A local group is trying to bring attention to human rights injustices faced by their kin in Iran.
“No [Baha’i] is allowed to go to university unless they deny their faith,” said Karen Lenz, a Baha’i from North Saanich.
She adds Baha’i cemeteries have been desecrated in Iran.
Next week, Lenz and other Peninsula Baha’i will show Education Under Fire, a documentary film about the situation faced by Baha’is in Iran.
“I don’t think it’s got much attention, [but] it’s a widespread abuse of human rights,” said fellow Baha’i Connor MacLeod of Brentwood Bay. “The film will show or expose the actual situation and hopefully grant more attention.”
MacLeod, who studies at the University of Victoria, said it’s hard to fathom a similar situation here in Canada. If his rights to education were denied, he would leave the country, he said, and raise international awareness of the violations.
“When you do good deeds in the world, it sends out an energy … and I think it will help [the Baha’i in Iran] in their strength to hold on a little bit longer,” Lenz said. “I see the difference school has made for my kids. Everyone should have that.”
Education Under Fire shows at 7:30 p.m. in room 101 of the Mary Winspear Centre on Wednesday, May 16. Admission is free and the film is suitable for all ages. For more information, email lenz.karen@gmail.com.