Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will finish where I started. The execution of a large number of prisoners in Iran in 1988 was a shocking event, including the number of people killed, the apparent deliberate nature and planning of the action and a process which was a front for the unchecked abuse of state power over individuals already in custody. Notwithstanding the atmosphere of domestic terrorism and external invasion, these killings were completely unjustified and must be condemned. That remains the case 28 years later. It is doubtful if any process will bring justice for the victims. One cannot but feel sympathy - for my part, I feel more than sympathy - for those families who continue to hope that will be the case. There may be many others who must be kept silent. What we can do is continue to press for improved respect for and protection of human rights in Iran. We have consistently done so in our direct contacts with the Iranian Government, in contributions to European Union policy on Iran and at international fora such as the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council. We will continue to do that. I assure both Senators that I will bring this matter to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, and the comments about the tape also.