Like many governments and civil society organisations around the world, we believe that the sentences are based solely on their peaceful activities as members of the ad hoc national coordinating group for Iran's Bahá’í community. They have not been given a fair and public trial according to international law. No evidence appears to have ever been presented against them.
As leaders of Australia’s diverse religious communities, we call on the Iranian government to immediately release these individuals on bail and to expedite a fairly conducted appeal hearing that respects international standards of jurisprudence.
Freedom of religion and belief is a right guaranteed to all people under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a state party. We call on the Iranian government to respect and protect the right of all Iranians, including Bahá’ís and other religious minorities, to profess and practise the religion of their choice.

Statement supported by the following APRO members
National Council of Churches in Australia
Executive Council of Australian Jewry
Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils
Australian Sangha Association
Sikh Kirtan Prachar Mission of Australia
Australian Bahá’í Community
Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia
Josie Lacey, Interfaith advisor, FECCA

Media comment
A/Prof Abd Malak, APRO Convenor: 0417 489 066
Dr Natalie Mobini-Kesheh, Australian Bahá’í Community: 0414 603 145