I am Haleh Rouhi, a Baha’i Prisoner

I am Haleh Rouhi, a Baha’i Prisoner
By Haleh Rouhi-June 12th, 2009
Editor’s Note: In May 2006, a group of over 80 dedicated individuals were arrested in and around the city of Shiraz. They were involved in a teaching project benefiting underprivileged children of several neighborhoods. The volunteers taught the children basic personal hygiene, moral principles and kind ways to interact with others, including parents and siblings. At first children came only slowly to the volunteers, some with their pocket knives ready! Their attitude soon changed. They even started getting up early on the days of their class to tidy the open field, clearing away the garbage and debris, sprinkling water to reduce the dust in their gathering area and generally preparing the field for their class.

The volunteers had obtained permission from the Islamic authorities of the city to conduct their activities. Muslim members of the group were immediately released. However, 54 Baha’is were detained for a few days, but later released on bail. In August 2007, these Baha’is were tried by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court. They were charged with “offences relating to state security”.

Three of them, namely, Raha Sabet, Haleh Rouhi and Sasan Taqva, were sentenced to four years imprisonment for “organizing illegal groups” and “propaganda on behalf of groups that are opposed to the Islamic regime”. The other Baha’is in the group received a one year suspended sentence provided they participate in a three year “Islamic studies’ course, much of which consists of anti-Baha’i propaganda, to which students are not allowed to respond.The essay below is written by Haleh Rouhi, one of the three Baha’is sentenced to 4 years of imprisonment. Translation is by Iran Press Watch.

By Haleh Rouhi ( on May 21, 2009)

With utmost sincerity, I traveled for a year to a district near Shiraz known as Sahl-Abad in order to help a small group of underprivileged residents, hoping that I could bring joy to a heart, comfort a soul and help a weak spirit.

One day, as I was driving home alone in the car, I was stopped and arrested by Islamic authorities. When I asked for an arrest warrant, I received a harsh reaction, and was taken into custody without seeing any warrant. On the same day, a few Islamic militants showed up at my home while my mother was alone. They forced their way inside, took all my personal belongings and all our family photos. To this date none of the items have been returned.

I was interrogated for 28 days at the detention centre of the Ministry of Intelligence. During the whole process, I explained with the greatest honesty all the activities in which we had been engaged. Again, at the court proceedings, I clearly explained in detail all the humanitarian services we performed to the respected judge assigned to my case.

In October 2007, after interrogations were concluded, I was sentenced to four years of imprisonment. I could not believe what I was hearing. I appealed, requested a revision of my case and of the charges against me. As I was waiting for the result, I was summoned to the office of the Ministry of Intelligence by a phone call. Upon arrival, I was taken to a cell and two days later, I was told: “you are here to serve your jail term and you will remain here for four years”.

Today over 18 months have passed since that day.

During these months:

I have been deprived of contact with other prisoners and have been denied even the social life to which regular prisoners are entitled. I have only been granted a 5 minute family visit each week. Prisoners are allowed daily phone contacts with their families; however, I have been denied this. For the first 8 months, I was even deprived of having a book.

Prisoners are entitled to family leave, they are granted 5 days for every 25 days of imprisonment. The leave has turned into a struggle for me and my family. For no valid reason, and for a long time, the intelligence office and the courts force my family to go from one government office to another, before I am finally granted a leave. The time between my leaves is generally 3 or 4 months and sometimes even longer. In order to renew my family leave, we have to spend hours and hours in the courts with the hope of obtaining permission for an additional 5 days or a week with my family.

A prisoner has to be in jail, but I am kept in a detention centre that is normally used only for initial questioning. My cell has no openings; my food is left for me behind the door. If I need to get out of the cell, that is not possible. I have to spend the whole day in the confined area. If I am taken out at any time, I am blindfolded. I am only allowed 10-20 minutes a day out of my cell, in an enclosed area without a roof, for fresh air. Even the timing of this short break is determined by the prison guards; nor is there any possibility to extend these few minutes.

Is a ten minute break sufficient for a person who is kept 24 hours a day in a closed cell?

I have let go of whatever happened before the issuance of my prison verdict. Today, if I am a prisoner, treat me like one. If I am a prisoner, take me to a prison, let me get fresh air, let me have access to a telephone, let me have contact with others, let me have the same social life and rights to which prisoners are entitled, etc. Did the organization in charge of overseeing the prisons include this detention centre (called Plock 100) in its list of prisons? Does the prisons organization accept the conditions of the detention centre in which I am held as a prisoner? Does the organization accept this detention centre as a prison?

Signed

Haleh Rouhi
CommentsAdd your comment below...
Forouzandeh | June 12th, 2009 - 8:39 pm
Dear Haleh,

You and all dear Yaraans are in my prayers. It is very sad the way they treat
you and is not fair. You are not criminal , but Haleh joon one day in future
they will realize. I sincerely sorry that I can not help you and right at this
moment I feel ashamed.
Carol | June 12th, 2009 - 9:28 pm
Dearest Haleh,
You and the other Baha’is who have been so deeply mistreated for doing nothing other than making the world a better place are in my thoughts and prayers. Your fearless service to God and your country in light of the danger you faced speaks volumes of the depth of your courage and faith. You are in my heart, and your Baha’i brothers and sisters around the world anxiously await the day you and other Persian Baha’is will once again live in freedom and safety. Haleh, you have upheld the highest standard of conduct, of strength and of conscience. May God’s love shield you at all times.
Farid | June 12th, 2009 - 10:05 pm
I wish I could trade places with you.
Sevda | June 13th, 2009 - 2:53 am
Dear Haleh, your story breaks my heart. It’s so unfair and I can not even imagine how you can bear this shameful treatment from the authorities, this indifference and terrible conditions you are kept in. But you know, Haleh, your story makes me want to get out on the street and shout about the Baha’i Faith so that everyone can hear. It makes me want to scream and let the whole world know that Baha’is are righteous people who deserve respect and admiration. May your sacrifice serve to spread our beloved Faith and touch peoples’ hearts. My prayers are with you and the other Yaraans.
Markus | June 13th, 2009 - 3:09 am
Dear Haleh,

You are a light and a shining example for all of us. And eventually the light will expel darkness. You are in my prayers.
Armin | June 13th, 2009 - 4:29 am
I too wish i could take your place.

Khoda negah daret
Freedom for 3 young Baháí prisoners in iran (Hale Ruhi , Sasan Taqva , Raha Sabet) : http://apps.facebook.com/causes/298017/39997846?m=cc366e79 | June 13th, 2009 - 5:32 am
Freedom for 3 young Baháí prisoners in iran (Hale Ruhi , Sasan Taqva , Raha Sabet) : http://apps.facebook.com/causes/298017/39997846?m=cc366e79
Hooman R. | June 13th, 2009 - 6:04 am
Dear Haleh,
I spent only six hours in similar condition and I only can imagine how hard it is to bear such injustice for 18 months. By any means you, Raha and Sasan are one of the strongest characters I have ever met in my life. Your stories are heard by millions around the world. You are the picture of injustice being spelled upon Bahá’í youth and in fact many other youth in Iran. I pray for you all the time. Remember the dream that led to the construction of city of Shiraz. A huge and splendour star fell from the sky in the meadow (where currently city of Shiraz stands on), from it thousands starts scattered around the world lighting it up. Then they all came back to the same point and return back to the sky. “There is no easy way from the earth to the stars”. You are a source of joy and pride. You are light.
Dayan James | June 13th, 2009 - 6:42 am
Dear Haleh,
What can I say? This is the very reason I am a Baha’i, to change the injustices of the world. Unfortunately it is happening everywhere, we are the ones who will have to make it happen. I am teaching my children to become the new race of men, just like what Baha’u'llah has prescribed. There’s no way we can contiune like this. The leaders of today will seriously have to look at themselves are reconsider what are their purpose. My heart is saddened to learn of whats happening to you and others in the birth land of our Faith.

You will always in our thoughts and surely you are aware this is not in vain.

Thinking of you.
Dayan
Talpur | June 13th, 2009 - 8:53 am
r-Bhai-really-muslims!!
if-yes-then-how?
Dawn | June 13th, 2009 - 9:27 am
It is such a sad state of affairs that individuals who have not committed any crimes are subjected to such harsh punshiments.
I am ashamed of the Iranian Government; yet sadly my shame of such a regime can do very little. I pray with all sincerity that your situation and that of so many others who like you are suffering at the hands of this regime will change for the better.
You have exhibited such powerful personal endurance and I am certain that God will continue to give you the strength you need to get throught this.
I am not a Baha’i, nor am I a Muslim, but regardless of this I think we are all humans and it amazes me and breaks my heart to see how basic human rights are being violated to such a harsh extent.
You are in my thoughts and prayers and I am certain as our others that your struggle will not have been in vain.

Peace and love,
Dawn
Sanam E. | June 13th, 2009 - 10:53 am
I read this article and not only do I feel extreme sorrow and anger… I am deeply ashamed of myself.

I am liberated, in a country where such practices are lovingly welcomed, yet I take advantage of this time, these opportunities for teaching thrust upon me and spend my time doing little for the betterment of this world. She is an inspiration, an example, a source of hope and a soaring fire that burns brightly with the love of Baha’u'llah. Most importantly, she is an awakening call to us youth who are blinded to the bounties descending upon us.

Truly exalted is she, facing such hurrendous conditions daily, sacrificing her youth and detaching herself from all worldy things, in the Kingdom of God.

Ya’Baha’u'llah.
Danielle Wilding-Forbes | June 13th, 2009 - 12:25 pm
Dear Haleh

I will never understand how we, as a race are capable of such injustices. We are are inherintly so afraid of that which is unknown to us. It sounds like while they have deprived you of so much they can not diminish your pure intention and strength of spirit. Hold strong and know that you have contributed to a better world.

I will keep you in my thoughts and pass your story on.
Shirin | June 13th, 2009 - 1:07 pm
Dear Haleh,

Your sacrifices, your faith and steadfastness, have given a new spirit to the Baha’is enjoying freedom outside of Iran. You and the other beloved friends suffering from injustice in Iran are in my daily prayers. May your spirit ever grow stronger and your faith remain strong.
Carlos Moreira | June 13th, 2009 - 1:17 pm
Haleh Rouhi,
Your history is incredible and one day the world will know this.
Uccio Saverino | June 13th, 2009 - 5:56 pm
Dearest Haleh,
Your sufferings in His Path, like the rays of the sun, are the source of the true love and hope which radiates their power all over the world even towards your jailers.
Surely the blessings and the assistance of the Blessed Beauty are pouring forth upon you to strengthen your soul. Don’t be afraid. You are not alone at all!
Here, in Sicily, your spiritual brothers and sisters are praying for your release.
I’m a children class teacher like you and I’m proud of what you have done for their love and spiritual and material progress. I’m praying for you too.
Be sure. Baha’u'llah loves you.
With baha’ì love, Uccio, M.D.
Cirus | June 13th, 2009 - 7:20 pm
Dear Haleh,
It breaks my heart to hear what is happening to you. I stopped praying a long time ago but now, as of tonight I am going to start to pray for you and hope that this nightmare goes away for you. I can’t believe the injustice and cruelty in this world. I also wish I could trade places with you.
Neda Najibi | June 13th, 2009 - 7:56 pm
Dearest brave Haleh!

Your description of what you have gone through, are going through is HONORABLE! You have not only honored me but your parents and your grandparents. THIS HONORABLE ACT HAS and WILL make a GREATER impact in this world and the discovery that not only your experience and sacrifice but those of all the Baha’i prisoners are voluntary and out of LOVE. You and all the Baha’i prisoners are educating the world on what Baha’i is and how and why we continue to live with faith.

Ya Baha’u'labha dearest one!
You are all in my prayers!
With SO MUCH LOVE!
Neda Najibi
I am Haleh Rouhi, a Baha’i Prisoner | bahainewsletter.co.uk | June 13th, 2009 - 9:10 pm
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Behruz Mashrequi | June 14th, 2009 - 7:20 pm
Dear Haleh,

You are a shining star in the dark of night.
God bless you, give you strength and
courage to face the trials and tribulations
that you face now.

Behruz M
Christopher (Denmark) | June 14th, 2009 - 8:09 pm
Dear Haleh Rouhi,
I am deeply moved by your story, and impressed by your example. Be assured that your endurance of the hardships you mention is tremendously inspiring for endeavors of service all around the globe, as is your struggle for justice.
Diana H. | June 15th, 2009 - 3:12 am
Dearest Haleh,
I am so impressed with your candor and serene account of such unjust treatment. Your actions of grace under completely unfair treatment is a wonderful example for the rest of us. Take good care. I will be praying for your release.
Ali shahidi | June 15th, 2009 - 6:01 am
Shame, shame, shame on us!
When I see the beautiful face of a young girl, whose freedom is demolished in jail, I feel ashamed. I am even ashamed of calling myself an Iranian. The history has shown the Persia as the land of the free. What happened to the people of righteous speech, righteous thoughts and righteous deeds. Shame, shame, shame on all of us Iranians.
Husseim | June 15th, 2009 - 10:35 am
We know that the only way we can help you is to:

” Teach the faith”

and we are doing it, the cause is succesful, your suffering is not in vain!

The word of Baha’ ‘u’lla’h is exponentialy reaching more hearts and souls with every second you are in that containingroom… are going to be rewarded… GOD IS THE MOST JUST, the ALL-Bountiful….

Lots of love and you are in our minds and …

THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME ALL THIS NEW ENERGY TO TEACH…. through your story :D

:D
sb | June 15th, 2009 - 7:58 pm
How can this tender face ever belong in a prison? Her calm strength is a towering inspiration to all of us. My friends and I meet and pray for her every week. Haleh name’s will live forever and her modesty will outlive kings.
Maris | June 18th, 2009 - 9:53 pm
Dear Haleh,

I will pray that God grants you added steadfastness, courage and love to endure this trial in His path! The friends in Latvia are with you in their prayers and thoughts.
Jasmin Brown | June 21st, 2009 - 1:26 am
Dearest Haleh,
I read about you tonight and am just in such a rage og emotions that I can’t express myself coherently. I, too am a Baha’i . I am writing to you from Hollywood, Florida. In America, I take things for granted everyday. I know what the Bahai’s in Iran have had to endure and your plight makes me ashamed. We Americans pride ourselves on our constitutional rights to worship as we wish. Please think of me thinking of you…as I lay myself down, to prepare to go to work tomorrow morning…I guess I still don’t understand how they can lock up innocent people there so callously and prejudicially—may I send you a warm hug of love and solidarity, thank you jasmin b.

Documenting the Persecution of the Baha’i Community in Iran

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