Family fears for 7 seized in Iran

By Melissa Grant
A MEMBER of Pakenham’s Baha’i community holds grave concerns for his cousin – one of seven Baha’i leaders being held against their will by the Iranian Government.
Ahmid Sobhani hasn’t heard from his cousin, Jamaloddin Khanjani, since his arrest last month and fears for his safety.
Secretary of the Cardinia Baha’i community Kris Bernard said six Baha’i leaders in Iran were arbitrarily arrested on 14 May and continue to be held at an unknown location, without legal representation or access to their families.
The seventh member of the leadership group, which represents Iran’s largest religious minority, has been held under similar conditions since her arrest in March, she said.
The Australian Government has joined Canada, the United States and the European Union in expressing deep concern about the leaders’ imprisonment, while Human rights and faith-based organisations have demanded their release.
Ms Bernard said although the Iranian Government had claimed it had arrested the seven amid “security concerns”, their imprisonment was part of ongoing persecutions against those of the Baha’i faith.
She said the Iranian Government had made it impossible for Baha’is, a religious group with 300,000 members in Iran, to get an education. Marriages between members of the faith weren’t recognised either, Ms Bernard said.
Mr Sobhani, who migrated to Australia in 2001 after fleeing from Iran 1984, said the arrest of his cousin had brought back painful memories.
“They took my father (in jail) because of me,” he said.
Mr Sobhani’s wife Azita said other members of his family had also been targeted because of their faith.
“His sister was teaching Sunday school and they came in the house and took her and her husband and left Ahmid’s four-year-old niece there on her own,” she said.
Ms Bernard said the latest arrests were reminiscent of events decades ago.
“When the Islamic Revolution happened they killed all members of the Baha’i leadership group,” she said.
“Nine new members were then elected and they killed them.”
The Iranian Government has denied it has detained or executed people because of their faith.
This weekend, Baha’is across Australia will come together at open meetings to share information and express concern about the Baha’i leaders’ imprisonment.
The Pakenham Baha’i community will hold a meeting this Sunday from 7.30pm at the Lilypond House, Duncan Drive, Pakenham.