[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 7 (Thursday, January 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E68]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ESPIONAGE TRIAL AGAINST SEVEN LEADERS OF THE IRANIAN BAHA'I COMMUNITY

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                           HON. FRANK R. WOLF

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 21, 2010

  Mr. WOLF. Madam Speaker, Monday's Washington Post featured a story 
about seven leaders of the Baha'i community who are facing ``trial 
behind closed doors in Tehran.''
  The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom rightly called 
the trial a ``sham.'' The U.S. State Department issued a statement 
strongly condemning the Iranian government's decision to commence the 
espionage trial against seven leaders of the Iranian Baha'i community: 
Mrs. Fariba Kamalabadi, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. Afif Naeimi, Mr. 
Saeid Rezaie, Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli, Mr. Vahid Tizfahm and Mrs. Mahvash 
Sabet.
  After 20 months in prison these individuals finally had their first 
court appearance on January 12. According to the Baha'i International 
Community Iranian authorities have notified the lawyers of seven 
imprisoned Baha'i leaders that the next session of their trial will be 
held on February 7.
  They spent their first year in prison without formal charges or 
access to lawyers, in violation of Iranian law. And now, the stakes are 
getting even higher for members of this minority faith.
  A recent state-sponsored media campaign levied false accusations 
against the Baha'is claiming this religious group incited the latest 
protests in the Iran. This is a regime that is scared of its own people 
and desperately looking to redirect public discontent.
  Sadly, we should not be surprised by these actions. The government of 
Iran's gross violations of religious freedom are well-documented and 
long-standing including the execution of over 200 Baha'i leaders since 
1979, the desecration of Baha'i cemeteries and places of worship and 
the violent arrest and harassment of members of the Baha'i faith.
  The U.S. must continue to work with our partners to speak with one 
voice about inexcusable human rights violations that are occurring in 
Iran. We must continue to speak out for due process and a fair trial 
for these seven Baha'i leaders.
  The world cannot turn a blind eye to this regime's persecution of its 
own people.

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