Letter: Action against Iran

Sir: Peter Temple-Morris ('Expulsion of Iranians criticised', 27 July) repeats the depressingly familiar view that nothing must be done to harm Anglo-Iranian relations. However, turning a blind eye to Iran's gross violation of human rights would allow governments, including that of Iran, to believe that the British authorities do not take such violations seriously, even when plotted within the UK.

Salman Rushdie would very much like to carry on with his 'normal work', but is severely hampered by active assassination threats. In the circumstances, campaigning against the kind of views expressed by Mr Temple-Morris seems a reasonable thing to do. And how does Mr Temple-Morris know that one of the deported Iranian Embassy officials is 'as far away from being an assassin as you can imagine'? What does someone who plans assassinations look like?

Yours faithfully,

FRANCES D'SOUZA

Director

Article 19

International Centre Against Censorship

London, SE1