One of the strengths of our nation is our 1st Amendment right to freedom of religion. As members of the Baha’i faith, we are outraged that this basic human right is being denied to our fellow Baha’is in Iran.

At a recent meeting in Grass Valley, concern was expressed and prayers were offered for the seven members of the Baha’i faith who have been in prison in Iran for nearly a year.

They are now to stand trial on false charges of spying for Israel and insulting Islam.

A Nevada County resident who was born in Iran shared her firsthand experiences of the persecution the Baha’is have endured since the inception of our faith in that country in 1844.

The U.S. House of Representatives has introduced a resolution, HR 175, regarding the persecution of the Baha’is in Iran. If you’d like to help, please contact Rep. Tom

McClintock to ask that he co-sponsor the bill, if he has not already, and encourage him to speak out against the actions of the Iranian government toward this religious minority.

Please also contact our senators and ask that they consider introducing in the senate a resolution similar to HR 175.

Barbara B. Campbell

Penn Valley

Mike Ferguson

Nevada City

Jana Zahn-Chehrazi

Grass Valley

Shiva Reader

Nevada City

Paul Mantle Jr.

Grass Valley