Dutch MP urges immediate action for Iranian dissidents

Harry Van Bommel

Dutch MP, Harry van Bommel, urged Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen to take further action against the imminent execution of three Iranians who protested against the Iranian regime in the recent protests.

In his first reaction to the verdict, Minister Verhagen stated that he, together with his European colleagues, will insist that the sentence be reviewed.

Mr. Van Bommel responded: "Protest at the European level is not enough. The Netherlands should also use its own channels. There is an escalation of political oppression in Iran and we should react to that by using heavier diplomatic means. The minister should summon the Iranian charge d'affaires in The Hague. It would also be good if the Dutch embassy in Tehran attends the trials of the demonstrators as an observer. At this moment there is little independent monitoring in Iran."

Meanwhile it was announced that in addition to the three death sentences, Mehdi Karroubi, one of the opposition leaders, will be facing legal action. Karroubi has accused prison authorities of violating detainee rights by subjecting them to torture and possibly rape. The judiciary has called for legal action against him claiming his allegations and documents are fabricated.

Mr. Van Bommel cautioned: "To prevent the eradication of any kind of opposition in Iran, the Netherlands must act now."