I am deeply sadden by the recent news in my birth place Iran. As some of you know I am a member of the Baha'i Faith and recently the persecution of the largest minority religion in that country has increased.

World governments and institutions are putting pressure on the government of Iran to release the recent prisoners. I thought of sharing this video with you.

For me all I can do is pray and make people aware of the situation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHggJbklmX0

I'm sorry, wabbit. It's a sad time in our lives when perjudice and ignorance overcomes those who just want to live their lives in peace.

My grandmother and grandfather visited the B'Hai Faith church numerous times. I believe that is where I was blessed with my "color blindness" as all members were black and my grandparents were the only white visitors. And to think that tolerance in the US is still a hurdle for many and Iran is just at the beginning phases of it, if any. My friend who is Iranian talks about the injsutice against her minorty religion (can't think of it now). I'm just glad you and my friend are here and not there.

Lifting up you and your family and friends....

Thank you dear friends. I long for peace and respect for all.

I really hate that things like this go on in the world.

It seems to me that a faith that needs to be spread through intimidation and violence by Iran's leaders is a faith that is weak and impotent.

I am sorry for the plight of your people, Wabbit.

It's things like this that make me ashamed of the human race.
All the potential we have and what do we but kill and abuse each other.

Thank you guys for your support, it does bring tears to my eyes. Like you said we have so much to give and yet we take it away from each other.
Keep them in your prayers.

Sorry to see things happening like such!

Yes, we'll keep them in our prayers...

These people are doing such wonderful things for the world and are being cut down by people's hatred. This is absolutely heart breaking. I'm so sorry Wabbit. **hugs** Thank you so much for educating us about your religion.

It is heart warming to know that you all sympathize for these innocent souls.

That is heartbreaking. I am very sorry to hear that. My heart goes out to you Wabbit. I can't imagine how you're feeling right now. Big hugs !

Thank you everyone for your support. Since my post here a while back, many Baha'is were taken to prison and false charges. All are wonderful people that their belief teaches them to love humanity and serve mankind. The closest one is a relative of mine who is now in prison for the past 2 months, what is sad they don't have rights to a lawyer. I pray everyday for him and for everyone who is a victim of prejudice and persecution.

Here is some latest news on the current events.

http://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/iran-update/

Summary of types of persecution

Harassment of Baha’is is pervasive and includes many incidents of all of the following:

* Arrests and detention, with imprisonment lasting for days, months, or years. In cases where the Baha’i is released, substantial bail is often required.
* Direct intimidation and questioning by authorities, sometimes with the use of high-intensity lights and physical mistreatment.
* Searches of homes and business, usually with Baha’i books and other items confiscated.
* School expulsions and harassment of schoolchildren.
* Prohibition on Baha’is attending universities.
* Court proceedings where Baha’is are accused of promoting propaganda against the government “for the benefit of the Bahaist sect.”
* Monitoring of the bank accounts, movement, and activities of Baha’is, including official questioning of Baha’is requiring them to give information about their lives, actions, neighbors, etc.
* Denial or confiscation of business licenses.
* Denial of work opportunities in general.
* Denial of rightful inheritances to Baha’is.
* Physical assaults, and efforts to drive Baha’is out of towns and villages.
* Desecration and destruction of Baha’i cemeteries, and harassment over burial rights.
* Dissemination, including in official news media, of misinformation about Baha’is, and incitement of hatred against Baha’is.
* Evictions from places of business, including Baha’i doctors from their offices and clinics.
* Intimidation of Muslims who associate with Baha’is.
* Attempts by authorities to get Baha’is to spy on other Baha’is.
* Threatening phone calls and letters to Baha’is.
* Denial of pension benefits.
* Denial of access to publishing or copying facilities for Baha’i literature.
* Confiscation of property.

Breaks my heart

Today I got an email, made me cry with tears of hope, after 2 months of no contact with his parents and his wife, he was given permission to see them. I appreciate your prayers for him and his fellow Baha'is in prison.

Thanks admin and everyone else for your prayers.