CAIRO: Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon issued a statement concerning the Iranian governmnet's jailing of Iranian Baha'i leaders. He said Canada was worried over the sentencing of 20 years for the 7 religious leaders. “Canada remains deeply concerned by Iran's ongoing detention of Behrouz Tavakkoli, Saeid Rezaie, Fariba Kamalabadi, Vahid Tizfahm, Jamaloddin Khanjani, Afif Naemi and Mahvash Sabet. We note that these seven Bahá'í community leaders have been detained since spring 2008,” he said. International human rights groups have called on the Iranian government to end its ill-treatment against the indigenous religious community. Baha'is in Iran have been under threat for decades and have routinely been imprisoned or sentenced to death for their beliefs. “Canada is deeply disturbed by reports that these individuals have now been sentenced to 20-year prison terms on charges of espionage, acting against national security and being enemies of God, and that these sentences were passed without either written judgments or due process,” the foreign minister continued. The Baha'i Faith is the most recent, established in 1863, monotheistic religion. It originates from Iran and believes in the progressive revelations of God. Baha'is believe that all religions are true and from God, but that at different times throughout human history, a new manifestation (Prophet) is needed in order to adapt to the changing times and cultural traditions. The main conflict between Muslims and Baha'is is in the idea that Mohamed is not the final prophet of God, which has led to Muslims distrusting Baha'is. “Canada once again urges Iran to grant bail to the seven Bahá'í leaders and to ensure that they are accorded fair treatment, in accordance with international standards. Canada further urges Iran to protect the rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. “The persecution of the Bahá'í community in Iran is intolerable and deeply troubling,” Cannon added. BM
