Charleston Baha'i raise awareness of religious prisoners in Iran

The Baha 'í faith, a monotheistic religion established by Bah 'u'll h in 19th century Persia, counts among its contemporary numbers an estimated five to six million around the world in more than 200 countries and territories, with a growing population in the U.S. drawn to its message of the spiritual unity of all humankind.

Not everyone shares in that hopeful message. Seven of the faithful have spent a year in jail in Iran without formal charges or access to a lawyer.

Charleston Baha'is will mark the anniversary of the imprisonment of these leaders with a public meeting on Monday from 7 to 8 p.m. in the auditorium in the main branch of the Charleston County Public Library, 68 Calhoun St. Open to the public, the meeting will be buttressed by a letter-writing campaign aimed at members of Congress.

The families of the prisoners recently were told that a new accusation has been levied against the seven by the Iranian government, that of "spreading corruption on earth," a charge which carries the threat of death under Iranian law.

Local Baha'is also are trying to marshal additional co-sponsors for two resolutions (H. Res. 175 and S. Res. 71) currently before the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate which call for the release of the Iranian Baha'i leaders and other Baha'i prisoners.

Read more in Sunday's editions of The Post and Courier.