"We are ashamed", public apology to Baha'is

[Meehandoost]

We are ashamed!

Century and a half of silence towards oppression against Bahais is enough


by Open Letter
04-Feb-2009


In the name of goodness and beauty, and in the name of humanity and liberty!
As Iranian human beings, we are ashamed for what has been perpetrated upon the Baha’is in the last century and a half in Iran.

We firmly believe that every Iranian, “without distinction of any kind, such as, race, color, sex, language, religion, politics or other opinions,” and also without regard to ethnic background, “social origin, property, birth or other status,” is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. However, from the very inception of the Baha’i Faith, the followers of this religion in Iran have been deprived of many provisions of human rights solely on account of their religious convictions.

According to historical documents and evidence, from the commencement of the Babi Movement followed by the appearance of the Baha’i Faith, thousands of our countrymen have been slain by the sword of bigotry and superstition only for their religious beliefs. Just in the first decades of its establishment, some twenty thousand of those who stood identified with this faith community were savagely killed throughout various regions of Iran.

We are ashamed that during that period, no voice of protest against these barbaric murders was registered;

We are ashamed that until today the voice of protest against this heinous crime has been infrequent and muted;

We are ashamed that in addition to the intense suppression of Baha’is during its formative decades, the last century also witnessed periodic episodes of persecution of this group of our countrymen, in which their homes and businesses were set on fire, and their lives, property and families were subjected to brutal persecution – but all the while, the intellectual community of Iran remained silent;

We are ashamed that during the last thirty years, the killing of Baha’is solely on the basis of their religious beliefs has gained legal status and over two-hundred Baha’is have been slain on this account;

We are ashamed that a group of intellectuals have justified coercion against the Baha’i community of Iran;

We are ashamed of our silence that after many decades of service to Iran, Baha’i retired persons have been deprived of their right to a pension;

We are ashamed of our silence that on the account of their fidelity to their religion and truthfulness in stating this conviction, thousands of Baha’i youth have been barred from education in universities and other institutions of higher learning in Iran;

We are ashamed that because of their parents’ religious beliefs, Baha’i children are subjected to denigration in schools and in public.

We are ashamed of our silence over this painful reality that in our nation, Baha’is are systematically oppressed and maligned, a number of them are incarcerated because of their religious convictions, their homes and places of business are attacked and destroyed, and periodically their burial places are desecrated;

We are ashamed of our silence when confronted with the long, dark and atrocious record that our laws and legal system have marginalized and deprived Baha’is of their rights, and the injustice and harassment of both official and unofficial organs of the government towards this group of our countrymen;

We are ashamed for all these transgressions and injustices, and we are ashamed for our silence over these deeds.

We, the undersigned, asked you, the Baha’is, to forgive us for the wrongs committed against the Baha’i community of Iran.

We will no longer be silent when injustice is visited upon you.

We stand by you in achieving all the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of the Human Rights.

Let us join hands in replacing hatred and ignorance with love and tolerance.
February 3, 2009

1. Abdolalian, Morteza, Journalist, CJFE Board of Directors - Canada, Oakville
2. Abghari, Shahla, Professor, Life University – USA, Atlanta
3. Abghari, Siavash, Professor, University of Georgia – USA, Atlanta
4. Ahmadi, Ramin, Professor, Yale University – USA, Yale
5. Almasi, Nasrin, Managing editor of Shahrvand- Canada, Toronto
6. Bagherpour, Khosro, Poet /Journalist – Germany
7. Baradaran, Monireh, Writer/Human rights activist - Germany
8. Beyzaie, Niloofar, Play writer/Theatre Director – Germany, Frankfurt
9. Boroumand, Ladan, Researcher, Boroumand Foundation - USA, Washington, DC
10. Boroumand, Roya, Executive Director, Boroumand Foundation – USA, Washington, DC
11. Choubine, Bahram, Researcher/Writer – Germany, Köln
12. Daneshvar, Hamid, Actor/Theatre Director – France, Paris
13. Darvishpour, Mehrdad, Professor, Stockholm University - Sweden, Stockholm
14. Djalali Chimeh, Mohammad (M.sahar), Poet - France, Paris
15. Djanati Atai, Behi, Actor/ Writer/Theatre Director – France, Paris
16. Ebrahimi, Hadi, Editor-in-chief of Shahrgon, Canada, Vancouver
17. Fani Yazdi, Reza, Political analyst - USA
18. Farhoudi, Vida, Poet/Translator- France, Paris
19. Forouhar, Parastoo, Artist/Human rights activist – Germany, Frankfurt
20. Ghaemi, Hadi Coordinator Int. Campaign for HR in Iran - USA
21. Ghahraman, Saghi, Poet /Journalist – Canada, Toronto
22. Ghahraman, Sasan, Publisher/Writer/Journalist – Canada, Toronto
23. Javid, Jahanshah, Publisher, Iranian.com – Mexico, Chihuahua
24. Kakhsaz, Naser, Political analyst – Germany, Bochum
25. Kalbasi, Sheema, Poet – USA, Washington
26. Kassraei, Farhang, Writer/Actor – Germany, Wiesbaden
27. Khorsandi, Hadi, Satirist – Great Britain, London
28. Mahbaz, Efat, Women rights activist /Journalist– UK, London
29. Malakooty, Sirus, Classical Guitar Player/ Composer/ Lecturer - UK, London
30. Moshkin, Ghalam Shahrokh, Actor/Dancer – France, Paris
31. Mossaed, Jila, Poet/Writer - Sweden, Göteborg.
32. Mossallanejad, Ezat, Writer/Human right Activist, CCVT – Canada, Toronto
33. Parsa Soheil, Theatre Director - Canada Toronto
34. Sahimi, Muhammad Professor, University of Southern California – USA
35. Shafigh, Shahla, Writer/Researcher – France, Paris
36. Shemiranie, Khosro, Journalist - Canada, Montreal
37. Sheyda, Behrooz, Literary Critic/Theorist- Sweden, Stockholm
38. Taghipoor, Masoomeh, Actor/Theatre Director - Sweden, Göteborg.
39. Tahavori, Mohammad, Journalist, USA, MA Cambridge
40. Vahdati, Soheila, Human Rights Activist – USA, California
41. Zahedi, Mitra, Theatre Director – Germany, Berlin
42. Zerehi, Hassan, Editor-in-chief of Shahrvand, Canada, Toronto

To join the signaturees please contact the following emails.
niloofarbeyzaie@gmx.at
shemiranie@yhaoo.com

Submit your writing to Iranian.com: log in or register

Source: http://www.iranian.com/main/2009/feb/we-are-ashamed
On CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/02/06/iran.bahai.apology/index.html

 

[Meehandoost]

The open letter in its original Persian text:

نامۀ سرگشاده گروهی از دانشگاهیان، نویسندگان، هنرمندان،​

روزنامه نگاران و فعالان ایرانی در سراسر جهان،​

به جامعه بهایی:​

ما شرمگینیم!​

یک و نیم قرن سرکوب و سکوت کافیست!​

به نام نیکی و زیبایی، به نام انسان و به نام آزادی ​

به عنوان انسان ایرانی، از آنچه طی یک و نیم قرن گذشته در ایران، در حق شما بهاییان روا شده است،ما شرمگینیم​

ما بر این باوریم که هر ایرانی باید بتواند "بی هیچگونه تمایزی، بویژه از حیث نژاد، رنگ، جنسیت، زبان، دین، عقیده سیاسی یا هر عقیده دیگر،" و همچنین منشاء قومی یا "اجتماعی، ثروت، ولادت یا هر وضعیت دیگر از تمام حقوق و همه آزادی های ذکر شده" در منشور جهانی حقوق بشر بهره مند شود، اما بهاییان ایران از اولین روزهای ظهور آیین بهائیت،تا به امروزبه خاطر باورهای دینی خود از بسیاری از حقوق انسانی محروم بوده اند. ​

بنا به شواهد و مستندات تاریخی، ازابتدای شکل گیری آئین بابی و سپس بهائی در ایران، هزاران تن، تنها به دلیل این باورهای دینی خود،به تیغ تعصب و خرافه به قتل رسیده اند. تنها در نخستین دهه میلاد این آیین، نزدیک به بیست هزار تن از وابستگان آن در شهرهای مختلف ایران به قتل رسیدند.​

ما شرمگینیم از اینکه در آن دوران صدایی در مخالفت با این کشتار بربرمنشانه ثبت نشده است و
ما شرمگینیم از اینکه تا به امروز نیز صداها در محکومیت این جنایت هولناک جسته و گریخته و نارسا بوده است.
ما شرمگینیم از اینکه علاوه بر سرکوب شدید نخستین دهه های حضور بهاییان، در صد سال گذشته نیز، این گروه از هموطنان ما مورد حمله های ادواری قرار گرفته، منازل و محل کار آنها به آتش کشیده و تخریب شده و به جان و مال و ناموس آنها تجاوز شده اما جامعه روشنفکری ایران در مقابل این فاجعه خاموش مانده است.​

ما شرمگینیم از اینکه طی سی سال گذشته قتل بهاییان، تنها به جرم باورهای دینی شان شکل قانونی به خود گرفته و بیش از دویست بهایی به قتل رسیده اند و
ما شرمگینیم از اینکه گروهی از روشنفکران فشار علیه بهاییان را تئوریزه کرده اند.​

ما شرمگینیم از سکوت خود در مقابل اینکه بسیاری از سالمندان بهایی پس از ده ها سال خدمت به ایران، از دریافت حقوق بازنشستگی محروم هستند.
ما شرمگینیم از خاموشی خود در مقابل اینکه هزاران جوان بهایی، به دلیل باورهای دینی خود و صداقت در بیان این اعتقادات، از امکان تحصیل در دانشگاه ها و مدارس آموزش عالی ایران محروم هستند.
ما شرمگینیم از سکوت خود در مقابل اینکه کودکان بهایی به دلیل باورهای دینی والدین خود، در مدارس و معابر مورد تحقیر قرار می گیرند.
ما شرمگینیم از خاموشی خود در مقابل این واقعیت دردناک که در میهن ما فشار و تحقیر علیه بهاییان به طور سیستماتیک اعمال می شود، تعدادی فقط به خاطر این باور دینی در زندان به سر می برند و خانه ها و محل کار آنها مورد حمله و تخریب قرارمی گیرد و گاه حتی آرامگاه های مردگان این گروه از هموطنان ما از تعرض به دور نمی ماند.
ما شرمگینیم از سکوت خود در برابر سیاهه طولانی، اندوه بار و دهشتناکِ حق کشی های نهادینه شده در قوانین کشور ما علیه بهاییان، و بی عدالتی ها و فشارهای دستگاه های رسمی و غیررسمی در مورد این گروه از هموطنان​

ما شرمگینیم به دلیل اعمال جنایت ها و بی عدالتی ها وما شرمگینیم به دلیل سکوت خود در برابر این اعمال. ​

ما امضا کنندگان این نوشته، از شما بهاییان، بویژه از قربانیان جنایت ها علیه بهاییان ایران، پوزش می خواهیم.
ما بیش از این دربرابر بی عدالتی در مورد شما سکوت نمی کنیم.
ما در راه رسیدن به حقوق انسانی تصریح شده در منشور جهانی حقوق بشر در کنار شما می ایستیم. ​

باشد تا عشق و آگاهی را جایگزین نفرت و جهل کنیم.​

پانزده بهمن 1387 – سوم فوریه 2009 ​

• ابراهیمی هادی – سردبیر شهرگان – کانادا، ونکور

• احمدی رامین – استاد دانشگاه و فعال حقوق بشر– آمریکا، یل​
• الماسی نسرین – مدیر تحریریه شهروند - کانادا – تورنتو​
• باقرپور خسرو – شاعر و روزنامه نگار – آلمان​
• برادران منیره – نویسنده و فعال حقوق بشر – آلمان​
• برومند رویا – مدیر اجرایی بنیاد برومند – آمریکا، واشنگتن​
• برومند لادن – پژوهشگر، بنیاد برومند- آمریکا، واشنگتن​
• بیضایی نیلوفر – نمایشنامه نویس وکارگردان تئاتر – آلمان، فرانکفورت​
• پارسا سهیل – کارگردان تئاتر – کانادا، تورنتو​
• تقی پور معصومه – بازیگر و کارگردان تئاتر – سوئد، گوته بورگ ​
• تهوری محمد – روزنامه نگار – آمریکا، ماساچوست​
• جاوید جهانشاه – ناشر – ایرانیان دات کام – مکزیک ​
• جلالی چیمه محمد (م سحر) – شاعر – فرانسه، پاریس​
• جنتی عطایی بهی - بازیگر، نویسنده و کارگردان تئاتر – فرانسه، پاریس​
• چوبینه بهرام - نویسنده و پژوهشگر – آلمان، کلن​
• خرسندی هادی – طنز پرداز – انگلستان، لندن​
• دانشور حمید – بازیگر و کارگردان تئاتر – فرانسه، پاریس​
• درویش پور مهرداد – استاد دانشگاه – سوئد، استکهلم​
• زاهدی میترا – کارگردان تئاتر – آلمان، برلین​
• زرهی حسن – سردبیر شهروند – کانادا، تورنتو​
• سهیمی محمد – استاد دانشگاه – آمریکا، کالیفرنیا ​
• شفیق شهلا – نویسنده و پژوهشگر – فرانسه، پاریس​
• شمیرانی خسرو – روزنامه نگار – کانادا، مونترال​
• شیدا بهروز – منتقد و پژوهشگر ادبی - سوئد، استکهلم​
• عبدالعلیان مرتضی – عضو هثئت مدیره سی.جی.اف.ای – کانادا، اکویل​
• عبقری سیاوش – استاد دانشگاه – ایالات متحده، آتلانتا​
• عبقری شهلا – استاد دانشگاه – ایالات متحده، آتلانتا​
• فانی یزدی رضا – تحلیلگر سیاسی - آمریکا​
• فرهودی ویدا – شاعر و مترجم – فرانسه، پاریس​
• فروهر پرستو – هنرمند و فعال حقوق بشر – آلمان، فرانکفورت​
• قائمی هادی – هماهنگ کننده کمپین بین اللملی حقوق بشر در ایران - آمریکا​
• قهرمان ساسان – نویسنده و روزنامه نگار - کانادا، تورنتو​
• قهرمان ساقی – شاعر و روزنامه نگار - کانادا، تورنتو​
• کاخساز ناصر - پژوهشگر و تحلیلگر سیاسی – آلمان، بوخوم​
• کسرایی فرهنگ – نویسنده و بازیگر تئاتر – آلمان، ویسبادن​
• کلباسی شیما – شاعر – آمریکا، واشنگتن​
• ماهباز عفت – فعال حقوق زن و روزنامه نگار – انگلیس، لندن​
• مساعد ژیلا – شاعر و نویسنده – سوئد، گوتبورگ​
• مشکین قلم شاهرخ – هنرپیشه و رقصنده – فرانسه، پاریس​
• مصلی نژاد عزت – نویسنده و فعال حقوق بشر- کانون کانادایی قربانیان شکنجه – کانادا، تورنتو​
• ملکوتی سیروس – نوازنده، آهنگساز و استاد گیتار کلاسیک – انگلستان، لندن​
• وحدتی سهیلا – فعال حقوق بشر – آمریکا، کالیفرنیا​

دانشگاهیان، نویسندگان، هنرمندان، روزنامه نگاران و تلاشگران ایرانی حقوق بشر که مایل هستند به جمع امضا کنندگان بپیوندند، می توانند با ای میل های زیر تماس بگیرید. ده روز پس از اولین انتشار، در روز سیزدهم فوریه 2009 این نامه با لیست کامل امضا کنندگان منتشر خواهد شد. ​

niloofarbeyzaie@gmx.at
shemiranie@yahoo.com​

Final List of more than 200 prominent Iranian Signatories:

1. Aban, Vahid, Human Right Supporter- Sweden
2. Abdolalian Morteza, Journalist, CJFE Board of Directors - Canada, Oakville
3. Abghari Shahla, Professor, Life University – USA, Atlanta
4. Abghari Siavash, Professor, University of Georgia – USA, Atlanta
5. Aeine, Abtin, Poet, Sweden
6. Afshar, Mahasti, Researcher and Nonprofit Executive, USA, Los Angeles
7. Afshari, Maryam, Political and Human Right Activist, Sweden, Goteborg
8. Afshin-Jam, Nazanin, Human Rights Activist, Singer/Songwriter, Actor, Canada, Vancouver
9. Aghnami, Reza, Writer and Literary Critic, England, London
10. Ahmadi, Fereidoon, Political Analyst and Activist- Germany, Cologne
11. Ahmadi Ramin, Professor, Yale University – USA, Yale
12. Akbari, Mansour, Human Right Activist – Sweden, Stockholm
13. Akhavan, Asal, Human Right Supporter - Australia
14. Alavi, Reza, Writer and Political Researcher - USA
15. Almasi Nasrin, Managing editor of Shahrvand- Canada, Toronto
16. Amini, Bahman, Chief of “Khavaran” Publishing Company, France, Paris
17. Amirgholi, Amir, Human Right and Women Right Activist, Iran, Tehran
18. Amirhosseini, Bahman, Managing editor of Iranian Magazine- USA, Virginia
19. Amirsedghi, Nasrin, Director of Kult DIA and Writer, Germany, Mainz
20. Amoozgar, Mojgan, Physician an Human Right Supporter, France, Paris
21. Ansari, Siamak, Human Right Activist, Sweden, Goteborg
22. Arian, Nima, Student and Human Right Supporter- Germany
23. Asadi, Houshang, Writer and Journalist – France, Paris
24. Assadi Savadkouhi, Hooshang, IT specialist and Human Right Supporter – Sweden, Stockholm
25. Assman, Mohammad Javad, Poet and Translator- Iran, Isfahan
26. Attar, Mahmood, Pharmacist and Human Right Supporter - Italy
27. Avaei, Gil, Writer and Blogger, Netherlands
28. Ayoubzadeh, Hassan, Writer and Lawyer, Netherlands, Arnhem
29. Azad, Azadeh, Sociologist- Canada
30. Azadian, Abbas, Psychotherapist and Human Right Supporter, Canada, Toronto
31. Azarian, Mina, Film and Stage Actress- Sweden, Stockholm
32. Azarkolah, Houman, Actor- France, Paris
33. Azarli, Katayoun, Writer and Poet – Germany
34. Bagheri- Goldschmied, Nahid, Poet and Journalist, Austrian, Vienna
35. Bagherpour, Danesh, Political Analyst - Germany
36. Bagherpour Khosro, Poet /Journalist – Germany
37. Bakhshizadeh, Marziye, Human Right Activist, Germany
38. Baradaran Monireh, Writer/Human rights activist – Germany
39. Batebi, Ahmad, Human Right Activist, USA, Washington DC
40. Behnia, Kamran, Physicist -France, Paris
41. Beyzaie Niloofar, Play writer/Theatre Director – Germany, Frankfurt
42. Borghei, Mohammad, Writer and University Lecturer- USA
43. Boroumand Ladan, Researcher, Boroumand Foundation - USA, Washington
44. Boroumand, Roya, Executive Director, Boroumand Foundation – USA, Washington
45. Chehabi, Houchang- Esfandiar, Professor – USA, Boston
46. Choubine Bahram, Researcher/Writer – Germany, Köln
47. Corrazo, Gabriela, Journalist - Spain
48. Daneshvar Hamid, Actor/Theatre Director – France, Paris
49. Darvishpour Mehrdad, Professor, Stockholm University - Sweden, Stockholm
50. Daryani, Hossein, Stage Actor – Germany, Berlin
51. Dastmalchi, Parviz, Writer and Political Analyst – Germany, Berlin
52. Davani, Hossein, Cinema Critic and Human Right Supporter – Germany, Cologne
53. Dehzangi, Arash, Doctorat Student – Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
54. Delneshin, Shahin, Political Critic and Blogger – Denmark, Copenhagen
55. Djalali Chimeh Mohammad (M.sahar), Poet - France, Paris
56. Djanati Atai Behi, Actor/ Writer/Theatre Director – France, Paris
57. Doai, Babak, Music Player and Teacher – Belgium
58. Duschouki, Abdolsatar, Political Analyst and Activist – Great Britain
59. Ebadi, Abdolatif, Poet, Translator and Journalist – Great Britain
60. Ebrahimi Hadi, Editor-in-chief of Shahrgon, Canada, Vancouver
61. Emami, Bahram – Human Right Activist, Sweden, Stockholm
62. Eskandari, Mohammad Reza, Social Worker and Human Right Supporter- Netherlands
63. Fadai, Behrouz, Political Activist – Netherlands
64. Fahimi, Nima, Owner of the “Efsha” Website and Human Right Supporter – England
65. Fani Yazdi Reza, Political analyst - USA
66. Farahani, Fereshteh, Human Right Activist - Netherlands
67. Farhoudi Vida, Poet/Translator- France, Paris
68. Farshi, Ebrahim, Writer, Theatre pedagogue and Stage Actor – Germany, Cologne
69. Fattah, Abbasali, Political Activist – Australia
70. Ferdosian, Payam, Writer, Researcher and Human Right Activist – USA, Virginia
71. Forouhar Parastoo, Artist/Human rights activist – Germany, Frankfurt
72. Ghadiri, Khosro, Professor, Political Analyst and Journalist – USA, San Jose
73. Ghaemi Hadi Coordinator Int. Campaign for HR in Iran - USA
74. Ghahraman Saghi, Poet /Journalist – Canada, Toronto
75. Ghahraman, Sasan, Publisher/Writer/Journalist – Canada, Toronto
76. Ghassemi, Reza, Writer and Playwright – France, Paris
77. Ghasemi-Impertro, Akhtar, Free Journalist and Photograph – Germany, Cologne
78. Ghiaee, Abbas, “Aida” Book Trade- Germany
79. Ghorashi, Reza, University Lecturer – USA, New Jersey
80. Giahi, Fatemeh, Human Right Supporter – USA, Massachusetts
81. Golab-Dej, Hooshang, Writer and Poet – Sweden, Stockholm
82. Golchin, Ali, Advocate and Lawyer – USA, San Diego
83. Habibinia, Omid, Media Researcher and Journalist – Sweden
84. Hakim, Mohammad Hossein, University Professor – USA, Amherst
85. Halford, Zhara, Painter, Photograph and sculptor - France
86. Hamidi, Hamid, Human Right Activist – Netherlands
87. Hamidi, Nasrin, Human Right Activist - Netherlands
88. Hamzeloee, Mahmoud, Actor and Film/Theatre Director - Norway
89. Hassibi, Mohammad, Political Activist – USA
90. Hatami, Parviz, Human Right Activist – USA
91. Hekmat, Bijan, Political Activist – France, Paris
92. Honarmand, Manouchehr, Chief of “Khandaniha” Website
93. Hosseini, Mirali, Stage Actor, Journalist and Voice Actor – France, Paris
94. Hosseinzadeh, Jafar, Political Activist - Belgium
95. Houshmand, Zara, Writer - USA
96. Jabbari, Reza, Researcher of Philosophy - Sweden, Goteborg
97. Jaddeh, Mohsen, Journalist and Translator- Germany
98. Jafari, Reza, Theatre Director – Germany
99. Jafari, Sedighe, Human Right Activist- Germany, Hanover
100. Javadi, Akram, “Aida” Book trade, Germany
101. Javaheri Langaroudi, Hadi, Human Right Activist, Germany
102. Javdan, Hamid Reza, Stage Actor and Theatre Director- France, Paris
103. Javid Jahanshah, Publisher, Iranian [dot] com – Mexico, Chihuahua
104. Jazani, Mihan, Writer and Political Activist- France, Paris
105. Kakhsaz Naser, Political analyst – Germany, Bochum
106. Kalbasi Sheema, Poet – USA, Washington
107. Kamali, Shaghayegh, Singer and Music Teacher – Germany, Münster
108. Kamrani, Ali, Stage Actor and Song Writer – Germany, Frankfurt
109. Karami, Nasser, Political Analyst - Germany
110. Kassraei Farhang, Writer/Actor – Germany, Wiesbaden
111. Kaviany, Massoud, Professor – USA, Michigan
112. Kavir, Mahmood, Poet, Writer and Researcher – Great Britain
113. Kazemi, Monireh, Women Right Activist – Germany
114. Keshavarz, Mehran, Ex-Political Prisoner and Human Right Supporter - Norway
115. Khayam, Zohreh, Human Right and Women Activist - USA
116. Khoi, Esmail, Poet and Writer – Great Britain, London
117. Khojinian, Hadi, Poet and Writer – Great Britain
118. Khorami, Tahere, Human and Social Activist - Netherlands
119. Khorsandi Hadi, Satirist – Great Britain, London
120. Khosrozadeh, Behrouz, Political Researcher and Journalist – Germany, Göttingen
121. Kiarostami, Kia, Film Producer – Germany, Berlin
122. Koohgilani, Parvin, Journalist of “Shahrvand” – USA, Texas
123. Laghaeian, Shahriar, Physician and Human Right Supporter – USA, Seattle
124. Lalejini, Ali, Translator and Human Right Supporter – Sweden
125. Lavaei, Mehrdad, Human Right Activist – Netherlands
126. Madadi, Shabnam, Physician and Human Right Supporter - Germany
127. Madjlessi, Darius, Political Activist – Netherlands
128. Mahdjoubi, Ali, Member of the Green Party Fraction in Germany’s Parliament – Berlin
129. Maghssudnia, Manouchehr, Political Activist – Germany, Berlin
130. Mahbaz Efat, Women rights activist /Journalist– England, London
131. Mahim, Amir, Poet and Journalist – Canada, Toronto
132. Malakooty Sirus, Classical Guitar Player/ Composer/ Lecturer - England, London
133. Massoudi, Banafsheh, Researcher – France, Paris
134. Massoumi, Bahram, Writer and Political Activist – Germany
135. Masoumian, Nima, Teacher – Spain
136. Mazhar, Varya, Writer and Poet - Finnlands, Helsinki
137. Mehr, Bijan, Political Activist – USA Boston
138. Mirfakhrai, Mehran, Architect and Human Right Supporter - Italy
139. Miremadi, Bijan, Specialist of Atomic Physics and Professor – Canada, Vancouver
140. Mir Mobini, Hossein, Editor-in-Chief of “Peyke Khabari Iranian” – USA
141. Mirsattari, Anwar, Chief of The Euro Press Federation for Human Rights - Belgium
142. Moghaddas, Mehran, Playwright and Theatre Director – Denmark, Copenhagen
143. Mohammadi, Majid, Professor, Writer and Researcher – USA, New York
144. Moheb, Robab, Writer and Poet – Sweden
145. Mohtasham, Yashar, Human Right Activist – France, Paris
146. Moshkin Ghalam Shahrokh, Actor/Dancer – France, Paris
147. Mossaed Jila, Poet/Writer - Sweden, Göteborg.
148. Mossallanejad Ezat, Writer/Human right Activist, CCVT – Canada, Toronto
149. Nakhai, Shahbaz, Journalist – Canada
150. Nazarian, Arsen, Translator and Critic - Netherlands
151. Nejad, Mohsen, Political and Human Right Activist – USA, North California
152. Niroumand, Bahman, Writer and Journalist – Germany, Berlin
153. Noghrekar, Masoud, Writer and Researcher – USA, Florida
154. Nourmanesh, Shirindokht, Writer and Women Right Activist – USA
155. Nowzari, Hamid, Political Activist – Germany, Berlin
156. Omidmehr, Ali Akbar, University Lecturer and Researcher - Denmark
157. Omidmehr, Ashraf Sadat, Teacher and Human Right Activist - Denmark
158. Omidmehr, Mahzad, University Lecturer and Researcher- Denmark
159. Omidmehr, Mehraz, University Lecturer, Denmark
160. Ostovar, Yavar, Poet- Sweden
161. Pak, Anne-Asieh, Feminist and Women Right Activist- France
162. Parham, Babak, Poet, USA
163. Parsa, Kourosh, Human Right Supporter- USA
164. Parsa Soheil, Theatre Director – Canada, Toronto
165. Payandeh, Mehrdad, Head of Division, Economic Policy, Germany Labor Union- Hanover
166. Pegahi, Mahshid, Women Right Activist - Germany
167. Pourmandi, Ahmad, Political Activist - Germany, Munich
168. Rafiee, Keyvan, Human Right Activist
169. Rahbari, Alexander, Music Lecturer and Composer – Austrian, Vienna
170. Rahimi, Khosro, Program Maker of Radio Sepehr - Sweden, Götteborg
171. Rahnamai, M.J., Music Researcher and Poet - Netherlands
172. Ramezani, Rahim, Political Activist – Turkey, Van
173. Ranjbar, Kazem, Doctor of Sociological Politics –France, Paris
174. Rashedan, Nima, Researcher and Political Analyst – Switzerland
175. Rashidi, Asad, Poet and Doctor of International Rights - Germany
176. Rastegar, Iraj, Human Right Supporter – USA, Dallas
177. Rasti, Mahshid, Women and Human Right Activist – Sweden, Stockholm
178. Razavi, Rasoul, Human Right Supporter – Germany, Bonn
179. Saadati, Mansour, Chemical Engineer and Human Right Supporter –Canada
180. Sabety, Setareh, Writer and Teacher- France, Nice
181. Sadr, Hamid, Writer – Germany
182. Safai, Y, Poet and Political Activist – Germany, Köln
183. Saghi, M., Poet and Journalist – Germany, Düsseldorf
184. Sahimi, Muhammad Professor, University of Southern California – USA
185. Salary, Babak, photograph – Canada
186. Samadpouri, Ali, Political Activist and Journalist - Belgium
187. Samadany, Faramarz, Chemistry Engineer and Human Right Supporter - USA
188. Saminejad, Mojtaba, Jourmalist and Human Right Activist - Iran
189. Sarhaddi, Arash, Theatre Actor and Director _ Germany, Berlin
190. Sarshar, Homa, Writer and Journalist – USA, Los Angeles
191. Sedghi, Majid, Journalist – France Paris
192. Sehati, Parisa, Women Right Activist - Sweden
193. Seihoun, Farideh, Professor - USA
194. Servati, Mojgan, Sociologist, Writer and Researcher- Germany
195. Setoodeh, Behrouz, Political Analyst – USA
196. Shabafrooz, Masood, Human Right Activist - USA, California
197. Shafaei, Manuchehr, Human Right Activist – Germany
198. Shafie, Minoo, Human Right Activist - Denmark
199. Shafigh Shahla, (Chahla Chafiq)Writer/Researcher – France, Paris
200. Shamshiri, Faroborz, Human Right Activist - Canada
201. Shemiranie Khosro, Journalist - Canada, Montreal
202. Sheyda Behrooz, Literary Critic/Theorist- Sweden, Stockholm
203. Shirazi, Jahangir, Social Activist and Managing editor of “Gender and Society” - Netherlands
204. Simai, Behrouz, Poet and Writer – USA
205. Sina, Bijan, Physician - Germany
206. Sobhani, Sohrab, International Affairs Consultant – USA
207. Soheili, Setareh, Stage Actress – Germany, Frankfurt
208. Sohi, Siamak, Human Right Activist - Denmark
209. Soltani, Anwar, Researcher – Great Britain
210. Taghipoor Masoomeh, Actor/Theatre Director - Sweden, Götteborg
211. Tahavori Mohammad, Journalist, USA, MA Cambridge
212. Tavackoli, Shahin, Physician and Human Right Supporter, USA, Houston
213. Vahdat, Kamran, Professor – USA, Amherst
214. Vahdati Soheila, Human Rights Activist – USA, California
215. Yadegari, Shahrokh, Composer/ Sound Designer and University Lecturer – USA
216. Yousefi, Nasser, Theatre Director , Producer and Moderator of Radio “Hambastegi”- Sweden, Stockholm
217. Youssefi, Hadi, Human Right Activist – Denmark
218. Zahed, Sadreddin, Theatre Actor and Director – France, Paris
219. Zahedi Mitra, Theatre Director – Germany, Berlin
220. Zandian, Mandana, Physician, Poet and Writer - USA
221. Zarasvand, Hossein, Poet – Canada, Toronto
222. Zarei, Faramarz, Actor – China
223. Zeinali, Lohrasb, Political Activist - Germany
224. Zerehi Hassan, Editor-in-chief of Shahrvand, Canada, Toronto

Posted in Persecution Post a comment or leave a trackback: Trackback URL.
​

 

[deerouz]

Indeed we should all be ashamed of what is being done to our bahai hamvatans.

 

[Motori]

It is absolute Fascism. No Human being should ever be harrased, questioned or even bothered because a Belief or an Idea.
Meehandoost jAn,
I'm not glaoting but honestly I've down my share of extending botherly hand toward my Bahaei Hammeehans any time I could.
I'm associated with a Bahaei genteleman who used be head supervisor of a bank branch in Gilan, his brother has been arrested and hanged in public so out of fear he had to take his wife and 2 kids and flee his home and mother land.
He decided to come to US b/c US cuts plenty of slack for Bahaeis regarding Visa and immigration documents. After arrival he has been living on what ever he brought with him from Iran, he is a man of honor and high stature so it was impossible for him to extend needy hand toward US govt. even though he knew it is available.
I learned about his situation through an acquaintance that he was running out money and resources, even though he was not qualified for the job I decided to hire him.
It is over 3 years now and I'm glad that I did, he has taken over the entire managment and he is like extra hands, ears and eyes for me.

 

[General Parsaian]

تا انجا که بنده می دانم و تجربه کرده ام بهاییان ادمهای مسالمت امیزی هستند
و فکر نکم اصلا جاسوسی و اینجور چیزها در میان بوده باشد
حتی تبلیغ دیانت بهایی را هم بعید می دانم
بنده فکر می کنم تنها بخاطر جدایی این قشر از دیگر اقشار ملت و فشار بر انها باشد که چنین تهمتهایی را به بهاییان می زنند

متشکرم

 

[shahinc]

................

 

[General Parsaian]

Aghaye Timasar, mitonid in ghesmat ro bishtar tozih bedid ??

Feshar az tarafe che kasi va che jor Jodayee ???

جناب شاهین
بنده فکر می کنم محافظه کاران مذهبی دارای سلطه در سدد هستند تا اقشاری مانند بهاییان را از جامعه بشکلی جدا و منبوذ سازند
دیگر اقلیت ها مانند زرتشتیان اهل تسنن مسیحی ها و یهودیان را باسانی بهاییان نمی توانند به این شکل تحت فشار قرار دهند و مشخص است که فشار براقلیت ها مسیحی و یهودی و اهل تسنن بازتاب منطقه ای و جهانی خواهد داشت
و برادران زرتشتی ریشه ای کهن در جامعه ایرانی دارند هر چند که تعداد انها زیاد نیست ولی جدا سازی انها از جامعه ایرانی و ربط انها به تهمت هایی مانند جاسوسی و تبلیغ دیانت و این جور چیزها اسان نیست

 

[Babr]

جناب شاهین
بنده فکر می کنم محافظه کاران مذهبی دارای سلطه در سدد هستند تا اقشاری مانند بهاییان را از جامعه بشکلی جدا و منبوذ سازند
دیگر اقلیت ها مانند زرتشتیان اهل تسنن مسیحی ها و یهودیان را باسانی بهاییان نمی توانند به این شکل تحت فشار قرار دهند و مشخص است که فشار براقلیت ها مسیحی و یهودی و اهل تسنن بازتاب منطقه ای و جهانی خواهد داشت
و برادران زرتشتی ریشه ای کهن در جامعه ایرانی دارند هر چند که تعداد انها زیاد نیست ولی جدا سازی انها از جامعه ایرانی و ربط انها به تهمت هایی مانند جاسوسی و تبلیغ دیانت و این جور چیزها اسان نیست

i agree with tymsar on this one ,
sadly is true !

 

[The_Referee]

I agree and ashamed of what has been done to Bahais in our "recent" history and an apology is due, especially after Mirza Hosseinali. That is despite my total disagreement with their believes and the fact that I find their religion too a superstitious set of believes with no basis and full of fundamentally flawed issues. (We have had our share of discussions here before, I guess).

I have had many friendships and acquaintances with followers of Baha. Almost all Bahais (exceptions do exist) have been wonderful people. They are human beings like everyone else and with excellence, niceties, strengths, weaknesses, prejudgments and bigotries.

Furthermore, the apology does not mean we forget what they too carried out against innocent civilians during initial phase of Bab era. The letter is not clear about that and is doing injustice to men like Amir Kabir who fought initial violent movements of followers of Bab.

Anyhow, what is going in Iran now is shameful and apology is due.
Maybe, they too need to acknowledge that and apologize for their initial round of violence.

 

[Perspolisi11]

I have a question, how is this apology going to help the Baha'is who currently live in Iran?

 

[Fatso]

Just like all human beings they deserve to have the same set of rights and freedoms that the rest of us do. May we see a day in Iran where Bahais can live without fear.

 

[shahinc]

Furthermore, the apology does not mean we forget what they too carried out against innocent civilians during initial phase of Bab era.
.

Very Interesting I don't want to hijack this thread and will send you my questions through P.M.

 

[DireStraits]

What they do to bahaeis is shamefull and criminal. But they do the same thing to a majority
of moderate moslems. Moderate moselms are the most discriminized groupe in Iran.

 

[Meehandoost]

Dear Deerouz, Parsaian, and Fatso, thank you for your fair-mindedness and expression of regret for the plight of Baha'is in Iran. This sense of responsibility and accountability is what is needed to transform angry mobs which are easily manipulated, to a peace-loving all-inclusive nation.

Perspolisis jaan, thank you as well. You are right of course, and more practical measures and change in policy are needed to effect positive change for the Baha'is of Iran, but this is the beginning. As usual, intellectuals are becoming the pioneers of change and agents of justice.

Direstraight jaan, thank you for your support as well. You are absolutely correct in that many cross sections of our society have been wronged by this reactionary band and its vigilantes and even the Baha'i community, as oppressed and powerless as it is itself, has spoken in the defence of the wronged and the oppressed. Although it has to be kept in mind that no Muslim is being persecuted solely for their belief, whereas Baha'is most certainly are.

Motori jaan, thank you for sharing your personal story and your actions are praiseworthy. You may have heard the expression that "God works in mysterious ways". Of course this simply means that since God does not change the order that He Himself has established for this world, He channels His mercy and generosity through us. Worthy souls who love freedom and justice for all become channels of God's mercy for others who may be oppressed and in need. You must take comfort in the condition of your heart and the state of your soul to become a channel for God's mercy. We can all hope and strive to maintain such condition which will benefit ourselves and the world around us. We must also take comfort in such courageous souls who are not bound by outdated imitated prejudice, but choose to be the arrowheads of change and the protagonists of justice among our nation.

 

[Meehandoost]

Baha’is express gratitude for open letter of support

15 February 2009

NEW YORK — </SPAN>The Baha’i International Community has issued a statement of gratitude to the Iranian intellectuals, scholars, writers, journalists, activists, and artists throughout the world who signed an open letter apologizing for their silence during Iran’s long-running persecution of the Baha’is.

The open letter from the Iranians – dated 3 February and signed so far by 243 men and women living in 19 countries – had asked Baha’is to forgive them “for the wrongs committed against the Baha’i community of Iran” over the last century and a half.

“We will no longer be silent when injustice is visited upon you,” the letter said after enumerating some of the ways Baha’is have been persecuted, from “barbaric murders” to depriving youth of higher education.

In response, the Baha’i International Community told the signatories that the letter “brought a degree of solace and relief to the pain that your Baha’i fellow citizens endure.”

“On their behalf and that of the Baha’is throughout the world we convey our profound gratitude and appreciation for a deed of such historical moment,” the Baha’i message said, referring to the publication of the open letter.
The letter was particularly significant, said the Baha’i response, in that it rejected the milieu of intimidation created by Iranian authorities throughout the decades that served to silence “those fair-minded and informed individuals who had always wished to rise up” in support of the Baha’is.

Indeed, in a press statement yesterday, the organizers behind the letter said that many more people would like to sign.

“We are confident,” their statement said, “that many more individuals, responsible and humane individuals, both inside and outside Iran, will add their seal of approval to it, as they become aware of such a letter, and we hope that the independent and committed Iranian media will join us in disseminating this message.”

The open letter began with the heading “We are ashamed! A century and a half of oppression and silence is enough!”

“We are ashamed that during the last 30 years, the killing of Baha’is solely on the basis of their religious beliefs has gained legal status and over 200 Baha’is have been slain on this account,” said one clause.

“We are ashamed that a group of intellectuals have justified coercion against the Baha’i community of Iran,” the letter continued.

The letter ended thus: “We stand by you in achieving all the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of the Human Rights. Let us join hands in replacing hatred and ignorance with love and tolerance.”

The Baha’i response also ended with a statement of hope: “The ardent hope of Iranian Baha’is is to be able to labor, shoulder to shoulder, with their compatriots for the progress and exaltation of their country that it may assume its seat of honor and glory among the family of nations.”

More details


The open letter was initially signed by 42 people but more than 200 others added their signatures in the 10 days after it was first published. Their countries of residence were listed as Iran, Sweden, Canada, United States, Great Britain, Germany, Australia, France, Italy, Netherlands, Austria, Spain, Malaysia, Denmark, Belgium, Mexico, Turkey, Switzerland, and Norway.

The Muslim Network for Baha’i Rights has offered a response, stating that such a letter “by a group of Iranian intellectuals and activists (was) truly inspirational. Change and progress cannot be brought about until mistakes of the past are acknowledged and admitted, and a resolve is made for them to never be repeated.”
The network answered the “We are ashamed …” clauses of the open letter with declarations of “We are proud …”

“We are proud that after a long period of silence, voices of protest are now being registered,” the network wrote on its Web site. “We are proud that in the face of the increasing attacks against the Baha’is of Iran, the intellectual community refuses to be silent. … We are proud of your speaking out against the painful reality in Iran.”

Another response came from the Institute on Religion & Public Policy based in Washington, D.C.

“The open letter is a great first step in publicizing and accepting societal responsibility for the way Baha’is have been persecuted over the last 150 years,” said Joseph K. Grieboski, president of the institute. “Now it’s up to the Iranian government to do the same and stop its abuse of the community.”




Source: http://news.bahai.org/story/697

 

[Meehandoost]

...the apology does not mean we forget what they too carried out against innocent civilians during initial phase of Bab era. The letter is not clear about that and is doing injustice to men like Amir Kabir who fought initial violent movements of followers of Bab...Maybe, they too need to acknowledge that and apologize for their initial round of violence.

Not only such comments are insensitive to the plight of Baha'is in Iran, specially in light of their continuing persecution, such ambivalent remarks masked as an apology may also diminish the meaningful effort of these courageous souls who have begun to take responsibility for the actions of the nation.

For the benefit of the board to discover the lingering effects of prejudice against Baha'is, it is worth asking the poster to share what were these acts that Baha'is

carried out against innocent civilians during initial phase of Bab era. The letter is not clear about that and is doing injustice to men like Amir Kabir who fought initial violent movements of followers of Bab.[End quote]

As well, please enlighten one and all how is this letter doing injustice to Amir Kabir and what exactly is his legacy with regards to Baha'is?

Furthermore, do share for what should the Baha'is apologize, making the swords of their enemies dull and using-up their bullets? After all, this is the practice of the Islamic republic, to have the Baha'i families pay for the bullets used in killing their loved ones, before releasing their bodies for burial.

Fortunately, the intellectuals and academics have discovered this shortcoming due to prejudice and the injustices committed in the name of religion and nation; and continue to do what they can to awaken a nation in the slumber of indifference: http://www.we-are-ashamed.com/pages/list-of-signatories.php

There are also some interesting comments and replies, some of which are particularly interesting and poignant:

mina Feb 19 2009 13:34 به عنوان یک ایرانی و یک بهایی ساکن ایران از همه امضا کنندگان این بیانیه تشکر می کنم و خوشحالم که میبینم هموطنانم به کمک ما ایرانیان بهایی هستند. احساس میکنم حالا خیلی راحتتر میتوانم سختی های زندگی در ایران بعنوان یک بهایی را تحمل کنم.

Shahab Feb 18 2009 14:12 حرکت جالبی است به عنوان یک ایرانی بهایی ساکن ایران که بسیاری از این جنایت ها را شاهد بوده ام و خودم هم قربانی چندین مورد از آنها بوده ام در درجه اول خوشحالم و در درجه دوم کنجکاو ؟ که آیا این ساکت نماندن امضا کنندگان تا کجا پیش خواهد رفت . ؟ و به نتیجه ای عملی و مفید منجر خواهد شد؟

Source: http://www.we-are-ashamed.com/pages/comments.php

 

[Meehandoost]

Last update on Signatories: http://www.we-are-ashamed.com/pages/list-of-signatories.php


No Laughing Matter - Omid Djalili speaks out

February 25, 2009

Editor’s Note: Omid Djalili is an award-winning British-Iranian actor/comedian. Not only acclaimed as one of Britain’s funniest stand up comedians, he has also featured in films including ‘The Mummy’, ‘Gladiator’, and ‘Casanova’. Omid is also a Baha’i and published the following note on his blog at http://www.omidnoagenda.com/blog.

I need to bring to your attention the following disturbing news:

In May 2008 the Iranian Authorities arrested seven leaders of the Baha’i community on trumped up charges of ‘espionage’. The Baha’i Faith is a peace loving world religion but has suffered a great deal of persecution at the hands of the Iranian government simply because they choose to practice their faith in a different way to the majority. It is feared that this week the seven will face very grave consequences. This of course, is unthinkable in this day and age but I assure you is a reality. Some of you may know over 200 Baha’is were executed in the 1980s after the Islamic revolution, not to mention over 20,000 in the 19th Century. Already having been in prison for over 8 months (the men are in a cell with no beds which is a violation of their basic human rights) pressure groups and governments have voiced their concern with formal protests to the Iranian Government. I hope to add to the sense of public outcry with a press release on behalf of the comedy community to get this story the publicity it deserves.

My friend Rainn Wilson (an actor on the American version of The Office) has already written a piece for CNN and now I urge you to visit the Amnesty International website and register your complaint via e-mail or fax.

Recent press releases on behalf of other action groups as released through the Bahai’s of the UK are here: http://bahainews-uk.info.

Rainn Wilson's speaks out​

ttp://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/02/17/wilson.faith/?iref=mpstoryview

By Rainn Wilson
Special to CNN


Editor's note: Actor Rainn Wilson plays paper salesman Dwight Schrute in the television comedy "The Office."

Rainn Wilson says fellow members of his Baha'i faith are being persecuted in Iran.


(CNN) -- Why is Rainn Wilson, "Dwight" on "The Office," writing a news commentary for CNN? Good question.

It's a bit strange for me, to say the least; a comic character actor best known for playing weirdos with bad haircuts getting all serious to talk about the persecution of the fellow members of his religious faith.

Dear readers of CNN, I assure you that what I'm writing about is no joking matter or some hoax perpetrated by a paper-sellin', bear-fearin', Battlestar-Galactica obsessed beet farmer.

I am a member of the Baha'i faith. What is that, you ask? Well, long story short, it's an independent world religion that began in the mid-1800s in Iran. Baha'is believe that there is only one God and therefore only one religion.

All of the world's divine teachers (Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha, Moses, Abraham, Krishna, etc.) bring essentially the same message -- one of unity, love and knowledge of God or the divine.

This constantly updated faith of God, Baha'is believe, has been refreshed for this day and age by our founder, Baha'u'llah. There. Nutshell version.

Now, as I mentioned, this all happened in Iran, and needless to say the Muslim authorities did not like the Baha'is very much, accusing them of heresy and apostasy. Tens of thousands were killed in the early years of the faith, and the persecutions have continued off and on for the past 150 years.

Why write about all this now? Well, I'm glad you asked. You see there's a 'trial' going on very soon for seven Baha'i national leaders in Iran.

They've been accused of all manner of things including being "spies for Israel," "insulting religious sanctities" and "propaganda against the Islamic Republic."
They've been held for a year in Evin Prison in Tehran without any access to their lawyer (the Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi) and with zero evidence of any of these charges.

When a similar thing happened in 1980, the national leadership of the Iranian Baha'i community disappeared. And this was repeated again in 1981.

In fact, since 1979, more than 200 Baha'is have been killed, holy places and cemeteries desecrated, homes burned, civil rights taken away and secret lists compiled of Baha'is (and even Muslims who associate with them) by government agencies.

It's bad right now for all the peace-loving Baha'is in Iran who want only to practice their religion and follow their beliefs. It's especially bad for these seven. Here's a link to their bios. They're teachers, and engineers, and optometrists and social workers just like us.

This thought has become kind of a cliché', but we take our rights for granted here in America. Imagine if a group of people were rounded up and imprisoned and then disappeared not for anything they'd done, but because they wanted to worship differently than the majority.

There is a resolution on the situation of the Baha'is in Iran being sent to Congress. Please ask your representatives to support it. And ask them to speak out about this terrible situation.

Thanks for reading. Now back to bears, paper and beets!

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