HC Deb 20 March 2000 vol 346 cc409-10W
Mr. Wilshire

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the continued use of Sharia law punishments in Iran; and if he will make a statement. [115498]

Mr. Hain

Hudud punishments in Iran, though in recent years used less frequently, are allowed under Sharia law. Sharia law forms the basis of the Iranian legal system, as well as the legal systems of some other countries in the region.

With our EU partners the UK tabled the United Nations General Assembly resolution on human rights in Iran adopted on 17 December 1999. This resolution calls on Iran to take the necessary steps to end the use of torture, the practice of amputation, stoning and other cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments.