Iran Focus
London, 29 May – Struan Stevenson, President of the European Iraqi Freedom Association and a former Conservative MEP for Scotland, said in The Scottish Herald on Thursday, 26 May, that Iran’s appalling human rights record and their financial support to terrorists should be a cause of concern for other world leaders.
In his opinion piece, he rebuffed Alex Salmond’s push for building strong links with Iran as support for the regime could lead to further transgressions against its oppressed citizens.
He said: “Clearly, following his recent visit to Tehran, Mr. Salmond is spellbound by Iran. He seems blissfully unaware of the fact the Iranian Revolutionary Guards supply arms, money and military personnel to every Middle East conflict zone”.
Stevenson cites the brutal backlash that the Iranian regime has unleashed against protesters in recent months.
Visible protests and riots could discourage foreign trade, especially in the wake of Barack Obama’s nuclear deal which lifted Iran’s sanctions.
Two weeks ago, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei told the country’s senior security officials that oppressive measures were now a high priority.
Since Hassan Rouhani became president of Iran in 2013, at least 2,300 men and 66 women have been executed by the state; many of these people were hanged in public.
Stevenson said: “Scotland should think long and hard before it does business with Tehran. Those who put profits before people and human rights will not be quickly forgiven when this criminal regime is overthrown and freedom and democracy are restored in Iran”.
