Baha’i World News Service
Seven Baha’i leaders who have been imprisoned in Iran for more than two years are set to face their fourth court appearance on 12 June.
The date coincides with the anniversary of last year’s presidential election in Iran, as well as a global day of action aimed at calling attention to human rights abuses in that country.
“On 12 June the eyes of the world will be on Iran,” said Australian Baha’i Community spokesperson Tessa Scrine.
“Nothing less than a fair and open trial that upholds international legal standards will stand up to world scrutiny,” Ms Scrine.
“Not a shred of evidence was presented against the seven in three previous hearings this year,” she said.
“Despite this, they remain crammed into two small, putrid cells where they sleep on blankets on a cement floor and are allowed fresh air for only two hours a week,” she said.
“These seven should be released unconditionally, or at the very least be freed on bail pending a fair and open trial.
“Four of the prisoners have close relatives who are members of the Australian Baha’i Community.”
Australian Government
Four months ago, Australian diplomats spoke out at the United Nations about the treatment of the seven Baha’is, the latest of the repeated official expressions of concern by Australian Government representatives over the past two years.
The seven defendants are Fariba Kamalabadi, Jamaloddin Khanjani, Afif Naeimi, Saeid Rezaie, Mahvash Sabet, Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Vahid Tizfahm.
Before their imprisonment, they attended to the spiritual and social needs of Iran’s Baha’i community, which numbers more than 300,000.
Mrs Sabet was arrested on 5 March 2008 and the others on 14 May 2008.
There are currently some 38 Baha’is in detention in various cities in Iran due to their Faith.