Case of Hamid Babaei

20.5.2015

Question for written answer E-008003-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Hugues Bayet (S&D)

Hamid Babaei, an Iranian student at university in Belgium, has been sentenced to six years in prison in Iran whilst in his home country on holiday. According to Amnesty International, he has been accused of refusing to collaborate with the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence: ministry officials asked Mr Babaei to spy on Iranian students living in Belgium, which he refused to do. Consequently, he has been imprisoned for ‘acting against national security by communicating with hostile governments’.

What is more, he has been denied the right to choose a lawyer and cannot receive any visitors.

Is the Commission aware of the case of Hamid Babaei and does it intend to open negotiations with Iran to secure his release?