158. Legal Proceedings Against the Former Members of the Yárán

158

Legal Proceedings Against the Former Members of the Yárán

8 August 2010

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

158.1 The Universal House of Justice has directed us to convey to you, on an urgent basis, the following information concerning the legal proceedings against the seven former members of the Yárán.

158.2 As you may be aware, the final session in the trial of these Bahá’ís was held on 14 June 2010. It has now just been learned that a member of their legal team has been informed by the judge who is presiding over the case that each of the defendants has been sentenced to twenty years’ imprisonment. This ruling against individuals who are absolutely innocent of the charges against them represents a shameless miscarriage of justice and a gross violation of the rights of the prisoners to a fair trial. The attorneys who are acting on behalf of these believers are in the process of launching an appeal.

158.3 It has not been possible as yet to confirm any details regarding the matter beyond those outlined above. You will be kept closely apprised of further developments, either through follow-up communications from our Department as information becomes available or through reports posted on the Web sites of the Bahá’í International Community and the Bahá’í World News Service.

158.4 The House of Justice invites you and the believers throughout your communities to join it in offering prayers that the dearly loved, stalwart former members of the Yárán and their loved ones, as well as our cherished sisters and brothers throughout the Cradle of the Faith, may be comforted and sustained through the watchful care and unfailing grace of the Blessed Beauty.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Department of the Secretariat