01/12/2009 (Agence Europe) - In a declaration published on Tuesday 1 December, the EU expresses concern at the sentencing of American-Iranian scholar Kian Tajbakhsh to 12-15 years imprisonment. Recent reports that Dr Tajbakhsh now faces additional charges of espionage give rise to concern. Dr Tajbakhsh has not had access to an independent lawyer since 9 July, after his arrest in connection with the popular demonstrations after the presidential election on 12 June. The EU Presidency remains deeply concerned by the overall human rights situation in Iran, including the large number of cases similar to that of Dr Tajbakhsh, which fall short of the international human rights standards regarding a fair trial. It urges the Iranian authorities to release the journalists and persons detained for political offences. (A.B./transl.jl)