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The UK Baha’i community learned on Sunday 7 February that the seven imprisoned Baha’i leaders had appeared in court on Sunday in Iran for a second session of their trial.

The session was once again closed, and family members were not permitted in the courtroom, the Baha’i International Community has learned.

The hearing, which lasted just over one hour, does not seem to have gone beyond procedural issues. No date was given for any future sessions.

The seven were arrested nearly two years ago and have been held in Tehran’s Evin prison since that time, spending the first year there without formal charges or access to lawyers.

After several postponements, their trial officially began on 12 January, when the seven were arraigned in Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran.

That session was also closed to the public, but accounts in government-sponsored news media said the defendants were formally charged with espionage, propaganda activities against the Islamic order, the establishment of an illegal administration, cooperation with Israel, sending secret documents outside the country, acting against the security of the country, and corruption on earth.

All the charges have been categorically denied. The defendants are Mrs. Fariba Kamalabadi, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mrs. Mahvash Sabet, Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Mr. Vahid Tizfahm.

Technorati Tags: Baha’i, Bahai, Iran, persecution, justice, human rights, religious freedom

The Baha’i International Community has issued a statement condemning the trial of 16 individuals in Iran yesterday as a “violation of all internationally accepted standards of legal due process”.

The statement highlights the lack of proper legal representation for the defendants and the use of unreliable “confessions” in the trial. One of the 16 on trial is a Baha’i.

“The use of coerced ‘confessions’ and the denial of adequate legal representation reflect the Iranian authorities’ growing assault on human rights,” said Bani Dugal, principal representative of the Baha’i International Community to the United Nations.

The complete statement

The trial yesterday of 16 individuals in Iran, apparently accused of participating in the Ashura demonstrations on 27 December, stands in violation of all internationally accepted standards of legal due process.

While facts are unavailable to the Baha’i International Community concerning 15 of the defendants in the court proceedings, it can confirm that one individual — identified only as “P.F.” in government reports — is a Baha’i.

The show trials in the aftermath of the June 2009 presidential election, at which defendants have been forced to read statements incriminating themselves, have completely discredited “confessions”, such as the one purportedly made by “P.F.”, both inside and outside of Iran. It is well known that such confessions are obtained while prisoners are under extreme duress, often after being exposed to such appalling tactics as food and sleep deprivation, fake executions, threats against their families, and worse. Rather than accepting responsibility for the turmoil in the country, the Iranian government organizes such show trials in order to lay the blame on innocent citizens and others.

While it is claimed that the court proceedings are open, not even the families of the defendants are notified of the trial of their loved ones.

The person identified as P.F., along with nine other Baha’is who were arrested on 3 January in Tehran, has not been able to contact his family, has been denied access to a lawyer, and was not allowed to choose his own legal representation. The government-appointed lawyer who acted on behalf of P.F. did nothing more than to accept the “confession” of his client and make a pro forma request for leniency.

The Iranian government is well aware that it is a fundamental principle of the Baha’i Faith that its followers strictly refrain from involvement in any partisan political activity, whether local, national, or international. Consequently, the arrest of ten Baha’is on 3 January, a full week after the Ashura demonstrations, and the claims that Baha’is were behind the recent anti-government turmoil have come as a complete surprise to the Baha’i community. These fabricated accusations clearly appear to be not so much about some Baha’is participating in the Ashura demonstrations. They point instead to a scenario which has been concocted by the authorities to justify placing further restrictions on the activities of the Baha’i community. This is but the most recent tactic in the ongoing systematic campaign of persecution that seeks to eliminate the Baha’i community as a viable entity in that country.

We call on governments and fair-minded people throughout the world to join us in raising their voice to protest against the blatant violations of human rights in Iran, of which yesterday’s trial is only the most recent example.

Technorati Tags: Baha’i, Bahai, Iran, human rights, Ashura, justice

Iranian authorities have notified the lawyers of seven imprisoned Baha’i leaders that the next session of their trial will be held on 7 February, the UK Baha’i community learned today.

At their first court appearance, held on 12 January in Tehran, the charges were read to the seven, who categorically denied the accusations.

“While we know little about what actually took place inside the court, we can now say for certain that these seven innocent Baha’is stood up and firmly rejected all of the charges against them,” said Diane Ala’i of the Baha’i International Community in Geneva

“We can also say that, based on the international outcry that accompanied the first session of their trial, the world is watching this proceeding closely and that the Iranian government will be held accountable for any injustices,” she said.

The charges against the seven, according to accounts in government-sponsored news media, were: espionage, “propaganda activities against the Islamic order,” the establishment of an “illegal administration,” cooperation with Israel, sending secret documents outside the country, acting against the security of the country, and “corruption on earth.”

The seven defendants are Mrs. Fariba Kamalabadi, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mrs. Mahvash Sabet, Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Mr. Vahid Tizfahm.

All but one of the group were arrested on 14 May 2008 at their homes in Tehran. Mrs. Sabet was arrested on 5 March 2008 while in Mashhad. They have been held in Tehran’s Evin prison ever since, spending their first year there without formal charges or any access to lawyers.

“Baha’is throughout the UK will be anxiously awaiting the outcome of this trial,” said Dr Kishan Manocha, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, the UK Baha’i community’s national governing council. “There are Baha’is in our community whose family members are unjustly imprisoned for in Iran just because they are Baha’is. They are steadfast in their faith, but there’s no doubt that they will find the treatment of their relatives extremely distressing. The whole Baha’i community will be praying for the safe release of the seven Baha’i leaders.”

Story: Baha’i World News Service

Technorati Tags: Baha’i, Bahai, Iran, human rights, trial

The trial of the seven leaders of the Baha’is in Iran continues to be a subject of debate in the UK parliament, as reported in Hansard.

In a recent session of questions in the House of Lords, the parliament’s upper house, to Baroness Kinnock, Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Lord Eric Avebury asked what action the British government was going to take at the UN Human Rights Council on the trial of seven leading members of the Baha’i community in Iran.

“Reports so far suggest that the trial of the Baha’is has worrying parallels with the post-election show trials and falls far short of international standards,” Baroness Kinnock said in reply. “[Foreign Office Minister] Ivan Lewis summoned the Iranian ambassador on 20 January to echo EU calls for the Baha’is to receive a just and open trial. We are considering options for further action at the Human Rights Council, with the universal periodic review providing an important opportunity to draw attention to the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran.”

Former Att0rney General Lord Peter Goldsmith reminded the House of Lords about the cases of three young Baha’is, Haleh Rouhi, Raha Sabet and Sasan Taqva who have been held in Ministry of Intelligence detention facilities since November 2007 for their part in a development project to help poor children in Shiraz. Addressing Baroness Kinnock, Lord Goldsmith asked, “Can she confirm that, if they are supposed to be serving sentences of imprisonment, even under Iranian law it is illegal to hold them there? Will she be able to make representations on their behalf as well as on behalf of those to whom she has already referred?”

In a strongly worded intervention, Lord Howell of Guildford said, “My Lords, in addition to the very telling interventions that we have just had on the plight of the Baha’is, does the Minister recall that in modern Iran the persecution of the Baha’is has been long standing and very vicious and that it has involved executions-sometimes public executions-the desecration of cemeteries and other revolting practices that bring home the repulsive nature of much of the mullahs’ regime in Iran today? Will she therefore accept from this side, too, strong support for using very firm words and action in all possible fora to ensure that the plight of the Baha’is is brought home? Does she recall that many have had to seek refuge in this country, particularly in my home town of Guildford? We owe it to these people to stand up for them, given the horrific experiences that they have had.”

Baroness Kinnock assured the questioners that the British government would continue to take their concerns very seriously.

“My Lords, I reassure my noble and learned friend that I will ensure that representations are made on behalf of the people to whom he referred,” Lady Kinnock said. “We continuously express our deep reservations about the treatment and the severe intimidation that these people suffer as a result of staying true to their faith. At least 50 Baha’is remain in detention in Iran and we have grave concerns about the conditions in which they are being held.”

Technorati Tags: Baha’i, Bahai, House of Lords, Iran, persecution, human rights

A report from the Baha’i World News Service indicates that the Iranian authorities have notified the lawyers of the seven imprisoned Baha’i leaders in Iran that their trial will continue in Tehran on 7 February.

At their first court appearance, held 12 January in Tehran, the charges were read to the seven, who categorically denied the accusations.

“While we know little about what actually took place inside the court, we can now say for certain that these seven innocent Baha’is stood up and firmly rejected all of the charges against them,” said Diane Ala’i of the Baha’i International Community.

“We can also say that, based on the international outcry that accompanied the first session of their trial, the world is watching this proceeding closely and that the Iranian government will be held accountable for any injustices,” she said.

The charges against the seven, according to accounts in government-sponsored news media, were: espionage, “propaganda activities against the Islamic order,” the establishment of an “illegal administration,” cooperation with Israel, sending secret documents outside the country, acting against the security of the country, and “corruption on earth.”

The seven defendants are Mrs. Fariba Kamalabadi, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mrs. Mahvash Sabet, Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Mr. Vahid Tizfahm.

All but one of the group were arrested on 14 May 2008 at their homes in Tehran. Mrs. Sabet was arrested on 5 March 2008 while in Mashhad. They have been held in Tehran’s Evin prison ever since, spending their first year there without formal charges or any access to lawyers.

Technorati Tags: Baha’i, Bahai, Iran, persecution, human rights, justice

Earlier today the Baha’i International Community reported that Iran’s decision to begin the trial yesterday of seven Baha’i leaders has triggered a strong international reaction, including a call by Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi for their immediate release and ultimate acquittal.

“If justice is to be carried out and an impartial judge should investigate the charges leveled against my clients, no other verdict can be reached save that of acquittal,” said Mrs. Ebadi, in comments posted on WashingtonTV, a Web-based news service in the United States.

Mrs. Ebadi, who is one of the lawyers for the seven, said she had carefully read the dossier of charges against them and “found in it no cause or evidence to sustain the criminal charges upheld by the prosecutor.”

Others also expressed concerns about the fairness of the trial, calling for it to be open and held in accordance with international legal standards. Governments and prominent individuals in the European Union, the United States, Brazil, India, and Canada issued strong statements of concern.

The European Union statement came yesterday, echoing an earlier call for international observers to be allowed in the trial of the seven Baha’is.

“The EU recalls that freedom of thought, conscience and religion is a fundamental and undeniable right which shall be guaranteed in every circumstance,” the statement said. “The EU calls for a just, fair and open trial respecting all international standards and obligations. …”

In Brazil yesterday, Luiz Couto, the president of the Human Rights Commission of the Federal Chamber of Deputies, said in a letter to the Iranian ambassador to Brazil that it appears the “trial is not transparent and public,” and that any closed trial would violate the right to a full and fair defense.

“We consider the freedom of religion and belief – that of Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Baha’is, and all other religious expressions – a fundamental human right for democracy, both in the east and west,” said Congressman Couto.

On Monday, the United States Department of State condemned Iran’s decision to move ahead with the trial.

“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,” said Philip J. Crowley, assistant secretary, Bureau of Public Affairs, U.S. Department of State. “These persons are entitled to due process.”

In India, prominent Indians called upon the government to take up the issue of the Baha’i persecution with Tehran. “Our country has a long record of pluralism and tolerance and must speak out,” said Maja Daruwala, director of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, according to The Hindu newspaper on Saturday.

In Canada, Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon issued a statement on Friday expressing deep concern about the ongoing detention of the seven Baha’i leaders. “It is deplorable that these individuals were detained on the sole basis of their faith and have been denied a fair trial,” said Mr. Cannon.

Leading human rights barrister Cherie Blair in an interview today with the BBC World Service called for the release of “this group of people who live a religion which preaches peace and did nothing whatsoever to deserve this trial.”

In the WashingtonTV interview, Mrs. Ebadi, who is currently outside Iran, also offered a glimpse of what happened yesterday inside Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court, where the “first session” of the trial was held.

She said only two lawyers of the Defenders of Human Rights Center, which she established, were able to be present in the court. And that in spite of a request for an open hearing, the court was closed.

The charges against the seven were reiterated yesterday in news accounts in government-sponsored news media. They were given as: espionage, “propaganda activities against the Islamic order,” the establishment of an illegal administration, cooperation with Israel, the sending of secret documents outside the country, acting against the security of the country, and “corruption on earth.”

Diane Ala’i of the Baha’i International Community said the seven have consistently and categorically denied such accusations. “We can be certain that they also did so in front of the judge yesterday,” she said.

The seven are Mrs. Fariba Kamalabadi, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mrs. Mahvash Sabet, Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Mr. Vahid Tizfahm.

All but one of the group were arrested on 14 May 2008 at their homes in Tehran. Mrs. Sabet was arrested on 5 March 2008 while in Mashhad. They have been held in Tehran’s Evin prison ever since, spending their first year there without formal charges or any access to lawyers.

Prior to their arrest, the seven served as an appointed, ad hoc group known as the “Friends.” Their role, carried out with the government’s knowledge, was to see to the minimum spiritual and material needs of Iran’s Baha’i community, which has been without formal leadership since its elected governing bodies were disbanded in response to a government decree in 1983.

This story is taken from the Baha’i World News Service.

Technorati Tags: Baha’i, Bahai, Iran, human rights, injustice, trial, Cherie Blair, Shirin Ebadi

Baha’is in the UK were disturbed to learn that the trial of seven imprisoned Baha’i leaders began today in Iran. Initial reports indicate that the trial is marked by numerous violations of legal due process.

“We understand that no observers were allowed in the court,” said Diane Ala’i, the Baha’i International Community’s representative to the United Nations in Geneva. “We find this completely outrageous, given that these seven have been held purely because of their religious beliefs, in total contradiction to any human rights standards.

“We understand that even the lawyers had to argue their way inside the court – lawyers who in any case had virtually no access to the accused for nearly two years.

“At the same time, the prisoners’ interrogators from the Ministry of Intelligence and a film crew were seen going in, raising questions about the nature of the trial,” she said.

Ms. Ala’i also noted that an Iranian Web site linked to state-run television posted a story Monday evening announcing that the trial had already begun and listing the same baseless accusations made in the past against the seven.

“In any event, all of these accounts point to a trial that is highly irregular, very similar to the show trials that have been held in Iran in recent months,” she said.

The seven are Mrs. Fariba Kamalabadi, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mrs. Mahvash Sabet, Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Mr. Vahid Tizfahm.

All but one of the group were arrested on 14 May 2008 at their homes in Tehran. Mrs. Sabet was arrested on 5 March 2008 while in Mashhad. They have been held in Tehran’s Evin prison ever since, spending their first year there without formal charges or any access to lawyers.

“Whatever happens, it is clear that the trial of these seven innocent people represents the trial of an entire religious community, and is an attempt to further intimidate and ostracize all Iranian Baha’is simply because they hold a different religious viewpoint from those in power.”

To view the article with photograph, go to:

http://news.bahai.org/story/748

Technorati Tags: Baha’i, Bahai, Iran, trial, human rights, persecution

The Baha’i International Community has issued this rebuttal of allegations by the Iranian authorities that the Baha’is arrested in Tehran last Sunday had weapons in their homes.

GENEVA –The Baha’i International Community today categorically rejected new allegations by the Iranian government that arms and ammunition were found in the homes of Baha’is who were arrested in Tehran last Sunday.

“This is nothing less than a blatant lie,” said Diane Ala’i, the Baha’i International Community’s representative to the United Nations in Geneva. “Baha’is are by the most basic principles of their faith committed to absolute non-violence, and any charge that there might have been weapons or ‘live rounds’ in their homes is simply and completely unbelievable.

“Without doubt, these are baseless fabrications devised by the government to further create an atmosphere of prejudice and hatred against the Iranian Baha’i community. For more than a century Bahá’ís have suffered all manner of persecution in Iran and have not resorted to armed violence, and everyone knows this. Unfortunately, the Iranian government is once again resorting to outright falsehoods to justify its nefarious intentions against the Bahá’í community. It should know that these lies will have no credibility whatsoever.

“We are particularly concerned by the fact that these accusations come just days before the scheduled trial of seven Baha’i leaders, who have been locked up for nearly two years on equally unfounded charges,” she said.

“All of these latest accusations are so far-fetched as to be ludicrous if they were not so obviously aimed at putting innocent lives at risk,” she said. “As we have said before, rather than accepting responsibility for the turmoil in the country, the Iranian government seeks to lay the blame on others, including foreign powers, international organizations and media outlets, students, women, and terrorists.”

On Friday, several news agencies reported that Tehran’s general prosecutor, Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi, said the Baha’is who were arrested on Sunday “were arrested because they played a role in organizing the Ashura protests and namely for having sent abroad pictures of the unrest.”

“They were not arrested because they are Baha’is,” said Mr. Dolatabadi, according to Agence France Presse. “Arms and ammunition were seized in the homes of some of them.”

Ms. Ala’i also rejected Mr. Dolatabadi’s assertions that Baha’is were involved in the planning of the Ashura demonstrations, or in any violent or subversive activity related to the recent turmoil in Iran.

“For the past 30 years, Iranian Baha’is have subjected to the worst forms of persecution, ranging from arbitrary execution to the exclusion of their children from school,” said Ms. Ala’i. “Yet they have responded only through means that are peaceful and legal.

Seven Baha’is leaders are scheduled to go on trial on Tuesday on trumped-up charges of espionage, “insulting religious sanctities,” and “propaganda” against the government. They have been held in Evin prison since mid-2008. The seven are Mrs. Fariba Kamalabadi, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mrs. Mahvash Sabet, Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Mr. Vahid Tizfahm.

On Sunday, 13 Baha’is were arrested in early morning raids on their homes in Tehran. Three have been released but ten remain detained at Evin prison.

They are: Leva Khanjani, granddaughter of Jamaloddin Khanjani; and her husband, Babak Mobasher, Jinous Sobhani, former secretary of Mrs. Shirin Ebadi, and her husband Artin Ghazanfari; Mehran Rowhani and Farid Rowhani, who are brothers; Payam Fanaian; Nikav Hoveydaie, and Ebrahim Shadmehr and his son, Zavosh Shadmehr.

You can find the story on the Baha’i World News Service.

Technorati Tags: Baha’i, Bahai, Iran, persecution, human rights

Recent developments in Iran have raised grave concern about the ultimate fate of the seven Baha’i leaders who are scheduled to go on trial next Tuesday, 12 January. The seven are Mrs. Fariba Kamalabadi, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mrs. Mahvash Sabet, Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Mr. Vahid Tizfahm

UK Baha’i community is concerned

“The Baha’i community of the UK is gravely concerned about the fate of the seven who face trial,” said Dr Kishan Manocha, Secretary of the UK community’s national governing council, the National Spiritual Assembly. “They were arrested in the spring of 2008 and have been held in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison ever since,” said Dr Manocha

According to news stories in Iranian government-affiliated media, the seven are to be accused of “espionage for Israel, insulting religious sanctities, and propaganda against the Islamic republic.”

“All of these charges are utterly baseless,” said Dr Manocha.

Trial dates were previously announced for July, August, and October but were postponed each time. In December, lawyers were notified that 12 January had been set as a new date.

Baha’is blamed for turmoil in Iran

Diane Ala’i, the Baha’i International Community representative to the United Nations in Geneva, explained that the Baha’i community in Iran has all too often been subjected to campaigns of vilification and false charges devised to deflect the attention of a disquieted population onto the Baha’is and away from those in power.

“And now, in these days leading to the trial, there are signs that once again the Baha’is are being made scapegoats,” she said. “Rather than accepting responsibility for the turmoil in the country, the Iranian government seeks to lay the blame on others, including foreign powers, international organizations and media outlets, students, women, and terrorists. Now the Baha’is have been added to this long list of alleged culprits.”

“Over the past several days, Iranian state-sponsored media have accused the Baha’is of being responsible for the unrest surrounding the holy day of Ashura,” said Ms. Ala’i. “This is clearly aimed at rousing public sentiment against the seven Baha’is being held in Evin prison. We are particularly concerned that the government, or ultraconservative elements within it, may use the turmoil in Iran as cover for extreme measures against these wrongly imprisoned individuals.

“This concern deepened on Sunday,” she said, “when authorities rounded up 13 Baha’is from their homes in Tehran, took them to a detention center, and tried to get them to sign a document saying that they would not engage in any future demonstrations.”

Ominous situation

“Taking all of this together,” said Dr Manocha, “we can see that these Baha’i leaders are facing an extremely ominous situation. They will probably face a show trial with a predetermined outcome.”

“Should anything happen to any of these seven Baha’is before or after the trial, the Iranian government must be held responsible,” said Diane Ala’i. “We ask that the international community indicate clearly to Iran that it will be watching and that it expects any trial to be public and held in accordance with internationally recognized principles of due process.”

The persecution of the Baha’is in Iran has intensified steadily throughout 2009. Around 48 Baha’is are currently imprisoned, and many others across the country have been subjected to home searches, confiscation of personal property, and revolving-door arrests. Some 60 Baha’is have been arrested and imprisoned since last March for periods ranging from overnight to several months.

False accusations

An anti-Baha’i campaign in the news media campaign has also continued, culminating in the absurd accusations last week that Baha’is were involved in provoking the recent civil unrest on the Ashura holy day on 27 December.

The semiofficial Fars News Agency, for example, reported the next day that Ne’mattollah Bavand, described as an “expert” in political affairs, said “Bahaism under the leadership of Zionism is behind the latest crisis and unrest.”

Diane Ala’i said these statements have raised concern among the Baha’is that there may be a coordinated effort to introduce these false accusations at the upcoming trial.

Baha’is arrested on 3 January

Among the 13 arrested on 3 January were relatives of two of the imprisoned leaders, including Negar Sabet, daughter of Mahvash Sabet; Leva Khanjani, granddaughter of Jamaloddin Khanjani; and her husband, Babak Mobasher. Others arrested were Jinous Sobhani, former secretary of Mrs. Shirin Ebadi, and her husband  Artin Ghazanfari; Mehran Rowhani and Farid Rowhani, who are brothers; Nasim Beiglari; Payam Fanaian; Nikav Hoveydaie and his wife, Mona Misaghi; and Ebrahim Shadmehr and his son, Zavosh Shadmehr.

Read the full story at the Baha’i World News Service.

Technorati Tags: Baha’i, Bahai, Iran, persecution, human rights

On 5th December the first ever Inter Faith Eisteddfod took place in Cardiff as the culmination of events held in Wales for the Inter Faith Week in Wales.

An eisteddfod – Welsh for ’sitting together’ – is a festival of literature, music and performance and this particular eisteddfod gave people from the different faith communities in South Wales opportunities to perform in the spirit of creating connections and friendships.

Inter-faith Wales used funding from the Welsh Assembly Government and the Big Lottery to employ South Wales Baha’i Fleur Missaghian to manage this exciting and innovative project.

‘It was a three month project,’ said Mrs Missaghian, ‘and we had to work hard to persuade people to take part. But we did a lot of leg-work and had a good many one-to-one conversations with people from the various faiths. In the end it all came together.’

The eisteddfod aimed to include stories from different faiths, stories of inspirational people of faith, spiritual stories, the story of a particular art form practiced by a faith community and so on.

Said Fleur Missaghian, ‘The aim was to contribute positively towards building a strong, diverse and united community in Wales, celebrating and finding common ground amongst the different ways of life in Wales.’

‘For two months prior to the eisteddfod,’ explained Christine Abbas, one of two Baha’i representatives on Inter-faith Wales,’creative arts workshops were held to engage the faith and wider communities in story telling and to prepare for the eisteddfod itself. Some of the faith groups hadn’t previously been involved in inter faith dialogue.’

The preparations culminated in a presentation of stories, music, dance and drama by faith groups. The show was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Cardiff, by Dr Harriet Crabtree, Director of the Inter Faith Network of the UK and by other guests. Baha’is, Hindus and Muslims were amongst the faith communities supporting the event.

‘We felt we were not so much organising an event as developing a model to work with faith communities,’ said project organiser Fleur Missaghian, who had been assisted in her work by Baha’i youth Kalim Bartlett.

‘These words of Baha’u'llah underpinned this process,’ said Christine Abbas,’Our hope is that the world’s religious leaders and the rulers thereof will unitedly arise for the reformation of this age and the rehabilitation of its fortunes.’

A film of the eisteddfod will be available to download from the Inter-faith Wales website sometime in January.

Technorati Tags: Baha’i, Bahai, inter-faith, eisteddfod, Wales, Cardiff, arts, storytelling