UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions Calls for the Release of Siamak and Baqer Namazi

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions has described the detention of Siamak and Baqer Namazi as a violation of international law and has urged the Iranian government to release these two Iranian-American citizens. This UN-affiliated working group sent its views in an 11-page letter to the Iranian government and simultaneously to the Namazi family’s lawyer a few weeks ago at the beginning of this month. Jared Genser, the lawyer for the Namazi family, published this letter on Monday, just before the UN General Assembly session in New York, and its content has been reflected on several news websites, including the Huffington Post. The Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions is an independent body established in 1991, with members elected by the UN Human Rights Council. Although this group does not have much power to compel countries, its stance on the Namazi case could exert more pressure on the Iranian government to negotiate the release of 46-year-old Siamak and 81-year-old Baqer Namazi. Siamak Namazi, who worked for an oil and gas company in Dubai, was arrested in October 2015 when he traveled to Iran to visit his family. His father, Baqer Namazi, a former UNICEF employee, was also arrested in February 2016 after being promised that he could meet his son in Evin Prison if he traveled to Iran. Both have been sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of collaborating with a hostile government, referring to the United States, and according to the letter from the Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions, neither had proper legal representation or the right to defend themselves in court. The Working Group noted in part of its letter that 'there is no evidence to suggest that they acted against the national interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran.' This body has also called for the immediate release of the Namazis and for their return home. Jared Genser, the Namazi family’s lawyer, first requested the Working Group to review his clients' case in April. Mr. Genser argues that the Namazis have been illegally detained and tried and are being held under conditions that constitute torture. According to the Huffington Post, the Working Group has accepted most of the arguments made by the Namazi's defense lawyer and concluded that the Iranian government did not respect their rights during the arrest and trial process. The body noted in part of its letter that it appears the detention of the Namazis is part of a 'new method' by the Iranian government to imprison dual nationals. It also expressed concern over the deteriorating health conditions of both. The Huffington Post adds that the timing of the letter's release was deliberate, coinciding with the arrival of world leaders, including Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and U.S. President Donald Trump, in New York for the UN General Assembly. Jared Genser, the Namazi family’s lawyer, and Babak, another son of Baqer Namazi, will be active in New York in advocating for the Namazis' freedom. Mr. Genser hopes that Donald Trump will call for their release in his speech at the General Assembly, and Babak Namazi has requested a meeting with senior U.S. officials in New York. The Namazi family’s lawyer has reported to the Working Group that Evin prison officials have beaten Siamak Namazi and forced him to watch government propaganda videos that include images of him and his father. Apparently, Siamak Namazi lost about 13 kilograms during a hunger strike, and his family is extremely worried about his health condition. Baqer Namazi, 80 years old, is also in very poor conditions, including solitary confinement. He suffers from heart disease and has been hospitalized at least twice during his detention in Iran, but officials have not allowed him to see his treating physician who previously operated on his heart. The Obama administration reached an agreement regarding the release of several prisoners from both sides with Iran during the implementation of the JCPOA, but Siamak Namazi, who was detained at that time, was not released under this agreement. Baqer Namazi was arrested just one month after this agreement, and since then, supporters of the Namazis have increased their public activities, trying to make the Trump administration prioritize this issue. In this context, the request for a review of the 10-year prison sentence for Baqer and Siamak Namazi has been rejected. Ed Royce: Iran detains American citizens for ransom. The U.S. House of Representatives has called for the release of Americans imprisoned in Iran. Trump has warned of serious consequences for not releasing American citizens imprisoned in Iran. The White House rejected Zarif's statements regarding 'the condition of Baqer Namazi.' The U.S. has called for the swift release of its imprisoned citizens in Iran.