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Thursday, 29 November 2012
Page: 10209

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (12:03): I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) with deep concern the human rights situation in Iran, including the use of the death penalty, the intimidation and arbitrary arrest of human rights and political activists, and the treatment of minorities,

(ii) with particular concern the situation of Ms Nasrin Sotoudeh, the Iranian human rights lawyer who has campaigned for 'freedom, social security, the rule of law and justice', and who has been imprisoned since 4 September 2010,

(iii) Ms Sotoudeh's health has deteriorated as a result of being on a hunger strike for more than 40 days, and

(iv) 30 000 people have supported a campaign run by Amnesty International to demand the unconditional release of Ms Sotoudeh; and

(b) supports the Australian Government raising concerns about Ms Sotoudeh's human rights, including her imprisonment, with the Government of Iran, and continuing to urge Iran to abide by its international human rights obligations and to protect the human rights of all its citizens.

Question agreed to.