Alarm expressed at human rights violations in Iran

          
          e pressed at
          human rights
          violations in Iran
          The Government should take
          steps within the framework of in-
          ternational law over the persecution
          of members of the Baha'i faith in
          Iran, the Deputy Leader of the,
          Opposition, Mr Bowen, said yester-
          day.
          The issue cau!d be raised in the
          International Commission of Human
          Rights, o( which Australia was a mem-
          ber. international aw had been violated
          by the regime in iran.
          “We have a duty and a right to raise
          the matter in the Human Rights Corn-
          mission and shouid do so”, he said.
          Mr Bowen was speaking during de-
          bate c c a motion by Mr Canton (Lib,
          NSW) which exp:essed grave concern
          at the persecution of members of the
          Raha'i faith by the regime of Ayatollah
          Khomeini.
          The moticn expressed alarm at execu-
          tions aciaty on the grounds of religion.
          called on the Iranian Government so
          release those unjustly detained and to
          restore holy places and property, and
          ccnnmcndcd the Austraiian Govern-
          ment for p teslrg to the Iranian Gov-
          erriment.
          Mr Bowen ijid it was important that
          the Australian Government speak out,
          and there was no doubt that the Baha'i
          faith in Australia was anxious that the
          Austraiian Government took some ac-
          tion.
          MrCartton said members of the faith
          Mr Bowen
          were a very gentle people and were not
          considered a threat to anyone.
          The reason they were a threat to the
          ayatollah was that they were a very
          liberal sect. They could not be harmful
          to anyone except a fanatic.
          They had openness. equality of the
          sexes, an independent investigation of
          the truth and advocated the use of
          science in advancing the human race,
          he said.
          The former Minister for Foreign Af.
          fairs, Mr Peacc.ok. had called in the
          iranian Charge d'Affairs so express the
          Australian Government's concern over
          the persecution.
          The motion was agreed to.
          /
          In Parliament 5
          YFS 1I l lMY
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          contin :ed on Freedom of Ir.forma. Stu.i
          lion hilt; adjournment lp t. kfl
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          BP000346
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