Fears for Iranian family members
TWO Iranian-born men now living in Lincoln have spoken of their fears for family members in Iran following last week's controversial election.
The men, who were granted British citizenship 10 years ago after being forced to flee Iran following run-ins with the Government, say they have had no telephone contact with their families since the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
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Protests in Iran following the Presidential election.
The Echo has agreed to withhold their identities so as not to put their relatives – supporters of the defeated candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi – at risk.
Government paramilitaries have shot protestors while riot police on motorbikes have carried out beatings in the street.
Both men, aged 33 and 37, work in the city as taxi drivers and fully acknowledge Britain as a true democracy.
The 33-year-old – who has not spoken to his three brothers, three sisters, mother and father and a brother-in-law for several days – is even prepared to fly to Iran to try to bring his family to safety in Britain, or even Iraq or Afghanistan.
"My mum was hit by a police baton and she has a broken leg and is in hospital," he said.
"I just haven't heard from my dad."
His friend is also concerned for two brothers, his sister and a nephew who he says are "all missing".
For more on this story see Wednesday's Echo.
13 Comments
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by M C Donald, Lincoln
Wednesday, June 17 2009, 2:56PM
“Stan,
I am well aware of the location Wales in relation to the middle east. I suggest that you read what I wrote and in what context I referred to Wales.”
by Stan Robertson, Lincoln
Wednesday, June 17 2009, 2:03PM
“Yes, I may have confused Iran and Iraq. However, I notice that another person is now mentioning Wales. That is geographically very distant from the middle east.”
by M C Donald, Lincoln
Wednesday, June 17 2009, 1:20PM
“Quote: '...many of us who were born in the UK and have white skins, consider ourselves to be English or British.'
I think you find that many born here who don't have white skins also concider themselves English or British.
When I was in the RAF I worked at an event encouraging recruitment from ethnic minority communities. I saw a young non-whitr airwoman being interviewed by a radio reporter. When questioned, "..and what country are you from?" She answered, "Wales." I could of kissed her, if I wasn't laughing so much.”
by Lesley, Lincoln
Wednesday, June 17 2009, 12:48PM
“I hardly think missing the odd capital letter is the same as confusing iran and iraq....!”
by Mick, Saxilby
Wednesday, June 17 2009, 12:36PM
“Lesley - I agree with much of what you say.
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However, before you start lecturing people on accuracy, I suggest you learn to write accutarely and use a capital letter now and again. It makes it easier for old codgers like me to read.
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On the subject of immigration; many of us who were born in the UK and have white skins, consider ourselves to be English or British. But what does that mean?
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Anthropological studies show that the people who inhabited these islands 2-3000 years ago have largely been displaced to Scotland, Wales, Cornwall & Brittany.
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Those of us who live here now probably have stronger genetic links with various waves of invaders such as the Romans, Saxons, Vikings & Normans etc.
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So it would probably be fair to say that most of us white folk are actually descended (albeit distantly) from immigrants ourselves.
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