Urgent Action

October 27, 2003

BBAK SHADIDI, MUST NOT BE DEPORTED

INTERVENE TO SAVE HIS AND HIS LIFE

Babak Shadidi, an Iranian political activist, who fled Iran because of persecution at the hands of the Islamic regime of Iran, Babak Shadidi has been detained by the Turkish police in the city of Ankara in Turkey since 22 October 2003 and is due to be deported back to Iran.

Babak Shadidi has a well-founded fear of persecution based on political opinion and social activities against the Iranian regime .He are a known political activist and a member of the IFIR-Turkey branch. He with other 4 Iranian asylum seekers had started sit-in-strikes since 22 September 2003 and had lots of political activities against Islamic regime of Iran. He also officially has written some political articles against Islam in “Javanan Communist” weekly paper of Youth Communist Organization By. He also had some Radio Interviews regarding their strikes in Ankara and against Islamic regime of Iran. With any standards, Shadidi must be recognised as a refugee by the UNHCR. Shadidi has been interviewed in Ankara detention centre by UNHCR and till now there is no final decision on his request for asylum by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Turkey. During this time, Babak Shadid has been subjected to appalling physical and mental pressures with no support from the UNHCR office in Turkey.

The International Federation of Iranian Refugees (IFIR) demands that Babak Shadidi be granted refugee status, his deportation order be cancelled and that he be immediately released.

Babak Shadidi’s life is in serious danger. IFIR calls on concerned individuals and organizations to intervene and put pressure on the UNHCR and the Turkish government to release him immediately and grant him protection.

Please send your protest letters to the UNHCR and the Turkish government with copies to IFIR.

SAMPLE LETTER

RE: Babak Shadidi

Case No: S. 5938

Fax: +903124382702

Fax: +90-312-417-2390

To Whom It May Concern:

I / My Organization am / is writing to express my strongest concern over the fate of Babak Shadidi is currently imprisoned and is to be deported to Iran from Turkey. Shadidi is a political opponent which will face serious persecution if refouled to Iran.

I / My Organization urge(s) the Turkish government to immediately release him and cancel his deportation order. I also urge the UNHCR to grant him refugee recognition. The International Federation of Iranian Refugees (IFIR) demands that Babak Shadidibe granted refugee status, his deportation order be cancelled and that he be immediately released.

I am awaiting you immediate intervention in this life-threatening situation. Needless to say, your agency and government will be held accountable for Shadidi's life and freedom.

Signed

Name

Organization

CC: ifir@ukonline.co.uk or farshadhoseini@yahoo.com