The defendants may not receive death sentences. But they could receive lengthy terms without ever receiving a fair, open hearing. The reformers within Iran's parliament cannot control Judge Nourani's runaway courtroom. But they certainly need to let Iran's clerical leaders, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, know just how much a show trial will be condemned around the world. At the least, Ayatollah Khamenei needs to ensure a fair appeals process.
Human dignity demands it.
So does his country's future. Show trials will not advance Iran's standing in the international community it desperately needs to grow its economy. This site is best viewed using Netscape 4.0 or IE 4.0.