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The concerns of Baha’is in the UK about the fate of the leaders of the Baha’i community in Iran deepened today as more details emerged about yesterday’s trial hearing in Tehran.

The Baha’i International Community has reported that the families of the Baha’i leaders were not allowed into the court. It quickly became clear that the trial hearing was to be held in closed session.

However, officials and interrogators from the Ministry of Intelligence were already in the courtroom when the Baha’i prisoners entered, and a film crew had already set up its cameras.

Concerned over the presence of non-judicial personnel in a supposedly closed hearing, the Baha’is refused – with the agreement of their lawyers – to be party to the proceedings.

The judge adjourned the hearing, but did not announce any date for the continuation of the trial.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran should immediately set free these seven innocent prisoners,” said Diane Ala’i, Baha’i representative to the United Nations in Geneva.

“The dictates of justice demand no less,” she said. “They are now about to enter the third year of their incarceration on baseless charges which they have categorically denied and for which the government has no evidence whatsoever.

“At the very least, they should be released on bail and steps be taken to ensure that their trial is conducted fairly, in accordance with international standards of jurisprudence.

“If their confinement is to continue, the harsh conditions under which they are being held must be improved,” she said.

Yesterday’s session was the third in the ongoing trial of the seven Baha’is, who have been accused of espionage, propaganda activities against the Islamic order, and “corruption on earth,” among other charges. Their first court appearance was 12 January this year.

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. Mrs. Sabet was arrested on 5 March 2008 and the others on 14 May 2008.

See latest report on Baha’i World News Service.

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