LIBERAL DEMOCRATS WELCOME REVIEW OF MEHDI KAZEMI CASE

6.00.00pm GMT Thu 13th Mar 2008

Responding to Jacqui Smith's announcement that the case of gay Iranian teenager Mehdi Kazemi is to be reconsidered after concerns that he could face execution if removed to his homeland, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"This decision is not before time.

"There should be no deportations of gay people back to Iran while we know the fate that lies in store for them."

Commenting further, Liberal Democrat MP for North Southwark and Bermondsey, Simon Hughes, who has campaigned on behalf of Mehdi Kazemi, said:

"This public confirmation of the Government's position is very welcome.

"I hope Mr Kazemi will now come back to Britain where arrangements are already in place for an urgent meeting with him, his family, specialist lawyers and myself to prepare a new application to the Home Office.

"It is becoming more and more clear that sending gay people back to Iran under the present regime is completely unacceptable."

ENDS