§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the visiting rights available to(a) members of the family and (b) legal advisers, in respect of the 13 Jews detained in Iran. [117251]
§ Mr. HainWe have regularly raised with the Iranian authorities our concerns at the detention on espionage charges of a number of Iranian nationals including 10 members of the Jewish community, following the release on bail in February of three of the Jewish detainees. I discussed this matter with the Deputy Foreign Minister Sarmadi on 7 March. It is our understanding that visits by some family members have been allowed and that some of the defendants have appointed legal representatives. We are seeking clarification from the Iranian authorities on the latter point. The Iranian authorities are fully aware of the importance that we and our EU partners attach to this issue.
§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the availability of legal representation for the 13 Jews detained in Iran. [117252]
§ Mr. HainOur understanding is that some of those detained have appointed legal representation. However, we are aware of recent reports that legal representation has been denied to some of the detainees. We are seeking clarification from the Iranian authorities on this point. The Iranian authorities are fully aware of the importance that we and our EU partners attach to this issue.