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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

12-Dec-2011
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 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" ....

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