GVF/2011-03-01 - Following reports about the arrest of Iranian opposition leaders Mir Hussein Moussavi and Mahdi Karroubi, and the transfer of the two men and their wives to a military prison in Tehran, Barbara Lochbihler who chairs the European Parliament’s delegation for relations with Iran has expressed her “deep” concerns about the recent events.

The Green MEP who represents Germany in the European Parliament called on the Iranian government to “ensure the safety of the political opposition” and to “immediately” release Mousavi and Karroubi.

"We are deeply concerned about the disappearance of Iranian opposition leaders Mir Hussein Moussavi and Mehdi Karroubi and, notably, about reports of their official detention. These concerns are particularly acute given the recent statements of the Iranian parliament calling for them to be sentenced to death. It is the duty of the Iranian government to ensure the safety of the political opposition and we call on the Iranian authorities to immediately move to ensure the release and protection of Moussavi and Karroubi."