For immediate release: November 7, 2019
#FreeBahareh: Woman detained 3 weeks in Philippines; risks deportation to Iran, faces imprisonment or execution
TORONTO – Bahareh Zare Bahari, a young Iranian woman, has been baselessly detained for 3 weeks at the Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport and risks deportation to Iran where she will face prison time and possibly death, unless she is granted asylum. The Iranian government is using the Interpol system to persecute and hunt critics of the Rouhani regime beyond Iran’s borders.
Bahareh at the Manila airport
Bahareh competing in a beauty pageant.
On October 17, Bahareh was detained by Philippine authorities at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Iranian authorities fabricated an assault charge to get an Interpol Red Notice issued, preventing her from re-entering the Philippines following a short holiday in the UAE. She has been detained ever since while her family are receiving death threats in Iran. Philippine authorities have so far refused to grant her asylum and her risk of deportation is imminent.
One Free World International (OFWI) has written the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ahmed Hussen appealing for Ms. Bahari to be granted asylum in Canada and to intervene with Philippine authorities to save her life.
Ms. Bahari is studying dental medicine in the Philippines and represented Iran at the 2018 Miss Intercontinental pageant in Manila. As an outspoken critic of the Iranian government, she has been a vocal advocate for women’s and human rights in Iran.
“The Philippines is not a safe place. I am asking for the Canadian government for asylum so I can be safe and free from Iran’s persecution. My safety is all I ask for,” said Ms. Bahari.
OFWI has launched a #FreeBahareh campaign and are asking Canadians and people around the world to speak out in support of Ms. Bahari to ensure her safety and increase pressure on political leaders to take action to resolve her case. Last week, Mr. El Shafie met with Icelandic President Johannesson and Foreign Minister Thor advocating for international support. OFWI has also engaged the US Ambassador for Religious Freedom Sam Brownback.
OFWI has been working with the Farashgard Foundation, a US-based not-for-profit that promotes democracy and human rights for the people of Iran. They have helped mobilize the resources to stop her imminent deportation to Iran where she could be tortured, raped, or executed. Both organizations are in constant contact with Ms. Bahari and are preparing an advocacy mission to the Philippines to help secure her freedom and release.