PUBLIC AI Index: EUR 14/003/2006

22 December 2006

Further Information on UA 308/06 (EUR 14/124/2006, 17 November 2006) Fear of forcible return/torture/unfair trial

BELGIUM 12 Iranian nationals (m)

The 12 Iranian men, who had been facing forcible return to Iran, were released on 21 December. Their lawyer will now be working to ensure that they obtain a legal right to remain in Belgium.

According to the lawyer, they were freed because the necessary paperwork to deport them never arrived from the Iranian government. The Belgian authorities also reportedly stated that the 12 Iranians were freed to create more places in detention centres,

It seems clear that international pressure, including that from the UA network, played a significant role in their release.

Many thanks to all who sent appeals. No further action is requested from the UA network.