The Bahais of Plainville are asking for assistance from the greater community in the promotion of human rights protection for their co-religionists. Bahais in Iran have faced religious persecution in Iran for many years, and recent events call for urgent attention. In 2008, seven Iranian Bahai leaders were arrested on false charges.

The Bahai Faith is the youngest of the world's independent monotheistic religions and one of the fastest-growing, with a significant presence throughout the United States. Major Baha'i tenets include the oneness of humanity, equality of men and women, eradication of prejudice, harmony of science and religion, universal education and world peace. There are several hundred Bahais in Connecticut, 19 members live in Plainville.

The Iranian Student News Agency announced Feb. 11 that charges had been laid against the seven imprisoned members of the national-level committee that coordinates the activities for the Iranian Bahai community. The report quoted deputy Tehran prosecutor Hassan Haddad as having said "the case will be sent to the revolutionary court next week" and that these Bahais are accused of "espionage for Israel, insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic republic."

The Bahais deny categorically these charges. No evidence against them has been brought to light. The seven Bahais were arrested in March and May of 2008 and have been held in Tehran's Evin Prison. The prosecution of the leaders is just one step in a 30-year-long systematic campaign orchestrated by the government to eliminate the Bahai community as a viable entity in Iran, the birthplace of the Bahai Faith.

In response to this urgent matter, local Bahais are hosting interfaith prayer gatherings on Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 p.m. at homes in Plainville. On Saturday, Feb, 21, Bahais are hosting an informational session at Central Connecticut State University at 6 p.m., during which time local Iranian Bahais will share personal stories about their and their families experiences in Iran. All events are open to the public.

People interested in attending any of the events should contact Norene Robinson at(860) 747-2918. Another way to get involved is to contact U.S. Senate and Congressional Representatives, urging them to apply pressure on the Iranian government to release these innocent Bahais from prison.

Updates and background on the situation of the Bahais in Iran are posted at http://iran.bahai.us. To learn more about the Bahai Faith in America, check the Web site www.bahai.us.