[CANCELLED: The Feb. 7th event at the DC Baha'i Center has been cancelled due to the coming snowstorm. The Baha'is of Washington DC will be holding smaller gatherings in their neighborhoods around the city. If you are interested in participating please use the contact form and we can direct you to a local gathering.]
On Sunday, February 7th, the DC Baha’i community will hold a special public prayer gathering and informational event to show support for and solidarity with imprisoned their co-religionists in Iran, whose court appearance before the Revolution Court is scheduled for the same day.
The DC event is part of a worldwide effort to bring attention to the plight of seven Iranian Baha’i leaders who face trial on charges that include potentially capital offenses: espionage for Israel and “spreading corruption on earth.”
What: Special public prayer gathering for Baha'i prisoners in Iran
When: Sunday, February 7, 2010, at 1pm
Where: DC Baha'i Center, 5713 16th Street NW, Washington DC 20011
The prisoners are Mrs. Fariba Kamalabadi, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mrs. Mahvash Sabet, Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Mr. Vahid Tizfahm.
Since 2008, they have been held in Evin prison, spending their first year there without formal charges or any access to lawyers. At their first court appearance, held January 12th in Tehran, the charges were read to the seven, and their lawyers categorically denied the accusations. It is feared that in light of 10 more arrests of Iranian Baha’is this month, charges against these new prisoners will be used to create false evidence in court against the seven Baha'i leaders. The trial has triggered comprehensive international reaction, including strong statements of concern from the European Union, the United States, Brazil, India, and Canada.
On February 7th, Baha’i communities around the world will hold prayer meetings in honor of the Iranian prisoners. In Washington DC, the local Baha’i community invites all concerned with human rights and individuals of all faith backgrounds to learn more about the situation of the Baha’is in Iran. The program will include readings, live music, and a short presentation detailing the latest information regarding the prisoners.
The event will be held at 1pm on Sunday, February 7, 2010 at the DC Baha'i Center, located at 5713 16th Street NW, Washington DC 20011.
For latest news about the trial and background information on the persecution of the Baha'is in Iran, please visit http://iran.bahai.us and http://news.bahai.org/