Feb

18

European Union’s “deep concern” for Bahá’í prisoners

Filed Under Human Rights, Iran, Parliamentary | Leave a Comment

The European Union has expressed its “deep concern at the grave charges raised against seven Bahá’í leaders” in Iran.

In a declaration on behalf of the EU, the current Presidency says that it is concerned that “after being held for so long without due process, the Baha’i leaders may not receive a fair trial.”

“The EU therefore requests the Islamic Republic of Iran to allow independent observation of the judicial proceedings and to reconsider the charges brought against these individuals,” says the statement.

The statement concludes with the EU expressing its “firm opposition to all forms of discrimination and oppression, in particular on the basis of religious practice. In this context, the EU urges the Islamic Republic of Iran to respect and protect religious minorities in Iran and free all prisoners held due of their faith or religious practice.”

Countries aligning themselves with the statement include EU candidate countries of Turkey, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process, potential candidates Albania and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.

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