Written question asked by Linda Perham (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 April 2001. It was answered by Brian Wilson (Labour) on Monday, 2 April 2001 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Iranian Government regarding the condition of the Iranian Jews imprisoned on charges of spying; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Ms Perham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Iranian Government regarding the condition of the Iranian Jews imprisoned on charges of spying; and if he will make a statement. [156390] Mr. Wilson: We and our European partners take every opportunity to raise with Iran our concerns about the unsatisfactory nature of the case, and will continue to do so. The subject was last raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Neath (Mr. Hain) in a meeting with the Iranian Ambassador on 22 January. I note that one of the prisoners, Mr. Ramin Nematizadeh, was released on 5 March when his prison term expired. Our Embassy in Tehran has also reported on the treatment of the prisoners; they have access to newspapers, kosher food, visits from their families twice a week and a group cell.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 156390; 366 c54W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Human rights Jews Political prisoners Trials Antisemitism Iran Espionage
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk