ARREST OF MEMBERS OF THE BAHÁ'Í COMMUNITY IN IRAN

Early day motion 1608, tabled 19 May 2008 by Lembit Öpik (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 148 members.

That this House expresses grave alarm at the news of the arrest of six prominent Bahá'ís in Iran on 14th May 2008; notes that Mrs Fariba Kamalabadi, Mr Jamaloddin Khanjai, Mr Afif Naeimi, Mr Saeid Rezaie, Mr Behrouz Tavakkoli, and Mr Vahid Tizfah are members of the informal group known as the Friends in Iran that co-ordinate the activities of the Bahá'í community in Iran; further notes that another member of the Friends in Iran, Mrs Mahvash Sabet, has been held in custody since 5th March 2008; registers deepest concern at the mounting threats and persecution of the Iranian Bahá'í community; urges the Government to seek from the Iranian government guarantees for the safety of these individuals; and calls for their immediate unconditional release.

Signatures by party: Labour 65, Liberal Democrat 44, Conservative 20, DUP 5, Scottish National Party 4, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Independent 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Independent Labour 1, UKIP 1, UUP 1.