Prime Minister Thatcher denounced this decision. and other British officials said it created a dangerous precedent that could affect other countries attempts to recover hostages. Even the French Secretary of State for Human Rights told a human rights commission at the National Assembly he had "doubts and reservations" about the expulsions. Many other French dignitaries have described their Governments decision as a "shame" for their country which has a tradition of providing "shelter for political refugees who fight against fascism and terrorism." The High Commissioners for Refugees has said that "questions remain" about the expulsions. and his organization is seeking satisfactory answers from the French Government. France faced some embarrassment when it admitted that two of the expelled Iranians were only visiting France. They had been granted refugee status by Britain and Sweden. These two have been released from Gabon. The very fact that the two have been welcomed back by their countries of original asylum brings into question the French Govern. ments original claim that they were threats to national security.
Keywords matched
Refugees refugee refugees