More than 100 MPs have signed a letter to the Prime Minister backing an Iranian activist’s plea for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to be proscribed as a terror organisation.
The letter comes as a string of protests supporting Vahid Beheshti’s plight are planned across London this month.
Mr Beheshti entered the 56th day of his hunger strike outside the Foreign Office in London when MPs who signed the letter visited him on Wednesday.
The letter, addressed to Rishi Sunak, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Home Secretary Suella Braverman read: “Vahid has shown remarkable dignity and strength throughout his protest and has widespread support from parliamentarians who share his sense of urgency in the need to proscribe the (IRGC) as a terror organisation.
“Proscription of the IRGC has deep support across Parliament. MPs unanimously endorsed a motion earlier this year calling for proscription. Peers from all parties and none have also joined the efforts to end the IRGC’s ability to operate in the UK.”
The IRGC is a special branch of Iran’s armed forces responsible for internal and external security of Iran, which has been sanctioned by the UK.
Speaking directly to Mr Sunak, the MPs wrote: “We welcome your comments in December that your Home Secretary and yourself would ‘utilise the full range of tools’ at your disposal to combat the IRGC.”
The letter claimed that the IRGC has been “systematically destabilising the Middle East since the Islamic Revolution, killing thousands, and expanding the Iranian regime’s malign hegemonic ambitions”.
It added: “The Government’s decision to proscribe the Hamas and Hezbollah terror groups were important steps in combating the threat of extremism and terrorism, but the UK can ill afford to stop there.
“The IRGC is, after all, the primary financier, supplier, and trainer of these dangerous groups. It is incumbent upon the Government to go after the parent organisation.”
Among MPs who signed include Simon Clarke, Michael Fabricant and Dame Diana Johnson. Tory MP Alicia Kearns, who was among those who visited Mr Beheshti on Wednesday, raised the issue on the House of Commons.
Today I urged the Government to take the long overdue action to close the four illegal Chinese Police Stations and three IRGC cut outs orchestrating transnational repression on our shores.
— Alicia Kearns MP (@aliciakearns) April 19, 2023
I also raised the courage of @Vahid_Beheshti who is on hunger strike calling for the IRGC… pic.twitter.com/R3bsTNN2fk
Mr Beheshti has become weak, lost 17 per cent of his body mass and is using a wheelchair, his wife Mattie Heaven told the Standard.
She said she is “very, very worried” about his health.
“My life is kind of upside down and [I’m] very concerned, but at the same time, I really support him and really proud of what he’s standing for,” she said.
She urged Mr Sunak to proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organisation and to meet with her husband.
“The letter was very important because it shows that this is not a hunger strike of one person.
“It shows how important this issue is, that he’s getting support from MPs, and the Government is ignoring it.
Ms Heaven added: “MPs are calling for it, peers are calling for it, millions of Iranians are calling for recognition of IRGC as a terrorist organisation.
“I hope today’s letter would be impactful [enough] for the Prime Minister to respond. There’s been three open letters sent to the Prime Minister.
“So I really hope that [the hunger strike] doesn’t last long and I hope that he and other MPs are listened to by the Prime Minister.”
Up to 200 supporters of Mr Beheshit are expected to gather outside the Foreign Office on Thursday and Saturday.
A march from the London Eye to 10 Downing Street is planned for April 29.
A UK Government spokesperson earlier told the Standard: “Whilst the government keeps the list of proscribed organisations under review, we do not comment on whether a specific organisation is or is not being considered for proscription.”
Under the Terrorism Act 2000, the Home Secretary may proscribe an organisation if they believe it is concerned in terrorism, and it is proportionate to do.
