Re:                   Update on 13 Arrested Iranian Jews

The trial of the 13 Jews began this morning in Shiraz, Iran.  The court convened in a closed session for one hour and a half and reportedly adjourned until May 1^st after defense lawyers asked for more time to prepare their cases.  While media reports have indicated that four of the prisoners confessed and requested clemency these alleged confessions also took place behind closed doors.  We remain concerned that those ten arrested Iranian Jews have not been able to choose their own lawyers and are represented by lawyers appointed by the judge.  Defense lawyers said that they had been given only five days to look at transcripts and to meet with the thirteen defendants.  One of the court-appointed lawyers reportedly complained today that he did not want to represent a Jew.

Reports that several of the prisoners are being targeted for harsh sentences continue, however, these reports continue to vary.  As we have said in previous action alerts, all of the thirteen are innocent and should be released. 

We continue to call on U.S. officials, foreign governments, world bodies and human rights associations to do everything possible to ensure that the legal and human rights of the 13 arrested Jews are upheld, that a fair trial will take place, and that all of the prisoners will be released.  French President Jacques Chirac has said that he would surprised if Iran was to jeopardize its position in the eyes of the West over the results of the trials.  Others have expressed similar views.

Now that the trial has been postponed until after Pesach, we are also urging that the ten men who remain imprisoned be released on bail so that they may spend the holiday with their families.  We continue to call on all our member synagogues to conduct prayer vigils, tehilim recitations and to write editorials and letters demanding justice for the thirteen arrested Iranian Jews.

We will continue to update this alert with new information as it becomes available.  Kindly contact us at (212) 613-8124 with any questions or reports on your community activities.  

Tizku l’mitzvot.