Richard Benyon, MP for Newbury, has added his support and concern for the seven Bahá’is awaiting the second session of their trial in Tehran. West Berkshire’s Bahá’i community has already expressed its unease.

He said: “The continued detention of these Bahá’i leaders in Iran, as part of the ongoing persecution of the Bahá’i community in Iran, is extremely troubling. I share the concern of the West Berkshire Bahá’i Community for the welfare of these seven Bahá’is.

“Jail conditions are harsh and they are only allowed periodic visits from family members.  They were arrested in Spring 2008. Their continued detention throughout the trial must be extremely unsettling and upsetting.”

The trial is expected to continue on 7 February.