Danesh Cuts Deal on Sex Charges
The Ottawa Citizen

April 27, 1994, Wednesday, FINAL EDITION

Psychiatrist cuts deal on sex assault charges

The Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons has withdrawn charges of sexual impropriety against a psychiatrist who is the past secretary general of the Baha'i faith in Canada. Dr. Hossain Banadaki Danesh, 56, was a former associate professor of psychiatry and family medicine at the University of Ottawa before joining the Baha'is of Canada, where he was secretary general from 1985 to 1989. Conditions for dropping the charges include Danesh's immediate resignation and an agreement not to practice again.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: April 26, 1994
Page A8

Source: By Dale Anne Freed, Toronto Star

Sex charges withdrawn when psychiatrist resigns

The College of Physicians and Surgeons withdrew charges of sexual impropriety yestery against a psychiatrist who is past secretary general of the Baha'i faith in Canada.

Charges were withdrawn against Dr. Hossain Banadaki Danesh in exchange for Danesh's immediate resignation and his "written undertaking not to reapply for another licence to practice medicine in Ontario or to apply to practice medicine anywhere else, at any time."

He has also agreed to post $10,000 security toward costs incurred by the college in paying for therapy for the complainants.

Charges were laid by three former patients.

Danesh, 56, has not admitted to any sexual impropriety with any of his patients.

Danesh came to Canada from Iran in 1970 and is well-known in the Baha'i community for his marital counselling and seminars, as well as his lectures on non-violence, said Gerald Filson, executive director of public affairs for the Baha'i community in Canada.

A former associate professor of psychiatry and family medicine at the University of Ottawa, Danesh left that position to serve on the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Canada, the national executive, where he was secretary general from 1985 to 1989.

Formerly of Burlington, Danesh now resides on Vancouver Island and is still a member of the governing council for the Baha'i faith of Canada, Filson said. Danesh is one of nine elected members on that council. He resigns that position effective this Saturday, April 30, prior to a move to Switzerland within the next two months, where he will accept an academic post, Filson said.






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