Nigel Evans and Peter Bottomley sign EDM opposing gay Iranian's extradition

On the day that seventeen peers sign a letter calling for action to stop deportations to Iran we highlight the two Conservative MPs who have identified themselves with the cause of Mehdi Kazemi through this EDM:

"That this House is concerned by the case of Iranian teenager Mehdi Kazemi who is currently living in Holland; notes reports that Mr Kazemi's boyfriend was forced by Iranian authorities to denounce other gay men, including Mr Kazemi himself; is appalled at reports that Mr Kazemi's boyfriend was then hanged for the offence of homosexuality; believes that Mr Kazemi's life is in serious danger if he were returned to Iran; further notes that the Dutch authorities have rejected Mr Kazemi's appeal for asylum in Holland and are likely to deport him to the UK; believes that the Home Office view that Iran is safe for homosexuals as long as they hide their sexuality is contrary to human rights standards on sexual freedom; and calls on the Government to uphold its asserted position as a supporter of human rights by refraining from sending Mr Kazemi back to Iran and near-certain human rights abuses."

Source here.

Comments

[Lancashire CFer]

You make it sound like its a bad thing!

Congratulations to Nigel and to Peter for standing up. Where are the other Conservative MPs??

[Editor]

Sorry Lancashire CFer. That certainly wasn't the intention.

I applaud Nigel Evans and Peter Bottomley for taking this position.

:-)

[James Burdett]

Let us hope that the gradual application of pressure pays dividends. I have been following this story for a while and hope that the right outcome is reached.

[Rachel Joyce]

A shame on both the Dutch and UK governments.
Well done to both Nigel Evans and Peter Bottomley.