[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 1] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 535-536] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]ESPIONAGE TRIAL AGAINST SEVEN LEADERS OF THE IRANIAN BAHA'I COMMUNITY ______ HON. FRANK R. WOLF of virginia in the house of representatives Thursday, January 21, 2010 Mr. WOLF. Madam Speaker, Monday's Washington Post featured a story about seven leaders of the Baha'i community who are facing ``trial behind closed doors in Tehran.'' The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom rightly called the trial a ``sham.'' The U.S. State Department issued a statement strongly condemning the Iranian government's decision to commence the espionage trial against seven leaders of the Iranian Baha'i community: Mrs. Fariba [[Page 536]] Kamalabadi, Mr. Jamaloddin Khanjani, Mr. Afif Naeimi, Mr. Saeid Rezaie, Mr. Behrouz Tavakkoli, Mr. Vahid Tizfahm, and Mrs. Mahvash Sabet. After 20 months in prison these individuals finally had their first court appearance on January 12. According to the Baha'i International Community, Iranian authorities have notified the lawyers of seven imprisoned Baha'i leaders that the next session of their trial will be held on February 7. They spent their first year in prison without formal charges or access to lawyers, in violation of Iranian law. And now, the stakes are getting even higher for members of this minority faith. A recent state-sponsored media campaign levied false accusations against the Baha'is claiming this religious group incited the latest protests in the Iran. This is a regime that is scared of its own people and desperately looking to redirect public discontent. Sadly, we should not be surprised by these actions. The government of Iran's gross violations of religious freedom are well-documented and long-standing including the execution of over 200 Baha'i leaders since 1979, the desecration of Baha'i cemeteries and places of worship and the violent arrest and harassment of members of the Baha'i faith. The U.S. must continue to work with our partners to speak with one voice about inexcusable human rights violations that are occurring in Iran. We must continue to speak out for due process and a fair trial for these seven Baha'i leaders. The world cannot turn a blind eye to this regime's persecution of its own people. ____________________