Senator Barbara Boxer's reply to my letter

I definitely didn't expect a reply from Ms. Boxer, but I'm grateful for the acknowledgment from my Congressional representative. Of course, I know SHE didn't actually write the email, but what's important is that her office is aware of the situation, and the Iranian government knows that the United States government is well aware of its activities. I'm continuing to pray for our Friends in that damnable prison, and whatever happens will all be for the Glory of the Cause of God in this Blessed Day.

Dear Ms. Shortt:



Thank you for contacting me regarding the treatment of the Bahá'í community in Iran. I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your views on this troubling situation.

I share your concern regarding the systematic discrimination faced by the Bahá'í and other religious minorities in Iran. For decades, the government of Iran has repressed and persecuted members of the Bahá'í faith in violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights.

As you may know, in February 2009 the Iranian government charged seven leaders of the Iranian Bahá'í community with espionage and propaganda against the Islamic Republic. These Bahá'í community leaders had been detained for nine months without access to legal counsel. Thirty other Bahá'ís remain imprisoned in Iran because of their religion. The United States has condemned these actions, urging Iranian authorities to release all religious minorities currently detained for the peaceful exercise of their religious beliefs.

As a strong advocate of international human rights and religious freedom, I am deeply concerned about these recent events and Iran's continued persecution of the Bahá'í community. Please be assured that


I will keep your views in mind should legislation regarding the Iranian Bahá'í come before the Senate in the 111th Congress.

Thank you for writing, and I hope you will continue to be in touch with me about matters of importance to you.



Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

Please visit my website at http://boxer.senate.gov

Comments

Anonymous said…
For others interested in possibly writing to their members of Congress as well - Don't forget others can write in to support H. Res 175 Resolution.

Supplemental info to consider including in your appeals for action you may wish to consider (I know the urls are long and messy sometimes, sorry) -

In June 2008 Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi volunteered to be their lawyer and received threats against her life for defending the Baha'i community.

There has been widespread calls on the Iranian government to release the Bahá'ís; many Brazilian members of government have spoken out for the Baha'is as early as April 2008.(in Portuguese). On June 19th 2008 several senior jurists of India's legal system, journalists, and civil rights activits signed an open letter urging
Iran to abide by international human rights conventions and release the detainees immediately of the leadership of the Bahá'í Faith in Iran. On Feb. 4th 2009 two hundred and sixty seven non-Bahá'í Iranian academics, writers, artists, journalists and activists from some 21 countries including Iran signed an open letter of apology
posted to Iranian.com and stating they were "ashamed" of the
treatment of the Baha'is. On the 26th British entertainers said in an open letter printed in the The Times of London echoed these sentiments.

If you want more references (Germany, Australia, UK, Canada, even EU statements that Turkey signed on to) you can check Arrest of Baha'i Leaders for more specifics.
7:30 PM
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