Farrokh Shiri: sentenced to two years imprisonment, sentence suspended for twelve months" .......

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    "I am very, very puzzled, in this country they say I am not allowed to kill myself, but on the other hand they want to return me to people who will kill me. "
                                        Farrokh Shiri, Iranian asylum seeker. HMP Exeter, 15th March 2001

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Truro Crown Court Tuesday 22nd January

Before, Judge Jeffrey Rucker

     "I have read the reports that mention the what, but not the why. Why has this man been tortured. Why has he been treated this way. It appears that the rest of the world loves him"...........
     "It is or maybe true, that you were arrested, imprisoned, tortured and then escaped from the Iranian regime, and it is not suprising that you now suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, leading to severe depression and psychological injuries." .......
     "Your application for asylum in this country was refused and your appeal turned down. You were distressed and this turned to despair.".........
     "Sending you to prison immediately would harm your position to remain in this country"........
     "This report concludes that past experiences of torture and prison have been detrimental to your mental health, that you are now affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, that any further period of imprisonment would have a severe and adverse impact on your mental health leading to a high suicide risk. I consider this to be a good medical psychiatric opinion"..........
     "You did a very foolish thing. You obtained an imitation firearm with nebulous motives"......
     "I have received and read a number of letters, from people of all ages, that hold you in high esteem"........
     "The offence is a serious one"..........
     "For the reasons I have outlined, there are exceptional circumstances in this case"......
     "You are sentenced to two years imprisonment. This sentence will be suspended for a period of twelve months" .......

Appeal against conviction and sentence lodged, Shiri back at safe base in Cornwall, more information to follow.

Jon McKenzie for NCRM

Back ground:
"I am very, very puzzled
http://www.ncadc.org.uk/letters/more/shiri.html

Between the rocks and a hard place
http://www.ncadc.org.uk/letters/news23/shiri.html

Sanctuary not Criminality
http://www.ncadc.org.uk/letters/news22/farrokh.html

Messages of support and solidarity to:
Farrokh Shiri
farrokh44@hotmail.com

"True peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of justice"
The National Civil Rights Movement (South West)
Phone: 07940 514270
Email: ncrmsouthwest@aol.com
Web: www.ncrm.org.uk