I am deeply distressed to learn that Iran has sentenced Baquer Namazi to a long prison term in what must be a politically motivated action by Iranian hard-liners.
I had the singular privilege to be a member of the Unicef staff in Somalia in the 1980s when Baquer served as the wise and devoted Unicef representative in Mogadishu. His work there in the continuing effort of Unicef to serve the world’s women and children would stand as an immediate indictment of the Iranian decision.
I hope that the United Nations secretary general will immediately take up this matter with the Iranian government.
JAMES PATON
Richmond, Calif.
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http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/21/opinion/a-sentencing-in-iran.html?_r=0