IRAN'S TREATMENT OF BAHA'I MEMBERS IS DEPLORABLE - ÖPIK

12.27.49pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 2nd Jul 2009

Lembit Öpik, Liberal Democrat MP for Montgomeryshire, has questioned both the Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister in the last few days over their involvement and influence in securing the release of the seven members of the Baha'i faith who are due on trial in a closed court on 11th July in Iran.

The seven members were arrested in Spring last year on charges of espionage for Israel, insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic Republic.

During Prime Minister's Questions yesterday, Lembit said:

"As chair of the all-party Baha'i group, I have become deeply concerned about the seven Baha'i leaders in Iran facing trial by the revolutionary court on 11 July on serious but unsubstantiated charges, with no evidence being offered against them.

"Will the Prime Minister be willing to meet me and representatives of the Baha'i faith in Britain to underline his and, I hope, our collective support for the fundamental principles of fairness and tolerance in the treatment of these and all Baha'i in Iran?"

In response, the Prime Minister said:

"I am sure that the whole House will share my deep disappointment at the recent behaviour of the Iranian regime" and added that he would "continue, with our international partners, to raise our concerns with Iran, including on the issue that the hon. Gentleman raised."

Commenting on the exchanges with both the Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister, Lembit said:

"The situation facing the Baha'i members is desperate. The UK must take a strong stance against this kind of behaviour and I'm very pleased with the response I've received.

"I am pressing the Government to do all that they can to negotiate the safe release of the seven Baha'i members with the Iranian authorities. My thoughts are with the families of the victims of such brutal injustice.

"I will continue to raise this issue publicly and have been granted a Parliamentary debate on the subject of Human Rights in Iran next Wednesday where my colleagues and I will highlight the suffering of the Iranian Baha'is and others subject to the abuses of the regime."

Ends/diwedd

Notes:

Please see below for a copy of Lembit's discussion with both the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary.

On Wednesday 8th July, Lembit will be leading a debate on Human Rights in Iran in Westminster Hall at 9:30am.

Tuesday 30th June:

Lembit Öpik (Montgomeryshire) (LD): Regarding the seven Baha'i leaders detained in Iran, may I ask the Foreign Secretary whether he will meet me, as the chair of the all-party Baha'i group, and a delegation of Baha'is, to understand the issues and see what representations might respectfully be made to secure their release?

David Miliband: I am happy to arrange a ministerial meeting with one of my colleagues on that important issue.

Wednesday 1st July:

Lembit Öpik (Montgomeryshire) (LD): As chair of the all-party Baha'i group, I have become deeply concerned about the seven Baha'i leaders in Iran facing trial by the revolutionary court on 11 July on serious but unsubstantiated charges, with no evidence being offered against them. Will the Prime Minister be willing to meet me and representatives of the Baha'i faith in Britain to underline his and, I hope, our collective support for the fundamental principles of fairness and tolerance in the treatment of these and all Baha'i in Iran?

The Prime Minister: The hon. Gentleman raises very difficult issues. I am sure that the whole House will share my deep disappointment at the recent behaviour of the Iranian regime: disappointment at the manner in which legitimate demonstrations have been suppressed; disappointment at the restrictions that he has mentioned on the freedoms of the Iranian people, with people due to stand before a closed court on 11 July; and disappointment that the Iranian Government have expelled two of our diplomats and detained several of our embassy staff. This action is unjustified and unacceptable. Some people in Iran are seeking to use Britain as an explanation for the legitimate Iranian voices calling for greater openness and democracy. However, we will continue, with our international partners, to raise our concerns with Iran, including on the issue that the hon. Gentleman raised.