Set them free.

12Mar09

Iran.

When I was a kid, I vaguely remember Iraq and Kuwait. because of the war. I wasn’t sure how old I was when I finally learnt the word Iran.

It was later when I became more acquainted with the Baha’i Faith in my teens, that I learnt about Persia – where the Faith was born. But I never thought of going there. I never thought I could go anywhere outside of my little home town. Ten years later and having traveled a little more, I wonder why I’ve never really harboured the desire to visit Iran. Until not too long ago.

Shiraz.

A city famous for poets, gardens, wine, and of course its beauty, Shiraz is the birth place of the Báb. It is also here that the Báb declared His purpose in 1844 – to prepare humanity for the coming of a Promised One awaited by all the peoples of the world. Subsequently, He was arrested and imprisoned as His proclamation outraged the authorities, and finally on 9th July 1850, He was executed in Tabriz. Today, Shiraz is on top of my list for places to visit.

One hundred and fifty nine years later. 2009.

~ Despite being strictly non-involved in politics by principle, despite being the well-wishers of their countrymen, the government is hell-bent on persecuting Baha’is. (MN)

~ Recent signs of escalation in the persecution of Baha’is, the detention of student activists, and clamping down on women’s rights advocates are indications that Iran is descending into an unstable authoritarian regime. (GC)

~ Time and again, Bahá’ís have been offered their freedom – and in some cases, their lives – if they recant their faith and convert to Islam. For more than a century, and particularly in the past three decades, Bahá’ís have responded to such attacks with nothing other than resignation, dignity and patience. (RB)

Iran’s Deputy Prosecutor-General announced charges against seven detained Baha’i leaders on February 11th, charges which included “espionage for Israel, desecrating religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic Republic.”

… Your Honor, it is difficult to understand how words such as “manipulative” and “deceitful,” “dangerous” and “threatening,” can be applied to Bahá’í activity in Iran.  Do you consider dangerous the efforts of a group of young people who, out of a sense of obligation to their fellow citizens, work with youngsters from families of little means to improve their mathematics and language skills and to develop their abilities to play a constructive part in the progress of their nation?  Is it a threat to society for Bahá’ís to discuss with their neighbors noble and high-minded ideals, reinforcing the conviction that the betterment of the world is to be achieved through pure and goodly deeds and through commendable and seemly conduct?  In what way is it manipulative for a couple to speak in the privacy of their home with a few friends confused by the portrayal of Bahá’ís in the mass media and to share with them the true nature of their beliefs, which revolve around such fundamental verities as the oneness of God and the oneness of humankind?  What duplicity is there if a child at school, after listening to offensive language about the Founder of her Faith Whom she so loves, politely raises her hand and requests permission to explain to her classmates some of the teachings she follows?

Iran. Future.

I still hope in my life time I will get to visit Iran, and threading paths where the Manifestations of God hath been, visiting holy places where He had once been. I hope, and I will continue to hope.

Your Honor, the decisions to be taken by the judiciary in Iran in the coming days will have implications that extend well beyond the Bahá’í community in that land––what is at stake is the very cause of the freedom of conscience for all the peoples of your nation.  It is our hope that, for the sanctity of Islam and the honor of Iran, the judiciary will be fair in its judgment.

Here are some interesting videos made, first one especially on the reply from the Baha’is to the prosecutor general which you could watch here. Set the Baha’is of Iran free from Mehran Granfar.

Another video is made in a humourous way. They say some things are so sad, all you can do is laugh about them.

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