Iran comite

Since the Islamic clerics (Mullahs) came to power in Iran, they have constituted a threat to many of their own citizens and for the security of the region and beyond. The number of executions of the Iranian regime has tripled since President Ahmadinejad has come to power. Women are stoned to death for the suspicion of adultery, political opponents are arrested, and homosexuals are hanged without pardon. Controversial judgements are based on false allegations.

The shocking human rights violations in Iran are the reason why I want to try to undermine the Iranian regime. I am also very concerned about the nuclear ambitions and the lasting threat towards Israel.

Therefore, I also think that the Netherlands must observe without reservation the sanctions that were imposed on Iran. This means that I am also concerned that ships from the Iranian shipping company IRISL should be banned from the port of Rotterdam. Ships that are directly linked to this company have recently been caught transporting weapons illegally on several occasions.

But companies also have to take their own responsibility. By investing in 'wrong' sectors within Iran, they support the criminal regime. At the Shell shareholders' meeting this year, both in Scheveningen as well as London, spokesmen on behalf of the Iran Committee of the Shell Board of Directors asked for an explanation about Shell investments. No answer was given. The undersigned finally had the final word. The applause from the audience showed the support for the matter which was brought forth. In America the questions have not gone unnoticed. As a result of the questions at the shareholders' meeting, a number of senators from the Congress in the US have clearly explained, in a response issued in a letter to Shell, what risk Shell is taking with the tightened sanctions legislation in the US if they continue to invest in Iran. The tightened sanctions laws are now ready to be signed by President Obama. Meanwhile, Shell has silently adjusted its policy toward Iran.

Governments and business must continue to be monitored so as not to give themselves to the strengthening of the regime in Iran.

For more information, visit the website of the Iran Committee.