EU, again, calls for permanent release of Iranian journalist Akbar Ganji

Payvand:

European Union said on Tuesday that journalist Akbar Ganji is prisoner of conscience and called for his permanent release.

EU said in a statement faxed to IRNA by British Embassy that EU is seriously concerned about the deteriorating health situation of Akbar Ganji and called on the Iranian government to permanently release him on humanitarian grounds. READ MORE

"Akbar Ganji is believed to be seriously ill and reportedly in urgent need of medical attention. The EU also expresses regret that Iran continues to detain a number of political prisoners, in contravention of its obligations under the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) including cases which have been communicated to the Iranian government within the framework of Human Rights Dialogue between Iran and the EU," it said.

"The EU would like to stress in this context that all detainees should be granted unrestricted access to their respective lawyers, whose integrity must be maintained." Britain has currently undertaken EU rotating presidency.