Times Series – Tuesday 22nd March 2011 By Natalie O’Neill
HENDON MP Matthew Offord joined residents to celebrate the Persian New Year and show support to Iranian refugees.
British Parliamentary Committee for Iran Freedom organised a reception at Westminster where guests marked Shabe Chaharshanbeh Suri, the Festival of Fire.
Traditionally Iranian’s celebrate with fireworks and bonfires in the hope the coming year will bring them freedom, peace, happiness and success.
The Hendon based Association of Anglo-Iranian Women attended the event as well as a protest outside the Iranian embassy.
Director of the association, Laila Jazayeri said: “Supporters of the Iranian resistance started their protest rally against the Iranian regime last month and are determined to continue it.
“They are calling for the closure of the embassy and the recognition of the Iranian resistance by the British government.”
The association, which raises awareness about human rights violations in Iran, also wants to help refugees living in Camp Ashraf in Iraq.
Camp Ashraf is home to over 3,000 Iranian refugees who were exiled from Iran for their membership of an opposition group the People’s Mujahadeen of Iran.
The association has called for an end to what it refers to as a “two-year-long inhumane siege of Ashraf” suppressing residents and limiting supplies.
Mr Offord said he is “proud that on the same day as celebrating” the Persian New Year he “was also asking questions of the Government on Camp Ashraf” and its refugees.
He said: “I hope they have their own Nowrouz – or new day – before next year and are afforded the safety and security they are entitled to as people with protected status.”