Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Voice of America Report on Egypt's ID Crisis

This radio report, prepared by Challiss McDonough, was aired on 12 November 2007 by Voice of America. It addresses the current identification crisis in Egypt. Egyptian Baha'is continue to be deprived of their basic civil rights in their homeland. Two landmark cases will be ruled on by Cairo's Court of Administrative Justice on 25 December 2007. To review the story behind these cases, please click here.

Listen to the radio broadcast by clicking on the player below:

Posted by Bilo at 5:48 AM

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4 comments:

  1. Age follows age and men continue to wage war on themselves. The teaching of some Leader becomes more real than the teaching of the Manifestation of God. Baha'u'llah says, "Do not wish for others that which you do not wish for yourself." Yet people seem to believe that martyrdom is OK for them. If they do, then they believe it is the right thing for everybody else. I understand that the Baha'is Universal House of Justice forbids the Egyptian Baha'is to change their religion ON PAPER. The men on Mt.Carmel do not have to face the suffering they are subjecting Baha'is all over the world to. Ultimately the mere name of one's religion means nothing. Attaching importance to the name allows government to get a grip on it and use it for government's aims. All the religions teach God is merciful, but their adherents have yet to show it.
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  2. The application form required to obtain the Egyptian ID card states the following: "Declaration by Applicant and Employer:
    I,......., declare that all details in this application are correct and real; I accept responsibility for consequences, with full knowledge that providing any incorrect information in this application is considered forgery of official documents and is legally punishable according to the articles of the penal code.”

    You may review this post for further clarification.
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  3. In its message to the Baha'is of Egypt, the Universal House of Justice has explained why this is a noble cause, worth sacrificing for. See:
    http://news.bahai.org/story/499

    Keep up your wonderful work on this Blog, Bilo!

    "In the beginning of every Revelation adversities have prevailed, which later on have been turned into great prosperity." "Say: O people of God! Beware lest the powers of the earth alarm you, or the might of the nations weaken you, or the tumult of the people of discord deter you, or the exponents of earthly glory sadden you. Be ye as a mountain in the Cause of your Lord, the Almighty, the All-Glorious, the Unconstrained." "Say: Beware, O people of Baha, lest the strong ones of the earth rob you of your strength, or they who rule the world fill you with fear. Put your trust in God, and commit your affairs to His keeping. He, verily, will, through the power of truth, render you victorious, and He, verily, is powerful to do what He willeth, and in His grasp are the reins of omnipotent might." "I swear by My life! Nothing save that which profiteth them can befall My loved ones. To this testifieth the Pen of God, the Most Powerful, the All-Glorious, the Best Beloved." "Let not the happenings of the world sadden you. I swear by God! The sea of joy yearneth to attain your presence, for every good thing hath been created for you, and will, according to the needs of the times, be revealed unto you." "O my servants! Sorrow not if, in these days and on this earthly plane, things contrary to your wishes have been ordained and manifested by God, for days of blissful joy, of heavenly delight, are assuredly in store for you. Worlds, holy and spiritually glorious, will be unveiled to your eyes. You are destined by Him, in this world and hereafter, to partake of their benefits, to share in their joys, and to obtain a portion of their sustaining grace. To each and every one of them you will, no doubt, attain."

    (Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 82)
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  4. The first comment assumes that Egyptian Baha'is have a choice to declare a different religion without negative consequences and to be untruthful. The Baha'is in Egypt, including my family, have chosen truthfulness over deceit, dignity over defeat, and sacrifice over temporary personal gain.

    Bilo, thank you for keeping this blog focused on the plight of Egyptian Baha'is!
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