EU takes tough stance on Iran trials
Sweden's EU presidency has criticised Iran for putting on trial British and French embassy staff, saying that action against individual member states is viewed as action against all of Europe and "will be treated accordingly."
The most senior Iranian employee of the British embassy, Hossein Rassam, Franco-Iranian Nazak Afshar from the French embassy and French lecturer Clotilde Reiss appeared before Iranian courts in a group trial with Iranian opposition activists on Saturday (8 August).
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The trial refers back to Iran's political unrest which broke out following the re-election of president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on 12 June. Supporters of his rival, opposition candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi, say that the poll was rigged and demand a re-run.
Iranian officials said 20 people were killed and more than 1,000 arrested in the demonstrations.
Relations between the EU and Tehran have deteriorated following the protests, with the Iranian government accusing European diplomats of secretly helping opposition activists.
Sweden, the country currently chairing the EU, previously argued in favour of a firm stance on Tehran's anti-democratic measures but also called for an open-door policy so that Europe avoids isolating the 74 million-strong Islamic republic.
In reaction to Saturday's events, Stockholm expressed "concern over the ongoing trial in Tehran in the aftermath of the elections, including against two EU Member State embassy employees and one EU citizen."
"Actions against one EU country - citizen or embassy staff - is considered an action against all of EU, and will be treated accordingly. The EU will closely follow the trial and demand that the persons will be released promptly," it said.
London and Paris also spoke out against the trial.
British foreign minister David Miliband criticised the "unjustified charges" against a member of embassy staff "going about his legitimate duties."
Mr Rassam, the UK's employee, is accused of "spying for foreigners" while monitoring the riots on the ground.
Minister Miliband said the trial in Tehran was the "latest Iranian provocation" which "only brings further discredit on the Iranian regime," according to media reports.
In a similar reaction, France's foreign ministry described charges against Ms Reiss as "devoid of foundation" and those against Nazak Afshar as "non-existent," AFP says.
France also objected to the fact that their embassy had not been informed in advance that the two persons would be appearing in court, "in conformity with international rules and consular protection."
The trial on Saturday was the second judiciary proceeding against the protesters. Last week, more than 100 people, including leading reformers, appeared in court in Tehran on charges including conspiracy, the BBC reported.
It is expected that the post-election situation in Iran and EU's relations with Tehran will feature at the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers on 4 and 5 September, in Stockholm.