US urges Iran to release imprisoned Baha’i leaders
Seven prisoners serving 20 years on charges of espionage, insulting religious sanctities, propaganda against Islamic Republic
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WASHINGTON – The United States called on Iran Saturday to free seven leaders of the minority Baha’i faith serving 20-year prison sentences, urging Tehran to ensure religious and other freedoms.
The Baha’i leaders were arrested eight years ago and convicted of espionage, insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic Republic. They are identified by activists and the Baha’i World News Service as Behrouz Tavakkoli, Saeid Rezaie, Fariba Kamalabadi, Vahid Tizfahm, Jamaloddin Khanjani, Afif Naeimi and Mahvash Sabet.
“We join the international community in condemning their continued imprisonment and calling upon the Islamic Republic of Iran to release them immediately, along with all other prisoners of conscience in Iran,” State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.
“Furthermore, we call upon Iranian authorities to uphold their own laws and meet their international obligations that guarantee freedom of expression, religion, opinion and assembly for all citizens,” he said.
US calls on #Iran to immediately release jailed Baha'i leaders along with other prisoners of conscience. pic.twitter.com/Ry7RU3IcJl
— Golnaz Esfandiari (@GEsfandiari) May 14, 2016
Iran allows religious freedom for several minorities but targets the Baha’i faith, which believes in unity among religions and equality between men and women.
The Baha’i faith considers Bahaullah, an Iranian born in 1817, to be the latest prophet sent by God, a major divergence from Islamic orthodoxy.
Kirby’s statement comes after international sanctions on Iran were lifted as part of its nuclear deal with world powers last year.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
The Times of Israel Community.