Tag: MP

Calling on Newbury MP Richard Benyon to secure Prime Minister’s help

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Bahá’ís in West Berkshire have written to Richard Benyon, MP for Newbury, to ask him to call for the release of seven Bahá’í leaders in Iran.

The local Bahá’ís are asking Richard Benyon to help win the support of the Prime Minister in a campaign to secure the release of their fellow Bahá’ís in Iran.

“The seven Bahá’í leaders have each been sentenced to 20 years in jail just because they are Bahá’ís. We are really anxious for their safety and for their families,” said West Berkshire Bahá’í Shawn Khorassani.

MP shares concern for welfare of Bahá’is in Tehran jail

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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.