Simin Fahandej

Today, communities across Canada welcome the Persian New Year, symbolizing resilience, prosperity, and hope for the year ahead. In this time of uncertainty, Nowruz’s message of optimism is especially meaningful, and we wish all those celebrating a happy Nowruz.

As millions of people around the world mark Nowruz, @antonioguterres says: “Across all nations and cultures, let’s walk together as we build a more peaceful, sustainable and inclusive world for all people. May this Nowruz bring joy, health, prosperity and peace.”

My best wishes for Nowruz to everyone who celebrates today. May the new year be one of renewed hope for peace – grounded in compassion and solidarity.

Thank you for your support. Things are indeed bad for the #Bahais in #Iran.

Two individuals are being scapegoated in Iran because of their faith and face imminent execution. The U.S. Mission condemns Iran’s atrocious behavior and violations of religious freedom. We call upon Iran to immediately release Peyvand Naimi, Venus Hoseininejad, and all those unjustly detained.

Le Canada est profondément préoccupé par le mépris constant de l’Iran à l’égard des droits de la personne, notamment à l’égard des minorités religieuses telles que la communauté baha’ie.

Thank you @RightsGAC for your support of the #Bahais in #Iran and all those being persecuted

Over the past week, programmes have been broadcast on Channel 2 state television spreading false accusations against the Baha’i community, including clearly forced confessions by Baha’is taken under coercion

Baha’is in #Iran once again scapegoated

Persecution and repression can never destroy what’s in a person’s heart, they cannot crush one’s innermost beliefs, desires and longing for a better life and for human dignity. سرکوب هرگز نمی‌تواند آنچه را در قلب انسان‌هاست نابود کند؛ و عمیق‌ترین باورها و اشتیاق آنان به زندگی بهتر و کرامت انسانی را در هم بشکند. Baha’i International Community’s Statement to the UN Special Session on Iran #Iran #ایران

What if a justice system created to protect people becomes a tool of persecution? Iranian authorities are escalating their repression of Baha’is, with a recent series of harsh prison sentences and asset confiscations, the Bahá'í International Community and Human Rights Watch said today. #Bahai #HumanRights #Iran #FreedomOfReligion #HumanRightsWatch @hrw

“Unity is not achieved through uniformity nor is diversity the same as fragmentation.” #unity #humanity

Thank you to @FCDO_FoRB_Envoy for today’s meeting on the human rights situation of the #Bahais in #Iran.

In New York I: ✅ Met with Syria🇸🇾 Afghanistan🇦🇫 and Ukraine🇺🇦 to promote our FoRB strategy and explore areas for cooperation. ✅ Discussed how to combat the scourge of Antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred and promote religious tolerance with @AJCGlobal @UNAOC and @BahaiBIC_Rights

In #Iran, #Bahais are banned from going to university.

Education is a human right. #Iran #Bahai

We take going to university for granted. The #Bahais in #Iran are banned from universities only for their beliefs. #Iran #Bahai

Things that we take for granted. #iran #Bahais #bahairights

#Bahairights #iran

I want to tell the story of a woman who has spent more than fourteen years in the prisons of the Islamic Republic of Iran, guilty of nothing except being a member of the Bahai faith. The pen in my hand falters, for words are neither enough nor strong enough to capture this injustice. I remember the first time I saw Fariba in the infamous Ward 209 corridor of Evin Prison. We were both blindfolded, taking cautious steps in navy-blue plastic slippers. The prison guard was taking me to the restroom when Fariba entered the main corridor from the yard. I quickly glanced beneath my blindfold; her hair had turned white and was tied up on top of her head. My heart trembled,this was Fariba! I had seen her before at the office of the Defenders of Human Rights Center, back when she was with the ‘Friends of Iran’ group and came to the office regarding matters related to the Bahai community. Fariba and Mahvash spent two and a half years in solitary cells within the dark, damp Ward 209, before being transferred to Evin’s general ward, Qarchak, and other prisons to serve their ten-year sentences. I remember the day of Taraneh’s wedding, Fariba’s youngest daughter. Even for a few minutes, they did not allow Fariba, handcuffed and shackled, to attend her daughter’s wedding. I recall another day, the day of her release. After ten years in prison, I embraced her in Room 2 and whispered, ‘Congratulations on your freedom, dear Fariba.’ Fariba was arrested again, returned to the solitary cells of Ward 209, and later transferred back to Evin’s women’s ward. The day she entered the ward, I rushed in disbelief from the second floor to the first-floor hallway. Calm and smiling, Fariba walked toward the entrance of Evin’s women’s ward, followed by Mahvash. I knew that after ten years in prison, the leaders of Iran’s Bahai community had been released and were no longer active. I was certain they had been arrested again without cause or evidence. Yet again, they were sentenced to another ten years in prison. Writing about Fariba is difficult; she symbolizes the endless suffering of our Bahai compatriots, which is itself profoundly painful. Fariba is now in Qarchak Prison, a slaughterhouse for women prisoners. Let us all raise our voices together for the closure of this prison and the release of all inmates. Close Qarchak Prison Now! Free all political prisoners! Free Fariba Kamalabadi! Narges Mohammadi 3 Oct 2025 #Qarchakprison #iran #prison #faribakamalabadi