Press Release No 32

According to the Turkish newspaper ‘Radikal’ Mr Mostafaei was arrested in Turkey yesterday, Tuesday 3 August, and is currently in detention. Mr Mostafaei was at Istanbul airport when he was arrested as there were allegedly issues with his passport. Several European countries have already spoken to the Turkish authorities and expressed their concern for Mr Mostafaei’s safety.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has confirmed that Mr Mostafaei is in detention in Turkey and is in contact with him. The UNHCR also stated that Mr Mostafaei has applied for asylum in Turkey.

Mr Mostafaei has received numerous death threats and ICAS is very concerned for his safety and holds the Turkish authorities responsible for his safety and wellbeing.

ICAS has received information from Iran that the Islamic regime is trying to bring Mr Mostafaei into disrepute. The Islamic authorities claim to have found forged documents and banned substances in Mr Mostafaei’s office. The Iranian authorities are known to use this method in order to be able to increase the charges against someone.

ICAS has also received the news from Iran that Mr Mostafaei’s father-in-law and brother-in-law were released last night.

ICAS calls on all European governments to put pressure on the Turkish government to release Mr Mostafaei and to allow him to transfer to a safe country.

International Committee against Stoning (ICAS)
International Committee against Execution (ICAE)
4 August 2010
——————————————————————————-
Contact: Mina Ahadi
Email: minaahadi@aol.com
Tel: 0049 (0) 1775692413
http://notonemoreexecution.org
http://stopstonningnow.com/wpress/