Iran urges RP's fairness

Iran urges RP's fairness

MANILA (UPI): The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran requested yesterday that immigration officials transport to Manila an Iranian arrested in southern Philippines on suspicion of aiding a Muslim extremist group.

Shamsoddin Hosseini, a 45-year-old Iranian whose visa expired in March 1990, was arrested a week ago by immigration officials in Zamboanga City, 540 miles (864 km) south of Manila.

"The Embassy is requesting that the Iranian national be sent to Manila as soon as possible for clarification of his case," read a statement released yesterday.

The Iranian Embassy said the local media has caused Hosseini and his family "such a disgrace" by linking him to the shadowy Abu Sayaf. Hosseini has denied any involvement with the Muslim extremists and has requested his freedom.