http://en.mirzexezerinsesi.net/articles/2007/02/15/the-european-commissions-answers-question-about-mr-lisani en-us 40 The European Commissions answers question about Mr. Lisani. In connection with the re-arrestment of Mr. Abbas Lisani on October 31, the Portuguese member of the European Parliament, Mr. Paulo Casaca, wrote a written question to the European Commission on November 23. The question seeks the answer of the commission on whether or not the commission has followed the case of Mr. Lisani and how the commission can guarantee that he will receive a fair trial Mr. Casaca also wonders what actions the commission will take to ensure respect for the democratic and human rights of the Azerbaijanis in Iran? In the attached file and the link below you can read both Mr. Casaca´s question and the answer from the commission. ____________________________ WRITTEN QUESTION E-5287/06 by Paulo Casaca (PSE) to the Commission Subject: Abbas Lesani and the rights of the Azerbaijanis in Iran In the repercussions from the May-June 2006 extensive demonstrations carried out by Azerbaijanis in the cities of Tabriz, Sulduz, Miyane, Ardebil, Urmiye and Zenjan, one of the most prominent leaders of the fight for the Azerbaijanis' rights, Mr Abbas Lesani, was arrested. I have received reports that while in prison Mr Lesani was exposed to torture, which has led to several current health problems. Mr Lesani was sentenced for vandalism and also for publishing a calendar in the Azeri language and quoting Azeri lyrics. In a series of verdicts in different appeals the case of Mr Lesani has been treated in a way that conflicts with the United Nations Convention on Human Rights. During the entire legal procedure Mr Lesani´s family members were exposed to harassment and threats of being arrested as well. Mr Lesani´s case will be brought up by Iran’s Supreme Court shortly. The case of Mr Lesani is one of the many examples of violations of the rights of the Azerbaijani population in Iran. Has the Commission been following the case of Mr Abbas Lesani and can the Commission guarantee that he will receive a fair trail? What action will the Commission take to ensure respect for the democratic and human rights of the Azerbaijanis in Iran? E-5287/06EN Answer given by Mrs Ferrero-Waldner on behalf of the Commission (12.2.2007) The Commission has been made aware of the sentencing of Mr. Abbas Lesani, allegedly in connection with their peaceful activities in favour of the cultural and linguistic rights of Azeri-speaking Iranian nationals. It is seeking further information about these cases. Generally speaking, the EU is following closely the human rights situation in Iran. Through appropriate diplomatic channels, as well as on the occasion of the EU-Iran Human Rights Dialogue, the EU is raising human rights issues and specific cases with the Iranian authorities. The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that the right to freedom of expression and that of freedom from discrimination are fundamental rights, which deserve to be properly implemented, as these are enshrined in United Nations (UN) human rights Conventions, as well as in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran. (Nergiz Nedaei Azerbaycan Gencler Federasiyonu Isvech Thu, 15 Feb 2007 13:18:00 -0500 urn:uuid:514fbede-0830-42c4-96d8-c6b0802ac0fd Mirza Khazar http://en.mirzexezerinsesi.net/articles/2007/02/15/the-european-commissions-answers-question-about-mr-lisani Human rights