Written question asked by Peter Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 3 March 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 March 2010. It was answered by Ivan Lewis (Labour) on Monday, 8 March 2010 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iran: Human Rights

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the imprisonment of Behzad Nabavi; and what his most recent assessment is of levels of political and civil freedom in Iran.

Answer: Former Member of Parliament and Minister, Behzad Nabavi, was one of several notable figures arrested on 16 June 2009 following the disputed presidential elections in Iran. The EU raised concerns about these detentions on 3 August with the Iranian authorities in Tehran, and again in a declaration on 23 October. On 9 February Nabavi was sentenced to five years imprisonment for his role in the post election unrest. The Iranian authorities continue to suppress legitimate protest, restrict civil and political liberties and use the threat of violence, and even execution, to silence dissent. Despite this many brave Iranians continue to demand their fundamental rights. We urge the Iranian authorities to heed their citizens' calls, and to release all individuals detained for political offences.

Secondary information