Namibians must join this outcry

National Community of Baha’is in Namibia writes:This month marks eight years since the wrongful imprisonment of seven Baha’is in Iran.Following a trial that lacked the requirements of international law, these innocent people were convicted of crimes that bear no truth or reason. These seven individuals, known collectively as “The Yaran” (meaning “Friends”), were responsible for the day-to-day care and coordination of the Baha’i community in Iran.Their service, offered in the name of their religion, included assisting in the holding of children’s classes, groups for youth, devotional meetings, and tending to the needs of the community. In particular, considering the difficulties that Baha’is in Iran face, these seven individuals offered protection and comfort – and for this, they are being punished.Baha’is in Iran and the world over are a community identified by their belief in Baha’u’llah – a Manifestation of God – who explained that the religions of the world come from the same source and are in essence successive chapters of one religion from God. Bahá’’is believe the crucial need facing humanity is to find a unifying vision of the future of society and the nature and purpose of life. A belief in the noble nature of humankind; a commitment to universal education; a belief in the equality of women and men; a regard for science and religion as two branches of knowledge; these are among the central teachings of the Baha’i Faith, and the principles which shape its community life.Yet, notwithstanding the peaceful, constructive and unifying outlook and actions of Baha’is, the United Nations documents that the Baha’i community in Iran continues to face systematic persecution and severe religious discrimination: Baha’is are blocked from attending university, prevented from worshipping as they choose, schoolchildren have been assaulted, cemeteries desecrated, and work places vandalised.“Eight years ago, seven innocent men and women were rounded up and thrown into Iran’s infamous Evin prison. After more than a year of illegal detention, they were put on trial, accused of espionage, “propaganda against the regime” and other alleged crimes that, in fact, related solely to their religious belief and practice.” (Baha’i International Community, United Nations Office)For us in this country this situation should be particularly touching. Less than a generation ago, Namibians were faced with the apartheid system, which imposed similar injustices on innocent people solely for their belief and desire for a better world. The international community joined Namibians in standing up for our rights and defending the cause of justice. Namibia’s independence and steady progress marks this triumph. Therefore we believe that most Namibians hold these self-same central principles of the Baha’i Faith to be true: the oneness of humanity, the equality of men and women, the eliminations of prejudice, and striving for a more peaceful and just society. Drawing on this spirit of international solidarity, the Namibian Baha’i community calls on all Namibians to join us in raising our prayers and our voices in support of these prisoners of conscience. Eight years is enough. No one should be persecuted or punished for their belief and work for a better world.

Namibians must join this outcry

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Republikein 2025-07-08

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Namibians must join this outcry

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Republikein 2025-07-08

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