An Iranian MP is calling for the Saudi ambassador’s immediate expulsion from Iran.
Avaz Heydarpour, a member of Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, told ISNA today: “The Saudi ambassador must be expelled for the recent inhumane actions of the Saudi Arabian government in hanging a number of our citizens in violation of international and Islamic standards.”
The parliamentary website Khabar on line reported in April that eight Iranians had been executed in Saudi Arabia on drug charges. Iran claims that the Saudi Foreign Minister had made assurances to his Iranian counterpart that the death sentences would be suspended.
Iran claims that the Iranian nationals were not given access to lawyers, translators or consular services.
The deputy head of Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission told the Mehr News Agency that Parliament will make a final decision on how to respond to the actions of Saudi Arabia.
After summoning the Saudi charge d’affaires last week, the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that it will send a legal and consular delegation to examine the condition of Iranian prisoners in Saudi Arabia.
The Tabnak website, which is run by Mohsen Rezai, the secretary of Iran’s Expediency Council, reported this week that the number of Iranians executed in Saudi Arabia has reached 18 so far.
Iran, like Saudi Arabia, punishes drug trafficking offences with the death penalty.
