Luke Hartsuyker (Cowper, National Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Hansard source

Despite coming from different sides of politics, I have no hesitation in supporting the motion by the member for Blair. Iran has become something of an international pariah because of the confrontational attitude of President Ahmadinejad. The inflammatory rhetoric from Iran’s leadership with regard to nuclear development is particularly damaging to the stability of the Middle East. The international impact of Iran’s belligerence is yet to be completely realised, but for many individuals in Iran the effects of the president’s domestic policies are all too real.

The violations of human rights in Iran are deeply concerning. The Iranian government refuses to recognise international human rights standards and continues to ignore calls from around the world to engage with the international community about human rights. Of particular concern is Iran’s continued use of the death penalty—in particular, the use of stoning. I am deeply concerned about Iran’s state sanctioned abuse of women and the refusal to implement the basic principles of natural justice. Iran also continues to imprison and persecute those who expose and publicise human rights abuses.

My primary purpose in speaking to this motion today is to give voice to a small group of my constituents who are deeply concerned about the imprisonment of seven Baha’i leaders in Iran. The Baha’i community in Coffs Harbour has been active in publicising the plight of these leaders, and I want to ensure that my constituents have their concerns heard in this place.

The Baha’i leaders were charged with a range of offences, including spreading anti-government propaganda, collaboration with Israel and spreading corruption on earth. Information from within Iran indicates that the seven were sentenced to 20 years imprisonment, which has been reduced to 10 years following international outcry. The accused were tried without appropriate access to legal representation, and the lawyers who did attempt to provide assistance have themselves suffered persecution and harassment. The imprisonment of these religious leaders is in direct defiance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms the right to freedom of religion. The opposition continues to call on the Iranian government to end its persecution of people of the Baha’i faith and to respect the right of all Iranian citizens to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

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