I have known Behnam for almost 3 years since his arrival at the school. He is a delightful, popular young man, an exceptionally talented artist, much of whose work reflects his open-minded approach to matters such as politics and religion.

In April this year two of Behnam's friends were arrested at Behnam's family's home in Iran, accused of printing and distributing anti-regime literature.Three days later Behnam's father was arrested on arrival at Teheran Airport.

After being interrogated and beaten, Behnam's father was released following the payment of money. He phoned his wife in London, warning her that she and Behnam were wanted by the authorities and could not return to Iran. He was subsequently re-arrested and his present whereabouts are unknown.

The family claimed asylum in the UK, but, despite evidence that included authenticated documents form the Iranian court, their story was not believed and their claim was rejected. It again failed on appeal. A further appeal has been lodged to a tribunal but it is not yet known if this will even be heard.

Their position is now one of great danger. Both Behnam and his mother, Masoumeh, have been tried and sentenced by the Revolutionary Court in Iran on charges of association with an illegal group. Behnam has been sentenced prison for 5 years, Massoumeh to 7 years.

Even more shocking is that they have been warned that they will receive lashes, believed to be 70 in Behnam's case and 100 in Massoumeh's. Knowing the people concerned I cannot see how they could survive such a brutal ordeal.

The family is at real risk of deportation to Iran. A campaign is being launched to stop this. As a first step please sign the attached petition and circulate. It should be returned asap to the address at the bottom.

Also attached is an example of Behnam's art. He was only 16 when he painted this striking representation of freedom.

I am competely dismayed and outraged by the suffering this lovely family are going through at the hands, not only, of the Iranian authorities, but also the British Home Office whose motto is "BUILDING A SAFE, JUST AND TOLERANT SOCIETY."

THEY MUST NOT BE RETURNED TO IRAN TO BE TORTURED. THEY MUST BE ALLOWED TO STAY IN THE UK.
A detail from one of Behnam’s paintings

If you would like to get involved in the campaign please let me know.

On behalf of the family, thanks for your support,
Pauline Levis
Refugee & Asylum-seeker Coordinator
Quintin Kynaston School