A Note from Navid Khanjani for the 80th Birthday of Prison Mate

Persian2English – Human rights activist Navid Khanjani has written a note from Rajai Shahr Prison (I.e. Gohardasht Prison) for the 80th birthday of his prison mate Jamaloddin Khanjani, one of the seven Baha’i leaders who is currently imprisoned.

The letter has been translated to English by Siavosh Jalili.
By Navid Khanjani

Talking and hearing about prison is perhaps interesting for some and upsetting for others. This note is not intended to upset anyone, and nor will it tell an epic story of those who are imprisoned for holding beliefs which the ruling establishment cannot tolerate. I’m writing this note [to satisfy my own] heart and for an individual who has been a source of comfort and support for me and other prisoners. [This individual is] Jamaloddin Khanjani. His birthday is today, July 27, and he turns 80 years old.

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There are times when a prisoner yearns for freedom and becomes frustrated and impatient [as a result]. Those who deny this fact have either never been imprisoned or are suppressing their feelings. I don’t intend to hide. I too get tired and frustrated at times, but when I look at [other prisoners] around me, I calm down and find the confidence to continue…

Sometimes, when [a prisoner is in the presence of someone like Jamaloddin Khanjani]– who patiently lives [each day], doesn’t frown upon harsh prison conditions, and still holds hope for the future– they get embarrassed for feeling tired or frustrated. [Jamaloddin Khanjani] has spent a total of 20 years in prison, and he’s still standing like a mountain.

I only ask God for [Jamaloddin Khanjani’s] health and to not take [him,] our support away from us. I pray for the day that we could [celebrate] his birthday with the both of us released– the day when a person is no longer imprisoned for their beliefs.

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