HC Deb 22 February 2000 vol 344 c944W
Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he is making to the Government of Iran about the death sentences imposed on three Iranian Bahài in the city of Mashad on 3 February; and if he will make a statement. [111621]

Mr. Hain

We are concerned at reports that three members of the Bahài community were sentenced to death on 3 February. We therefore welcome the subsequent statement from a spokesman for the Iranian Judiciary that no such sentences have been passed, and that there remained the possibility that any convictions would be quashed. The Portuguese Presidency on behalf of the EU member states summoned the Iranian Ambassador to Lisbon on 17 February to express our concern at these reports and seek clarification. The Ambassador was unsighted but said that he would convey the concern of the EU to Tehran. We shall be taking similar action bilaterally.