baha’u'llah and of nothing else… In the midst of his utterances, one could feel the confirmations he attracted from the Concourse on High. But alas! The special spiritual experiences he recounted were not quite comprehensible to me; for how could a lowly earthling such as I understand such lofty realms as he described? Surely, he was not speaking of hardship; but material as I am I could only comprehend the pain and suffering.
In any case, the moments were passing far too fast… He asked repeatedly that we should pray for him, so that he may be able to endure these difficulties and attain the good pleasure of the Beloved. But from whom was he beseeching prayers so earnestly? Surely he must have been discerning angels everywhere and at every moment, to have been beseeching so intently.
When he was speaking about solitary confinement and complained of loneliness, I realised just how blessed we are with incredible bounties, and yet we are not cognizant of any of it. Dear Sasan imparted such insight to me that I will remain grateful to him for ever. He opened my eyes to the bounties and favours of God, so that I may be empowered to take greater steps than ever before in the proclamation of His Words. How blessed indeed is he for having firmly demonstrated his servitude to the Holy Threshold… God help me for I know not when — if ever — I could do that…
Upon saying goodbye, he informed me that the three of them in prison[2] were reciting prayers every Wednesday at 8 pm. He asked me to say prayers also at the same time, and asked that I should say them out loud with such fervour that he could feel their penetration. And I promised to pray in such wise that I would feel the confirmations. This sums up what I witnessed during my visit.
We ended our meeting with the recitation of the following Tablet, which indeed bears witness to Sasan and his friends in prison.
He is the Most Glorious;
O thou who hast rendered up thy life unto the traceless Friend,
Myriads have been the wise who have sought after Him, but have remained deprived of His Presence and bereft of beholding His Countenance. Yet you found Him; you recognised Him! You surrendered in the game of servitude, set firm your station, and hoisted the banner of prosperity and salvation.
How astonishing a tale and peculiar a tiding: Those who searched after Him did not attain Him, but those who remained seated beheld Him. I beg forgiveness of God, for their search was that of those who have drunk to satiety and not of those who thirst in longing; and their desire was that of the worldly-wise and not of the enthralled lover.
“The worldly-wise who garner the ears of grain are unaware of Layla’s secret,
For unto none was accorded the great glory but Majnun — he who set
the whole harvest afire!”
Better the lover who remaineth seated, than the wise man who endeavoureth in active service.
Upon thee be His Glory.

[Provisional translation]

[1] The seven unmarried young girls who were martyred together with 3 other women on June 18, 1983 in Shiraz because of their adherence to the Baha’i Faith: Mrs. Nusrat Yalda’i, Mrs. Izzat Ishraqi, Roya Ishraqi, Mrs. Tahirih Siyavushi, Zarrin Muqimi, Shirin Dalvand, Akhtar Sabit, Simin Sabiri, Mahshrid Nirumand, Mona Mahmudnizhad.
[2] Raha Sabet, Haleh Rouhi and Sasan Taqva.

Update on the Situation in Shiraz

Posted: 10 May 2009

As the readers of this site have guessed, very little information and news has come from Iran in recent days. Iran Press Watch was able to glean the following from a few sites in Persian:

• Raha Sabet voluntarily went back to prison so that Sasan Taqva might be released. Sasan was released on April 28. The authorities have renewed his family leave for a week.
  Haleh Rouhi was given family leave on Sunday April 19. Her leave has been renewed for the third week.
• Raha, Sasan and Haleh have served over one-third of their incarceration sentence. They can be eligible for pardon soon, which generally happens after the prisoner has served about a third of their sentence. Families of the three Baha’i youth are trying and hope that happens.
• Vahdat Dana is in solitary confinement. He is father of two children. His heart ailment is the cause of concern. He had a heart attack not long ago, for which he spent a few days in intensive care.
• Keyvan Karami and Farham Masumi are incarcerated in the same cell. There was a glimmer of hope for their release, which unfortunately did not happen.
• Farham Masumi was married just a few months ago and this was supposed to be the newly-wed’s first Naw-Ruz together.
  Families of prisoners and some other Baha’is continue to receive threatening phone calls.

New arrests in Karaj, Semnan and Shiraz

Two articles reporting on developments. From iranpresswatch.org.

Call for Prayers for Vahdat Dana

Posted: 28 Apr 2009

As reported previously on this site (view story below), on Saturday, April 25, 2009, Mr. Vahdat Dana has been arrested. Iran Press Watch has learned through sources close to the situation that Mr. Dana is suffering from a significant heart ailment, and prison conditions could deal a severe blow to his health. The family has approached the judge presiding over Mr. Dana’s case, but so far no information has been given to them about his whereabouts or his condition.

The friends of Mr. Dana have requested prayers from people of good will everywhere, so that the Almighty may continue to watch over all those who are incarcerated in Iran because of their religious beliefs.

Mr. Dana is an uncle of Sina Dana, whose expulsion from Tabriz University was reported by Iran Press Watch some time ago.


Baha’is Arrested in Karaj, Semnan and Shiraz

April 27, 2009

Iran Press Watch has learned of several disturbing developments throughout Iran in the past two days:

Karaj

At dawn on Sunday, April 26, 2009, several agents of Tehran’s branch of the Ministry of Intelligence along with one of their counterparts in Karaj’s branch arrested Shahram Safajoo, a Baha’i resident of Faz-4 in Mehr-Shahr district of Karaj. This arrest took place at 6:30 AM when Mr. Safajoo was leaving his home for work in Tehran. It appears that the security agents had been waiting for him outside of his residence.
After Mr. Safajoo was seized, agents went into the house with him and searched the entire dwelling, which resulted in total disarray of the residence’s furnishing. Agents confiscated all mobile devices, books, papers, CDs related to the Baha’i Faith, 2 laptops, and everyone’s passports.
They took Mr. Safajoo to an unknown destination, but when the family inquired after him, the Ministry reported that the prisoner was still incarcerated in Karaj’s facility and had not been taken to Tehran.

Semnan

Earlier today, Monday April 27, Mr. Siyamak Iqani and Mrs. Susan Tebyanian-Jabbari were arrested.

Shiraz

On Wednesday, April 8, the Ministry of Intelligence called the residence of Mr. Vahdat Dana in Shiraz and instructed his wife to advise Mr. Dana that next morning he needed to present himself at the Ministry’s branch office in Shiraz. Mrs. Dana refused to comply and insisted that a written notice must be sent from the judiciary.

On April 12, when Mr. Dana was leaving his residence for work, he was confronted by the agents of the Ministry of Intelligence who asked him to accompany them to the prison facility of the Ministry, known as Pelak 100. Mr. Dana insisted on seeing a warrant issued by a judge for his arrest. The agents instead produced a handwritten document which included the phrase, “Individuals of interest may be investigated and arrested.” Mr. Dana persisted that an order specifying his name should be produced, which the agents had none.

When the agents left, Mr. Dana immediately wrote a letter to Hojjatu’l-Islam Musavi-Tabar, the deputy revolutionary prosecutor asking him to clarify the case against him. In response, Mr. Musavi-Tabar instructed, “If the agents are able to produce a warrant, then you must accompany them.”

At 12:30 PM on Saturday, April 25, the agents returned to the residence of Mr. Dana and instructed his wife to call her husband and to tell him that he should immediately return home. The agents waited outside for Mr. Dana to arrive. When Mr. Dana arrived, they produced a warrant against him issued by a judge named Rezaei-Dadyar, in branch 10 of judiciary. They took Mr. Dana with them.

In both instants, the agents were respectful and professional.
However, it should be noted that Mr. Dana has serious heart conditions and has previously suffered a heart attack. He also suffers from kidney ailment and complications, which makes his incarceration extremely worrisome.

[Source: http://bab.blogfa.com/. Translation by Iran Press Watch.]

Local and national authorities cooperate in hunting down Bahá'ís - update on prisoners, further pressures

Seven stories, including the month's summary of events. From iranpresswatch.org.

Increased Pressures on the Baha'is of Tonekabon

Posted: 23 Apr 2009

In the days leading up to Naw-Ruz, March 21, agents of Ministry of Intelligence raided and searched the home of Mr. Mishel Ismaelpour, one of the Baha'is of Tonekabon (see attached map). A few days later, he was summoned to the Information Office of the same Ministry and interrogated, but was allowed to leave.

On Tuesday, April 21, 2009, a certain Mr. Ghulami of the above-mentioned Information Office summoned this Baha'i again, and from 8:30 in the morning until 12:30 in the afternoon he was questioned. Afterwards, he was sent to court under guard, where the prosecutor issued a temporary arrest order. He was then brought back again to the same Information Office.

When Mr. Ismaelpour's family inquired of his whereabouts and condition, the Information Office refused to give a satisfactory response. That same afternoon, around 5 PM, he was sent to the prison facility of the Central Information Office in Sari.

According to the prosecutor in this case and contradictory statements by officials at the Information and Intelligence Office, Mr. Ismaelpour had not fully cooperated with officials in providing information about his beliefs. It was for this reason, and to complete his file, that he was sent to Sari.

Current Baha'i Prisoners in Iran

Posted: 24 Apr 2009

Periodically, Iran Press Watch publishes a list of Baha'i prisoners in Iran who remain incarcerated because of their religious belief. At the present time, there are 49 Baha'i prisoners throughout Iran. The Date of incarceration and the url of report for each prisoner is provided next to each name

Babol

• Mushafeq Samandari (Apr 14, 2009) here

Mashhad

• Jalayer Vahdad (Jan 26, 2009) here
• Sima Eshraghi (Jan 26, 2009) here

Qa'emshahr

• Masoud Atayian (Nov 17, 2008) here
• Taraneh Sanai, (Jan 18, 2009) here
• Shahnaz Sa'adati, (Jan 18, 2009) here
• Amelia Fanaian, (Jan 18, 2009) here
• Anisa Fanaian (Jan 18, 2009) here
• Farzaneh Ahmadzadegan (Jan 18, 2009) here

Sari

• Simin Garaji, (2008), here
• 'Ali Ahmadi, (2008) here
• Changiz Derakhshnian, (2008) here
• Masoud Ataian, (2008) here
• Siyamak Ibrahimi-Nia, (2008) here
• Fayzu'llah Rushan (Apr 2008) here
• Fuad Naeimi (Apr 2008) here
• Zia Allah-Vardi (Oct 18, 2008) here
• Sonya Allah-Vardi (Oct 18, 2008) here
• Anvar Moslemi (Nov 22, 2008) here
• Soheila Motllebi (Nov 22, 2008) here
• Firouzeh Yegan (Jan 10, 2009) here
• Pegah Sanai, (Jan 10, 2009) here
• Torreh Taqi-Zadeh (Feb 15, 2009) here

Semnan

• Mr. Adel Fanaian (Jan 4, 2009) here
• Mr. Taher Eskandarian (Jan 4, 2009) here
• Mr. Abbas Nurani (Jan 4, 2009) here
• Mrs. Sahba Rezvani (Dec 15, 2009) here
• Pooya Tebyanian (Mar 9, 2009) here
• Ali Ehsani (Apr 6, 2009) here

Shiraz

• Sasan Taqva (Nov 2007) here
• Raha Sabet (Nov 2007) here
• Haleh Rouhi (Nov 2007) here
• Mehran Karami (Feb 2009) here
• Haleh Houshmani (Mar 18, 2009) here
• Farham Masumi (Mar 18, 2009) here
• Afshin Ahsanian (Apr 8, 2009) here

Tehran

• Vahid Tizfahm, (May 2008) here
• Mahvash Sabet, (Mar 2008) here
• Jamaleddin Khanjani, (May 2008) here
• Saeid Rezai, (May 2008) here
• Fariba Kamalabadi, (May 2008) here
• Afif Naimi, (May 2008) here
• Behrouz Tavakkoli, (May 2008) here

Tonekabon

• Badi'u'llah Fazli
• Mishel Ismaelpour (Apr 21, 2009) here

Yasuj

• Ali-Askar Ravanbakhsh, (Oct 28, 2008) here
• Zulaykha Musavi, (Oct 28, 2008) here
• Ruhiyyih Yazdani, (Oct 28, 2008) here

Yazd

Mehran Bandi, (Aug 28, 2008) here

Coordinated Efforts to Suppress the Baha'is in Northern Iran

Posted: 24 Apr 2009

The following report was posted in Persian by Iran Press News on Friday, April 24, 2009, and appears below in translation. The original media outlet for this news was Shumal News, which reports on events in the northern Iran.

A gathering of seminarians and religious leaders took place yesterday in Chalus in the Office of Islamic Propaganda, which operates under the auspices of Qom's seminaries.

Hujjatu'l-Islam Hakim spoke at this gathering and said, "Faulty management principles in certain organizations must be repaired."

The chief of the Ministry of Intelligence in Mazandaran province spoke about the danger of the spread of Baha'ism and Christianity. He said, "Officials and eminent figures in each town must become completely unified in extinguishing such threats [posed by the Baha'is and Christians], and hand in hand must educate the people about the danger in these groups and in this regard must become fully united."

Hujjatu'l-Islam Hakim added, "Almost all the Baha'i leaders in the town of Chalus have been arrested, imprisoned or exiled. However, there is no clear [legislated] law for confronting the Baha'is."

The chief of the Ministry of Intelligence in Mazandaran province referred to the role of the seminarians and stated, "Seminary students must guide the people through propaganda and cultural activities, and prevent them from being attracted to Ahl-e Haqq, Baha'ism and Christianity."

[Source: http://www.iranpressnews.com/source/057915.htm. Translation by Iran Press Watch.]

Recent Atrocities against the Baha'is of Shiraz

Posted: 24 Apr 2009

Editor's Note: The Baha'is of Shiraz have kindly shared a report with Iran Press Watch about recent attacks perpetrated against them, which appears below in translation. Most of these events have previously been reported on the pages of Iran Press Watch, but publication of the following summary was deemed beneficial. Media outlets are encouraged to republish this report.

February 20

• Agents of the Ministry of Intelligence went to the home of Mr. Kayvan Karami; after a search of the residence and confiscation of some personal property, they arrested Mr. Karami. After his family contacted the authorities, they were told, "The reason for his arrest is his contact with someone who recently became a Baha'i; in this regard, Mr. Karami is expected to answer certain questions."

• The person accused of converting to the Baha'i Faith had also been arrested some time earlier, but was released on March 18. Mr. Karami continues to remain incarcerated, even though his family was told that he would be released on bail prior to year-end [March 21].

March 14

• Authorities went to the home of Mr. Farham Masumi and searched his residence.
• On the same day, the authorities went to the home of Haleh Houshmandi, but behaved very differently. They knew that she was away from Shiraz, and so approached the home of a neighbor who lived on the floor below the Houshmandis. The authorities presented themselves as postmen, but when an elderly woman opened the door, they pushed inside. While shouting abuse and insults, they entered the residence en masse. They disconnected the phone line, and by threatening the household they managed to get the key for the Houshmandi's residence, which had been entrusted to that family. The authorities completely disregarded the repeated request of the family to show legal authorization to enter the Houshmandis' home - confining themselves to spouting abuse and insults. The agents gathered the entire household in one place and locked them in that room. They searched the residence, and without anyone being allowed to raise an objection, confiscated a large quantity of personal effects. They forced the family to sign an inventory of what they had taken, but the inventory list only showed a small fraction of items taken from the residence.
• Farham Masumi was arrested the same morning, but was released by the afternoon.

March 16

• The agents had left a message for Mrs. Houshmandi to present herself to Pelak 100 (Ministry of Intelligence) upon her return. She went to that office on March 16, but was dismissed.

March 17

• Both Haleh Houshmandi and Kayvan Karami were asked to present themselves at the Ministry of Intelligence at 8 AM on the following day, March 18.

March 18

• The above-named Baha'is continue to be imprisoned to this date. They are kept in isolation and under extremely harsh conditions. No information has been given to their families about the duration of their arrest. When Haleh Houshmandi's mother inquired about the charges against her daughter, the authorities stated the charges consisted of: (1) propagation of the Baha'i religion, and (2) activities pertaining to her previous arrest. It should be noted that these two Baha'is are among the 54 Baha'i youth arrested two years ago because of their humanitarian activities promoting hygiene and literacy among deprived young population of Shiraz. As result of that arrest, they received one-year suspended sentences and forced participation in Islamic training classes.
• Authorities had indicated that Mr. Karami would be released prior to Naw-Ruz (March 21), but he continues to this date to be imprisoned in solitary confinement.

April 4

• The Prosecutor General of Fars province wrote a letter to the investigator in charge of the above-mentioned cases and instructed that they should be released on bail. Nevertheless, from that date the families have been confronted by inhumane and cruel attacks by the same investigator, who absolutely refuses to comply with the instruction of the Prosecutor General.
• Since April 4, the families of the imprisoned Baha'is continue to receive threatening phone calls by the Ministry of Intelligence, and in many instances these calls include obscene and insulting language.
• The authorities refuse to allow the prisoners to have visitors.
• During the 3 phone calls that the Baha'i prisoners have been allowed, it has been clear that they are under great physical and emotional stress. The worrisome point is the condition of Haleh Houshmandi, who suffers from a serious heart ailment, but no medical personnel have been allowed to visit her.

Update on Baha'i Prisoners in Shiraz

Posted: 22 Apr 2009 02:51 PM PDT

Iran Press Watch has learned through reliable contacts in Iran that Raha Sabet and Haleh Ruhi have been granted a temporary leave from prison for 5 days, and there is a possibility that this family-visit might be renewed for another 5 days. (For background on their situation see, http://www.iranpresswatch.org/2008/09/latest-status-of-3-imprisoned-youth/, and search for names in the site's archives.)

During these few days that Raha Sabet and Haleh Ruhi are on family-visit leave (customary for long-term prisoners in Iran), they have transferred Haleh Houshmandi-Salehi to their room, which is a little better than her own extremely small cell.

Yesterday, April 21, 2009, the family of Haleh Houshmandi was able to meet with her in prison for 4 minutes from behind the glass and by phone. She looked pale and was breathing with difficulty due to the continuation of her heart aliment.

The authorities have not granted a leave to Sasan Taqva. Sources in Iran report that Sasan suffers from pain in his leg and has a severe toothache. It is not clear if he has received the necessary medical attention.

Iran Press Watch has also learned that potentially there will be some positive developments to report by tomorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of these innocent Baha'i prisoners and we call on all the people of good will to whisper a pray that the anticipated positive news would be realized by tomorrow.

A Short Note on Yahya Hedayati

Posted: 22 Apr 2009

On April 21, 2009, Iran Press Watch reported on recent attacks on the home of Mr. Yahya Hedayati (see, http://www.iranpresswatch.org/2009/04/semnan-residence/). One of the kind readers has provided some background information on this Baha'i resident of Semnan, which appears below in translation.

Yahya is originally from Sangsar and a son of Ismael Hedayati. Ismael had another younger son, who was killed in an accident. Yahya was an active and energetic Baha'i and a member of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Sangsar when the authorities decided to arrest him for his Baha'i activities. Since they were unable to find Yahya, they seized his father, Ismael, and incarcerated him in Semnan. By exerting such inhumane pressure on the family, they were able to locate Yahya within a short period of time and arrest him in Tehran.

In the early part of this decade, Yayha was imprisoned for four and a half years, first in Semnan and then in the notorious Evin prison in Tehran. One of his cellmates in Evin was Adel Fanaian who is currently imprisoned in Semnan.

It should be mentioned that when Yahya Hedayati was arrested, he was engaged to Johar, but because of his sentence was unable to marry her until his release.

A Disturbing Month

Posted: 25 Apr 2009

Iran's New Year commenced on March 21, and it is off to a disturbing start for the Baha'is of that land. During this month, considerable hardships, harassment and violations of human and civil rights were brought against the beleaguered Baha'is of Iran.

The following is a summary report of the events occurring in the month just concluded, based on a report published in Persian and translated by Iran Press Watch:

March 23

• On condition of surety and bail, Adel Fanaian, Taher Eskandarian and Abbas Nurani were permitted a 4-day leave from Semnan's prison, where they are completing their 6-month sentence.
• Because of this leave, the judge has now ordered that until further notice, these three Baha'is have been deprived of the privilege of meeting with their family face-to-face, and may only visit with them from behind the prison windows.
• Mrs. Sahba Rezvani, who is another Baha'i prisoner in Semnan, remains barred from customary leave.

March 30

• In Yazd, three agents of the Ministry of Intelligence raided the home of Behnam Rouhanifar' after a thorough search of the residence, they confiscated his personal computer and a number of CDs.
• Mr. Rouhanifar is completing a 4-year suspended sentence.

March 31

• While parked, Payman Shadman's automobile in Semnan was severely damaged by paint, and the word "Baha'i" was painted on its side.

April 24

• The place of work of Payman Shadman was vandalized by painting insults and threats against the Baha'is on its walls. These graffiti were reported to the police, who so far have taken no action whatsoever.

April 4

• After 70 days of solitary confinement during which he was held incommunicado, Jalayer Vahdat was given a 5-minute meeting with his mother at the prison of the Ministry of Intelligence.
• While coming out of her car near her sister's residence, Miss Sahba Khademi was arrested by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in Hamadan. She was released on bail 10 days later, on April 14.

April 5

Three Baha'i residents of Mashhad, namely Nasrin Qadiri, Nahid Qadiri and Sima Rajabian, were summoned and interrogated by the Revolutionary Branch of the Ministry of Intelligence. They were released afterwards.

April 6

Ali Ehsani, a Baha'i resident of Semnan, was summoned for interrogation by the Ministry of Intelligence and then arrested.

April 7

Three Baha'i residents of Mashhad by the names of Kaviz Nuzdahi, Human Bakhtavar and Davar Nabilzadeh were called in by the Information Office of the town's Revolutionary Court; after interrogation they were allowed to leave.

April 8

Afshin Ahsanian, a resident of Shiraz, along with his father, was summoned to the Information Office of Shiraz, where the father was allowed to leave, but Afshin Ahsanian was arrested and remains incarcerated to this date.

April 9

In the middle of night, windows at the home of Yahya Hedayati, a Baha'i resident of Semnan, were broken while the family was sleeping within. It appears this attack was made by unknown assailants on motorbikes. The same attack took place on two more occasions up to April 16. Police and security agencies have taken no action to respond to these attacks or search for the perpetrators.

April 11

• The homes of Sorour Sorourian, Samira Ayubi and Payman Aqdasi in Hamadan were searched by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence, and the above-mentioned Baha'is were arrested. Three days later, these Baha'is were released on condition of bail.
• Three Baha'i residents of Mashhad, namely Ruzita Vaseqi, Nura Nabilzadeh, and Mahsa Aqdasizadeh were called in by the Revolutionary Court, which were questioned and released them.

April 13

Some Baha'i websites were infiltrated by Iranian authorities.

April 14

• Agents of the Information Office of Babol raided the home of Mushafeq Samandari; after a search of the residence, they confiscated his computer, printer, scanner, CDs and some of his books. Mr. Samandari was arrested as well.
• Haleh Houshmandi, a Baha'i resident of Shiraz, who has been incarcerated since March 18, experienced an acute heart condition as a result of being deprived of her medications. Prison officials continue to prevent her from obtaining the necessary medications. Because of her health situation, the Prosecutor General of Shiraz issued an order for her release on condition of bail, but the Ministry of Intelligence has overruled this order and keeps Mrs. Houshmandi imprisoned.
• Three more Baha'is of Mashhad, namely Babak Ruhi, Suhayl Nasirzadeh and Ezzatu'llah Ahmadian, were summoned to the Information Office of the Revolutionary Court; after interrogation they were released.

List of Baha'is Currently in Prison

In addition to the above-mentioned imprisoned Baha'is, the following Baha'is have been incarcerated solely because of their religious faith since last year:

Mehran Bandi in Yazd

Puya Tebyanian, Semnan

Sasan Taqva, Shiraz

Vahid Tizfahm, Tehran (one of the Yaran)

Raha Sabet, Shiraz

Mahvash Sabet, Tehran (one of the Yaran)

Jamal Khanjani, Tehran (one of the Yaran)

Said Rezai, Tehran (one of the Yaran)

Fariba Kamalabadi, Tehran (one of the Yaran)

Ali-Askar Ravanbakhsh, Yasuj

Haleh Ruhi, Shiraz

Fayzu'llah Rushan, Sari

Zulaykha Musavi, Yasuj

Fuad Naeimi, Sari

Afif Naeimi, Tehran (one of the Yaran)

Ruhiyyih Yazdani, Yasuj

Behrouz Tavakkoli, Tehran (one of the Yaran)

Sima Eshraqi, Mashhad

Badi'u'llah Fazli, Tonekabon

Mehran Karami, Shiraz

[Source: http://www.negah64.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1046&Itemid=21. Translation by Iran press Watch

Worsening situation in Shiraz: Severe neglect, continued harrassment

Two articles on the deteriorating circumstances surrounding Bahá'ís of Shiraz.
Excerpt:

...in response to her family's ongoing inquiries into Haleh's condition, the judiciary investigator recently said: "What happens if one of you dies, one less the better".
From iranpresswatch.org.

Imprisoned Baha'is Barred from Release despite Prosecutor's Ruling

Posted: 18 Apr 2009

Photo of Afshin Ehsanian

The following report was received on Thursday, April 16, 2009 and is offered below in translation (sources cited at the end):

Four Baha'is, namely, Mrs. Haleh Houshmandi, Mr. Kayvan Karami, Mr. Farhad Ma'sumi, and Mr. Afshin Ehsanian, who were arrested in the last two months, continue to languish in prison of the Ministry of Intelligence in Shiraz, known as Pelak 100.

According to a letter of the Prosecutor General of Fars province, they were scheduled to be releases from incarceration on April 4 on condition of bail and surety. However, the judiciary official investigating their case has so far refused to issue their discharge order and for this reason the four Baha'i continue to remain imprisoned.

After repeated visit by their families to various governmental offices requesting their release, it was announced that they would be allowed to go home after Naw-Ruz festivities [which were concluded on April 2].

On April 4, the Prosecutor General of Fars province issued a letter to the judicial investigator of these cases, indicating that bail was set for these individuals and they should be allowed to leave prison immediately. However, when the family followed up on this instruction, they were confronted with angry and inhumane response of the judiciary investigator stating that under no conditions would he accept the instructions of the Prosecutor General and allow these Baha'is to be discharged on bail.

During the last two weeks, many times the families of these imprisoned Baha'is have received threatening phone calls from the Ministry of Intelligence and in a number of instances these threats were accompanied with insults and accusations.

It should be noted that under intense psychological and physical pressures in the prison, Mrs. Haleh Houshmandi has developed severe heart conditions, but until now has been barred from seeing a physician or a specialist. Therefore, considerable worries about her physical well-being remain.

[Reported on Thursday April 16, 2009, by http://emails.mihanblog.com/post/87 and http://hra-iran.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=879:321&catid=84:502&Itemid=219. Translation by Iran Press Watch.]

Related posts

• The Baha'i Situation in Iran is Deteriorating! (1)

Urgent Appeal by the Baha'is of Shiraz

Posted: 19 Apr 2009

Editor's Note: Iran Press Watch has received the following urgent request from the Baha'is of Shiraz. It is requested that this note be posted in as many other sites as possible.

By the Baha'is of Shiraz

Imprisoned Baha'is in Shiraz are being kept under inhumane conditions. They are held in small cells, in solitary confinement. These cells are about 2.2 meters x 2.2 meters wide, with an open washroom at the corner, and without any sort of windows, openings or ventilation system. Their bedding consists merely of two blankets on the cement prison floor. At present, there are seven Baha'i detained in the city of Shiraz.

Among them, the situation of Haleh Houshamandi-Salehi (arrested March 18, 2009), is the gravest (see http://www.iranpresswatch.org/2009/04/serious-health/). She has a heart ailment and her physician has stated that any stress or trauma will have an extremely serious impact on her health. Under the intense psychological and physical pressures of solitary confinement and ongoing interrogations, she developed numbness on the left side of her body to the point that she could not get herself up from the floor. After 22 days in solitary confinement, authorities transferred Halah Ruhi (detained since October 2007), to Haleh's cell. Although Haleh Houshamandi-Salehi is being given some medication in the prison, she is in urgent need of proper medical care and the attention of a heart specialist. Her family has taken her medical records to the detention centre, hoping for compassion and understanding.

However, in response to her family's ongoing inquiries into Haleh's condition, the judiciary investigator recently said: "What happens if one of you dies, one less the better".

Photo of Sooren Salehi

Haleh Houshmadi-Salehi's 8-year old son, Sooren, traumatized by the raid of his home and the detainment of his mother, often bursts into tears. The mothers of his classmates help their children with their homework, drop them off and pick them up from school, but the authorities have left Sooren without his mother. He says, "I feel like crying, but I try very hard and stop myself. I worry that my classmates will make fun of me". He often asks when his mother will be home, but no one has any answers to comfort this broken-hearted child.

On April 4, a bail was set by the Prosecutor General of Fars province for the release of four of the prisoners arrested in the last two months. However, the judiciary investigator stated that under no condition would he accept the instructions of the Prosecutor General and allow these Baha'is to be discharged on bail (see, http://www.iranpresswatch.org/2009/04/imprisoned-bahais-barred/).

A few days ago, an arrest order was briefly shown to a Baha'i that was being questioned by Islamic authorities. The arrest order was entitled: Arrest Warrant of all Connected Individuals. This revelation is very alarming as it indicates the authorities' intentions to use such broad reaching statements to justify numerous arrests. With such a vague and ambiguous warrant, any and all family members of the detained Baha'is can be considered "connected individuals" and any Baha'i can be considered a "connected individual" by virtue of their faith and their common beliefs. Their use of elusive terminology on warrants allows them to detain, question and arrest any individual for any period of time, at will, and without any further justification or clarification.

It is the urgent hope of the detainees' families that the ongoing atrocities against Baha'is are stopped, and that their loved ones, detained solely because of their beliefs, are released.

Neglect of prisoner's health condition, imprisonment in Babol, new one in Semnan, raid in Yazd, update on Hamadan

Four newsbits chronicling how blind fanaticism continues to blight the annals of the Iranian regime. Compiled from iranpresswatch.org.

A Letter from Haleh Houshmandi

Posted: 28 Apr 2009

Editor’s Note: During the last two months, Iran Press Watch has reported extensively on the ordeals faced by Mrs. Haleh Houshmandi, but has also celebrated her released two days ago. Iran Press Watch has just received a moving letter from Mrs. Houshmandi, which we share below in translation.

By Haleh Houshmandi

Allah-u-Abha!

Today [Monday, April 27, 2009] is the second day that I have been released from the incarceration facility of the Ministry of Intelligence on a bail of 100 million tuman [equivalent to about $100,000]. Forty days of imprisonment!
It all started a few days days before Naw-Ruz [March 21] when my husband and I were out of town. The agents of the Ministry of Intelligence came to our house and forced my mother to open the door. They raided our home and confiscated our computer, all religious books, other personal items, and they even took children’s CDs belonging to my eight-year old child. It was a most stressful situation. I was ordered to report to the detention centre upon my return which I did and was incarcerated then (March 18).
However, when earlier today I was reading various internet sites, the thought occurred to me that perhaps because of inability to meet with my family for the first four weeks and being allowed to only speak with them by a few short phone calls, and afterwards two visits from behind the glass by phone each lasting only a few minutes, some of the details have not fully reached interested parties.
My heart ailment is from the past and I’ve been under physician’s care. In the stressful environment of constant interrogations and solitary confinement, my conditioned worsened. However, after the second week, when I was examined by the prison facility’s doctor, I was given the required medications.
Because of my neck and back-aches, I was in considerable pain and in the small confinement of the prison cell, I was unable to move and this added considerably to the hardship.
From the fourth week, my dear friend Haleh Rouhi, who has been incarcerated for some 18 months, was allowed to visit my cell and because of her attention and care, I was made more comfortable.
In the fifth week, they took me to a hospital specializing in heart problems and they performed an echocardiogram of my heart to diagnose the cause of my worsening condition, which was determined to be due to stress and emotions associated with my imprisonment.
The next day, dear Haleh Rouhi and Raha Sabet were given their family leave and I spent another week by myself and my pains in their cell which had a television and books.
I am now in the love-filled bosom of my family and under the physician’s care.
I pray for the release of all our dear friends, Mr. Vahdat Danna, Mr. Farham Masumi and Mr. Kayvan Karami, who continue to languish in prison in Shiraz, and all other Baha’i prisoners throughout Iran. I offer my most heartfelt gratitude to all the friends, near or far, throughout the world that have given solace and comfort to me and my family through their ardent prayers.
Haleh Houshmandi, Shiraz.
Download: Persian Original (PDF)

Read a further report on Ms. Hooshmandi's case below.

Serious Health Condition of an Imprisoned Baha'i

Posted: 11 Apr 2009

As previously reported by Iran Press Watch (http://www.iranpresswatch.org/2009/03/arrested-shiraz/), a young Baha'i of Shiraz was arrested on March 18, 2009, under inexplicable circumstances.

The following report was filed by Human Rights Activists of Iran in Persian earlier today and appears below in translation:

Mrs. Haleh Hooshmandi is one the Baha'i countrymen who was arrested by the agents of the Ministry of Intelligence on March 18, 2009, and presently remains in grave health conditions in prison. No official charges have been stated against her, nor has her case been processed through the legal channels.

According to reports received by our office, Mrs. Haleh Hooshmandi has a history of heart ailment and her physician has stated that any stress or trauma would have an extremely injurious impact on her health.

In a recent contact she had with her family, Mrs. Hooshmandi advised that her condition was not well and deteriorating, and declared her heart situation to be "serious". She asked that her medical records be immediately shared with the Ministry of Intelligence.

The condition of this Baha'i countryman, whose family and physician are disallowed from visiting her, particularly at a time when many prisoners of conscience have died mysteriously while in custody as result of lack of medical attention, has deeply alarmed her family and human rights activists.

It should be noted that security agencies in Shiraz have arrested at least four Baha'i citizens in recent days and summoned for interrogation a number of others.

[Posted in Persian on Saturday, April 11, 2009, at http://hra-iran.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=840:321&catid=84:502&Itemid=219. Translation by Iran Press Watch.]

Baha'is under Attack in Yazd and Semnan

Posted: 11 Apr 2009 02:51 PM PDT

On Thursday, April 9, 2009, Khabar Navard reported that during the nationwide Naw-Ruz festivities, agents of the Ministry of Intelligence raided the home of Mr. Bahnam Rouhani, one of the Baha'is of Yazd, on March 30, 2009. Agents thoroughly searched the residence and confiscated a number of items, including personal computer and various CDs. No further update on this story is available at this time.

In addition, on April 9, Khabar Navard reported that following recent harassments, attacks and arrest of the Baha'is in Semnan, the Ministry of Intelligence in this town summoned Mr. Ali Ehsani, a resident Baha'i, to their office on April 6, 2009, to answer various questions. The report continues:

After interrogations, a bail of 40 million tumans [about $41,000] was demanded, but since it was at the end of the business day, the bail was not processed.

The following day, his family took the required bail to the court, but without any explanation, the bail was refused. From that date, Mr. Ehsani continues to remain incarcerated in the facilities of the Intelligence Ministry. He remains incommunicado.

Mr. Ehsani is 29 years old and is married with two children, 5 and 7 years old.

In addition to the above-named Baha'i, five other Baha'is are imprisoned in Semnan because of their religion: Sahba Rezvani, Pouya Tabyanian, Adel Fanaian, Taher Eskandarian and Abbas Nourani.

[Source for Yazd story: http://khabarnavard.blogspot.com/2009/04/blog-post_09.html. For Semnan: http://khabarnavard.blogspot.com/2009/04/blog-post.html. Translation by Iran Press Watch.]

A Baha'i Arrested in Babol

Posted: 14 Apr 2009 08:46 AM PDT

Iran Press Watch has learned that a Baha'i resident of the town of Babol in the province of Mazandaran was arrested on Tuesday, April 14, 2009.

Agents of the Ministry of Intelligence went to the home of the parents of Mr. Mushafiq Samandari armed with court order instructing the search of residence and arrest of Mr. Samandari. The search took place from 10 AM until about 11:30 AM on April 14. In the process, the agents confiscated such items as two cases of computer materials, printer and scanner, in addition to a number of books, CDs, videos and cassette tapes.

Since an order for the arrest of Mr. Samandari was issued previously, he presented himself to authorities at 12 noon and is presently incarcerated. It appears the charge against him stem from a private complaint by a family whose son is a friend of Mr. Samandari and the family has stated that "He is learning about the Baha'i Faith." Authorities in Iran consider any discussion of the Baha'i Faith to be illegal and arrest any Baha'i who has mentioned the Faith in public.

Update on Arrested Baha’is in Hamadan

Posted: 15 Apr 2009 07:44 AM PDT
Further to Iran Press Watch’s recent reports on additional pressures brought upon the Baha’is of Hamadan, it has been learned that Sahba Khademi-Delju was incarcerated incommunicado for one week and released on bail and surety on April 14.
The homes of the following Baha’is were raided on Saturday, April 11, 2009, and some of their personal properties confiscated. They were also arrested and after one day of incarceration and interrogations were released on bail and surety: Miss Sorour Sorourian, Miss Sumayra Ayubi, Mr. Payman Aqdasi and Mr. Faraz Purhamzeh.
Iran Press Watch will bring further updates as they become available.

Read the story of the arrests in Hamadan here.