Hautala Welcomes Release of Iranian Human Rights Defender Emad Baghi

Hautala welcomes the release on bail of Iranian journalist Mr Emad Baghi.  Amongst others, Chairwoman Hautala had advocated for his release.[:]

Mr Baghi, who was released on 23rd of June on health grounds, was detained on 28th of December during wave of arrests of human rights activists and demonstrators in Iran. Amongst many others, Ms Hautala has made calls for the authorities to release Mr Baghi. On 14th of January she furthermore expressed great concern for Mr Baghi’s access to medical care.

Mr Baghi is the founder of Society for the Defence of Prisoners’ Rights and laureate of the 2009 Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders.

It is, however, deeply disappointing to learn that Mr Baghi remains accused of “propaganda against the Islamic establishment”.  Such charges should be withdrawn without delay. This kind of language has no place in today’s societies and is particularly alarming when applied to the cases such as that of Mr Baghi, Ms Hautala added.

The trial is scheduled to commence on 7th of July.

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