Aug 21, 2006

Ahwazi Refugees Remain in Syrian Custody


The Ahwaz Human Rights Organization (AHRO) has received unconfirmed reports that only one of four Ahwazi refugees were extradited to Iran, contrary to media reports.
The Ahwaz Human Rights Organization (AHRO) has received unconfirmed reports that only one of four Ahwazi refugees were extradited to Iran, contrary to media reports.

Following consultation with United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees, in Geneva and in Damascus, and with the Syrian authorities, AHRO is led to believe that the Syrian authorities have backed down from their decision to extradite three of the four UNHCR mandated Ahwazi refugees - Rasoul Mazra, Jamal Obidawi and Taher Mazra - in their custody. They remain in detention in Damascus.

However, AHRO has received confirmation that Dutch citizen Abdullah Faleh al-Mansouri, a political refugee and leader of the Ahwaz Liberation Organisation, has been extradited to Iran.

AHRO requested that its representatives and a UNHCR delegation be allowed to meet the detainees. As yet, the Syrian government has not granted access.

AHRO also contacted the Dutch authorities and requested Dutch foreign ministry pursue the whereabouts and conditions of Mr. Al-Mansouri through its Embassy in Tehran. While Mr. Al-Mansouri was admitted as a political refugee, as a Dutch citizen, his wellbeing is the responsibility of the Dutch government.

AHRO representatives in Damascus are maintaining contact with the UNHCR's office in Damascus.