WRITTEN QUESTION No. 776/99 by Thomas MEGAHY Persecution of a religious minority in Iran
Date: 1999-03-29
Institutions: European Parliament, MEGAHY
Subjects: Iran, death penalty, freedom of religious beliefs, human rights, penalty, protection of minorities, religious discrimination, religious group

3.12.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 348/133

Five types of beer and one cheese have already been registered under Article 13(1), while no designations have
yet been registered under Article 13(2).

(1999/C 348/182)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0776/99

by Thomas Megahy (PSE) to the Commission

(29 March 1999)

Subject: Persecution of a religious minority in Iran

In view of recent events, as well as the context of long-standing extreme harassment in which they took place,
would the Commission consider raising, in its negotiations with the Iranian authorities in the new situation
created by the disavowing of the fatwah against Mr Salman Rushdie, the position of the Baha’i and other
religious minorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran? In the last few months, at least 36 faculty members of the
Baha’i Institute for Higher Education have been arrested, two members of the community have been sentenced
to death, over 500 homes have been raided, and personal property, as well as BIHE equipment, has been
removed. More than 200 Baha’i have been killed since 1980 because of their beliefs. Baha’i are routinely denied
their constitutional rights and are subject to confiscation of property and denial of pension rights. Baha’i
cemeteries and holy places are repeatedly desecrated. Baha’i are denied access to normal university education,
which is why the BIHE was established. What action is the Commission prepared to take in defence of the
human rights of the Iranian Baha’i people?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission

(16 April 1999)

The Commission follows with deep concern the issue of human rights in Iran. In the comprehensive dialogue
between the Union and Iran, questions regarding human rights in general are always raised by the Union.

The Commission does not have any bilateral contractual relationship with Iran. However, the Commission
associates itself to the demarches made by the Union Troika in this respect. A demarche to the Iranian
Government in Tehran was made on 5 August 1998, regarding the execution of Mr Ruhu’llah Rawhani. A
further demarche was made on 4 October 1998 regarding the death sentences against Sirus Dhabihi-
Muqaddam and Hidayat-Kashifi Najafabadi, where the Union called upon the Iranian authorities to take
actions in order that these sentences would not be executed. The Troika was informed that the death sentences
were not final, but were subject to confirmation by the Supreme Court.

In the demarche of 4 October 1998, the Union restated its position on the death penalty, and recalled the
United Nations human rights commission resolution 1998/80, which expresses concern at the continuing
grave violations of the human rights of the Baha’i and calls upon Iran to refrain from pronouncing death
sentences on the grounds of religious beliefs and apostasy. In the session of the United Nations human rights
commission from March 22 until April 30, 1999 in Geneva, the Union will again introduce a draft resolution
on the situation of human rights in Iran. In the draft text, which is currently under discussion, there is a clear
reference to the discrimination and persecution of religious minorities and, in particular, to the Baha’i.

The treatment of members of the Baha’i faith in Iran was also specifically raised by the Union Troika during a
meeting with the Iranian government on 18 December 1998. This pressure will be maintained.

(1999/C 348/183)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0789/99

by Graham Mather (PPE) to the Commission

(6 April 1999)

Subject: The Falkland Islands > EU funding

How much EU funding has been received by the Falkland Islands in the past five years and through which
instruments has this been paid?