Case of Kamal Foroughi

I have been contacted by a constituent who is concerned about the imprisonment of Kamal Foroughi, a British citizen, by the Iranian government. My constituent informs me that Mr Foroughi is in poor health and is being denied access to medical attention, and has limited contact with his family.

A previous question (E-000147-16) on this issue was tabled on 12 January 2016 and was answered by Vice-President/High Representative Mogherini.

In her answer, the VP/HR stated that she is aware of the case of Mr Foroughi and shares MEPs’ concern over the conditions in which he is held in prison, the lack of consular assistance, his worrisome health situation and the restricted contact with his family members.

She further stated that the situation of Mr Foroughi has been raised with the Iranian authorities and that the EU will continue closely monitoring this case.

Can the VP/HR:
— update me on the progress made in attempting to secure the release of Mr Foroughi;
— confirm whether she been working with the UK Foreign Office to secure his release;
— inform me of Mr Foroughi’s current condition?

Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini

The case of Mr Kamal Foroughi is of utmost concern to the EU and has been raised on different occasions with the Iranian side. Unfortunately, we are not aware of any changes regarding the conditions under which he is held in prison. The EU will continue to closely monitor this case and use every opportunity to raise it.

Human rights remain a central feature of EU policy of re-engagement with Iran and this was duly reflected in the Joint Statement(1) agreed between HR/VP Mogherini and the Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif during the high level visit in Tehran on 16 April 2016. In this context, it was agreed to engage on a Human Rights Dialogue and to exchange visits between EU and Iran on human rights’ related issues.

 

(1) http://eeas.europa.eu/statements-eeas/2016/160416_01_en.htm
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