Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said Netherlands is future haven for smugglers, terrorists

TEHRAN (MNA) - Commenting on the political row that the Netherlands have sparked over the case of Zahra Bahrami, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said, “It is a matter of regret that the countries which claim to be the advocates of human rights… are supporting cases on crime, betrayal, or drug trafficking.”

Bahrami, who was sentenced to death for dealing in drugs, was hanged on January 29, 2011. Bahrami was born in Iran, but gained Dutch citizenship after moving to the Netherlands.

Bahrami had smuggled cocaine into Iran with the help of a Dutch partner.

During a search of her house, 450 grams of cocaine and 420 grams of opium were discovered and, following further investigations, it was found that she had also distributed 150 grams of cocaine.

Mehmanparast also criticized the Dutch officials for making a human rights issue out of an “indefensible drug case”.

By adopting such a policy “the Netherlands will be replete with smugglers, criminals, and betrayers in the future,” he added.

The spokesman also condemned the Netherlands’ support for terrorist groups, saying this country is supporting those who have killed over 12,000 persons so far.

Mehmanparast was referring to the Mojahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) members, some of whom live in Europe as refugees.

The behavior of the Netherlands and its like-minded countries “will turn them into a haven for smugglers and terrorists,” he added.