Written question asked by Dennis Canavan (Independent (affiliation)) on Tuesday, 29 February 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 March 2000. It was answered by Lord Hain (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 March 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to the Government of Iran about the treatment and planned execution of members of the Baha'i community.

Answer: Mr. Canavan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Government of Iran about the treatment and planned execution of members of the Baha'i community. [112801] Mr. Hain: We remain concerned at reports of the death sentences passed on Mr. Najafabadi, Mr. Moghaddam and Mr. Khulusi in Mashad on 3 February. The picture has been somewhat confused by the recent statement by Mr. Sadeqi, spokesman for the Iranian Judiciary, that no such sentences had been passed. The Portuguese Presidency, on behalf of EU partners, presented a demarche to the Iranian authorities expressing our concern and seeking clarification as to the current status of these three gentlemen on 17 February. This was followed up with a further demarche in Tehran on 19 February. We took similar bilateral action with the Iranian Ambassador on 21 February.

Secondary information