Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Mar 2000

Vol. 517 No. 1

Written Answers. - Human Rights Issues.

Alan Shatter

Question:

102 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 13 members of the Iranian Jewish community currently under arrest will be brought to trial on 13 April 2000 and the Iranian authorities have removed lawyers appointed to ten of the defendants giving rise to serious concerns as to the possibility of their having a fair trial; and if he will take whatever appropriate action is available at European Union and Council of Europe levels as well as on behalf of the Irish Government to ensure that their human rights are not violated. [9212/00]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

This case is being monitored very closely by our embassy in Tehran and by the embassies of our European partners. We are currently seeking clarification of the accuracy of this latest report. Our understanding so far of the Iranian position has been that all of the accused will be entitled to choose their own lawyers. Any departure from this would clearly be contrary to accepted international norms of legal procedure. It is also our understanding that the trial commencing on 13 April will be open to the press and media.

Ireland and the EU have impressed on the Iranian authorities that we are following this case attentively and that we expect the trial to be fair and open. Démarches have been carried out by the EU Presidency. My predecessor as Foreign Minister, Deputy Andrews, raised the matter with his Iranian counterpart and our views have been clearly and repeatedly expressed to the Iranian ambassador. In the light of any new developments we, along with our EU partners, will consider what further action, if any, may be indicated.