According to the state-run Tasnim News Agency, Biazar, who has been involved in media activities for the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), is facing deportation from France, a move criticized by Iranian officials as a breach of his freedom of expression.
Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Judiciary Chief and Secretary of the Human Rights Office condemned the French court’s decision to detain and deport Biazar. Gharibabadi stated, “Instead of dispensing justice, the French court aims to deport Bashir Biazar in contradiction to its human rights stance, thereby denying his right to freedom of expression and opinion. He remains in detention for the time being, and efforts to secure his immediate release and uphold his rights continue.
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also intervened, with spokesperson Nasser Kanaani emphasizing the ministry’s commitment to protecting Iranian nationals abroad. “In line with its inherent responsibility and serious commitment to supporting Iranian nationals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately took action upon learning of the arrest. We are actively working to ensure the rights of these citizens are upheld and to secure their swift release,” Kanaani said.
Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported that Biazar had been working in France as the head of the Music and Chorus Office for IRIB and was involved in pro-Palestinian activities. Despite these claims, his detention has been extended, leading to further frustration among Iranian officials and supporters.
THREAD
For more than four decades, the clerical regime in #Iran has consistently blackmailed other nations and considered #extremism as "leverage". 1/9https://t.co/ieaaOkZb6y pic.twitter.com/W9u5BJHXqs— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) September 6, 2022
The case of Bashir Biazar is not an isolated incident. The agency highlighted past instances of European courts’ “surprising behavior” towards Iranian citizens, citing the case of Majid Noury. Noury, the son of Hamid Noury, an Iranian national sentenced to life imprisonment in Sweden, was arrested by Swedish police for taking a selfie in front of the court and spent nine days in solitary confinement before being released.
Majid Noury has publicly criticized the European judicial system, drawing parallels between his experience and Biazar’s situation. On social media, Noury commented, “In continuation of the absurdities of European courts, the French court today ruled to extend Bashir’s detention. It’s laughable that he has been ordered to be deported from France but is not being released from prison to return to Iran. If this isn’t harassment, what is? All of this is just because of his activities for Palestine on social media!”
The arrest of Biazar comes amidst a backdrop of strained relations between Iran and European nations, exacerbated by recent incidents and long-standing tensions. In late May, Saudi Arabia expelled a group of six Iranians who identified themselves as media activists, further complicating the diplomatic landscape. Additionally, attacks on buildings associated with the Iranian Resistance in Paris last year have contributed to the volatile atmosphere.
As efforts to secure Biazar’s release continue, the situation underscores the complex interplay of international politics, human rights, and media freedom. The resolution of this case may be set.
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