Dangers to the Iranian state
“Using the courts as an instrument of religious persecution.” Islamic Tolerance Alert from the Islamic Republic of Iran: “Trial underway for Baha’i leaders in Iran,” from CNN, January 12:
(CNN) — Seven leaders of Iran’s Baha’i minority went on trial in Tehran Tuesday accused of spying for Israel, a charge their supporters say is motivated by religious discrimination.
Naaahh!! Couldn’t be!
The seven — two women and five men — are also accused of spreading propaganda against the Islamic republic and committing religious offenses, charges that can carry the death penalty….
They have been held at Tehran’s Evin prison since their arrests in March and May 2008. Their trial was delayed twice. Ala’i said it was because the Iranian regime had no basis for a case.
The U.S. State Department on Monday condemned Iran’s decision to try the leaders.
“Authorities have detained these persons for more than 20 months, without making public any evidence against them and giving them little access to legal counsel,” the department said in a statement.
Leonard Leo, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom chairman, said his group is “extremely concerned about the fate of the seven” — who risk facing the death penalty.
“It appears that the Iranian government has already predetermined the outcome, and is once again using its courts as an instrument of religious persecution in blatant violation of international human rights law,” Leo said….