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Jamaloddin Khanjani: Prisoner of the Day

Serving 20-year sentence for being Bahai

Jamaloddin Khanjani, 77, was a successful factory owner who, because he was Bahai, lost his business after the 1979 Islamic revolution. His brick-making factory– the first automated such facility in Iran – employed several hundred people until forced to close in the early 1980's. Mr. Khanjani’s volunteer service to his religious community included membership on the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahais of Iran in 1984, a year that saw four of the nine members executed by the government.

Later, he was able to establish a mechanized farm on properties owned by his family. But authorities placed many restrictions on him and made it difficult to operate. The restrictions extended to his children and relatives and included refusing loans, closing their places of business, limiting business dealings, and banning travel outside Iran.

Khanjani was arrested and imprisoned at least three times before this most recent arrest on 15 May, 2008. He was arrested at his home and transferred to Evin Prison's Ward 209 along with five other Bahai leaders, Fariba Kamalabadi, Afif Naimi, Saeed Rezei, Behrouz Tavakoli, and Vahid Tizfahm. He spent months inside solitary cells inside Ward 209 under harsh conditions. Jamaloddin Khanjani has four children and six grandchildren. His wife, Ashraf Sobhani, passed away on 10 March 2010, while Mr. Khanjani was still in prison.

After months inside solitary cells, Khanjani and the other six Bahai leaders arrested with him were finally informed on February 12, 2009 of their charges of "espionage for Israel," "insulting sanctities," and "propagating against the Islamic Republic regime." The seven Baha'i leaders were finally tried on April 12, 2010 and sentenced by Branch 28 of Tehran Revolutionary Court to 20 years in prison on charges of "espionage," "acting against national security," and "enmity with God." An appeals court reduced the group's sentences to 10 years in prison, but some time later the group was informed in writing that their 20-year sentences had been upheld. Khanjani is currently inside Rajaee Shahr Prison, where he is kept alongside hardened criminals.

Compiled and Translated from rahana.org/prisoners and bahai.org

from Ghormeh Sabzi
12-Dec-2011
Iranians of the Day | Photos
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more from Ghormeh Sabzi
 
Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Flush Islamism

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on Mon Dec 12, 2011 06:44 PM PST

 

down the drain and say good riddance to it all. Personally I don't like religion. But Islamists are the worst. Others do their thing and leave others alone. 

Islamisn integrates terror and religion to a point they become a single one.


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Bahram G

I weap for Iran

by Bahram G on Mon Dec 12, 2011 06:34 PM PST

The shameless criminal Islamists are determined to disgrace the land of Cyrus the Great and it's people who championed the cause of human rights for all people. Shame on these Islamist thugs.


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faryarm

Dear عموجان

faryarm
Mon Dec 12, 2011 06:26 PM PST

 Dear Amoo Jaan :)

Thank you for your kind sentiments, However,  I believe the reason why Iranian Bahai's have  been able to stand so steadfast against repression and tyrrany is becasue of their  love  for Iran, as the Holy land of Iran and Baha'u'llah's promise from 160 years ago to his people and the place of his birth, the "land of Tihran" ....

Bahai's firmly believe this prophecy, as many others before this have already come true, and the Mullahs know this; as well that there is no need or place for them in a future democratic Iran.

Why else are they afraid of an historicall peaceful ,non violent minority of 300,000??

"...Let nothing grieve thee, O Land of Tá (Tihrán), for God hath chosen thee to be the source of the joy of all mankind....."

"...Ere long will the state of affairs within thee be changed, and the reins of power fall into the hands of the people. ..."

"...The day is approaching when thy agitation will have been transmuted into peace and quiet calm. Thus hath it been decreed in the wondrous Book...."

-- Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, pp. 110-111. 

 

regards

Faryar 


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عموجان

Bahais are more Iranian than Shias

by عموجان on Mon Dec 12, 2011 04:20 PM PST

For such a minority group they have done more for good of Iran than Shias who brought nothing but corruption and execution. 

Only reason they do this is because they know Shaia is such a weak religion. 

Hope some day soon they find peace in Iran. 


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Hans

I wonder

by Hans on Mon Dec 12, 2011 12:03 PM PST

I wonder How comes, IRI never gets one of this guys to confess, hum ...


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i am a bahai too

This man is an Iranian hero . . .

by i am a bahai too on Mon Dec 12, 2011 09:07 AM PST

He is my hero, too.

When I pray for this man, I also pray for the entire nation to be freed from its oppression, so that Iran can become a leading light to the world. This is what destiny requires, nothing less. 


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Bavafa

Doorood bar tamame Iranian e mobrez...

by Bavafa on Mon Dec 12, 2011 07:53 AM PST

Those who are fighting this criminal regime to gain their freedom whether it is political freedom, social freedom or religious freedom, they all deserve our support and gratitude.

A sustain campain to bring their pledge to the forefront is needed and appreciate it.

Shame on IRI for practicing fear and terror on its citizens.

'Hambastegi' is the main key to victory 

Mehrdad


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Maryam Hojjat

Shame on Islamists of IRR/IRI

by Maryam Hojjat on Mon Dec 12, 2011 06:46 AM PST

Who are enemies of Iranians and their culture.

Dawn with IRI/IRR


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