An Australian international TV channel has broadcast a story about the persecution of Baha’is in Iran to more than 46 countries across Australasia, the Pacific, Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
The story by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s “Australia Network” can be viewed online.
In the report first screened on 8 August 2013, journalist Catherine Graue interviews the sister, son and daughter-in-law of Fariba Kamalabadi, all Australian residents.
Mrs Kamalabadi is one of seven Baha’i leaders who have so far served five years of 20 year jail sentence imposed after a trial widely condemned by the international community.
In their interviews, the relatives praise the personal qualities and community service of Mrs Kamalabai, 51, a developmental psychologist.
The network’s story also includes an exclusive interview with Iranian Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi, who was a lawyer for the Baha’i leaders.
Mrs Ebadi, now in exile in London, condemns the trial of the leaders as a “parody”.
“If we had a court that was independent and fair, they most certainly would have been freed but unfortunately the judicial system in Iran is not at all independent,” says Mrs Ebadi, who is not a Baha’i.
The report notes that since 2005, 600 Baha’is have been arrested — 52 cases have involved torture in detention — and that there have been more than 100 attacks on houses, business and cemeteries.
Ms Ebadi says nobody has been prosecuted for the attacks and that many, if not all, of those involved have been carrying out the instructions of the government.
Describing Australia’s Foreign Minister Bob Carr as one of “many international politicians” who have voiced concern about the persecution of Baha’is in Iran, the report shows footage of him telling the Parliament that the Federal Government calls on Iran to uphold the rights of religious and ethnic minorities.
The report notes that in May this year Senator Carr “stepped up the Australian Government’s rhetoric” and called for the immediate release of the seven Baha’i leaders.
Read more about the seven Baha’i leaders
Read more about the human rights situation of the Baha’is in Iran