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NCADC
news archive
Newszine - August - 2003
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Stop
the Deportations of Shahin and Massoud |
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Shahin
Portohfeh - Threatened with execution |
Massoud
Abdalian - Threatened with persecution |
They're
Welcome in Coventry - Justice for Asylum Seekers Now !
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Massoud
Abdalian - Gaol awaits Student Translator
Massoud Abdalian is a 30 year old Iranian asylum seeker. He has a degree
in English from Azad University in the Shiraz province of Iran.
Massoud has lived in the UK since fleeing Iran almost 3 years ago. His main
'crime' was to have in his possession a copy of Salman Rushdie's book, the
Satanic Verses. He had hoped to translate the book into Farsi. For this
the Iranian security forces warned him that 'something might happen to him'.
Massoud is one of the human rights activists that our Government claim to
be supporting in their struggle against an anti-democratic regime in Iran.
As a student activist, Massoud had tried to bring together like-minded liberal
thinkers in a bid to create discussion and activity about the nature of
the regime and how to change it.
He had been warned on numerous occasions by the Iranian security forces
that he would be persecuted if he continued to try to express his strong
beliefs that that the country required real democratic change.
Massoud's reward for his courageous attempt to bring freedom of expression
to Iran is to have his leave to remain in the United kingdom refused by
the home Office - the same Home Office that pretend to support people like
him.
Massoud's fear of persecution is well grounded. His uncle spent 8 years
in prison for similar political activity. His cousin paid the ultimate price
and was executed by the Iranian courts.
For Freedom of Expression and Basic Human Rights - Support Massoud
Abdalian |
Shahin
Portohfeh - Home Office Endorses Death Sentence
An Iranian court holds a death warrant against 23 year-old asylum-seeker
Shahin Portohfeh. The warrant condemns Shahin to 74 lashes and death by
stoning should he return to Iran.
Amazingly the British Government are prepared to send this young man to
a brutal death, having refused him leave to stay in this country.
They say that Shahin could be deported at any time.
At the same time as our Government is constantly decrying the lack of
basic human rights and freedom in countries like Iran, it is astonishing
that they are prepared to sacrifice a life to the regime. Shahin's 'crime'
was to have a gay relationship with another young man. This has resulted
in him being beaten up and having his shop destroyed before he fled Iran.
The death sentence was passed in his absence.
Shahin is an educated man, having a diploma in engineering, and specializing
in motor vehicle fuel consumption.
Despite his obvious intelligence and level-headedness, the Home Office's
decision to send him back to persecution and death drove him to stitch
up his eyes, ears and mouth in desperate protest. This protest lasted
for 6 Days, 5 of which Shahin spent without any food or liquids.
The Home Office remained unmoved by this plea for help, unlike local people
who flooded to Shahin's door to offer support.
We would ask that you offer your support to Shahin in his struggle for
the most basic of human rights - the right to live.
Together
we can stop this horror
Save Shahin Portohfeh – No deportation ! No Death Sentence !
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You can help by:
Signing
the Online petition: http://www.PetitionOnline.com/coventry/petition.html
by
supporting the campaign financially, or by adding your name to the ever-growing
list of those who endorse the campaign.
Support has already come from many individuals and organisations including
Coventry Unison and other Trade Unions, church leaders and many individuals.
Please add your name to the growing list of supporters.
The
Campaign have produced model letters and resolutions, copies can be obtained
from the campaign.
Inquiries/further
information
hicks@homepc.fsnet.co.uk
Phone 07712 047 873 or write to the campaign:
Save Shahin and Massoud Campaign,
c/o PO Box 485
Coventry
CV5 6ZP
With your help we can get justice and freedom
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Disclaimer:
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