Raelian Iranian leader freed in Turkey - Rael congratulates Turkish
government

MONTREAL , Dec. 7 /CNW Telbec/ - After 10 days in detention at an Istanbul facility, Negar Azizmoradi was released yesterday by the Turkish Government. Her release came just one day after hundreds of Raelians staged massive protests in front of Turkish Embassies and consulates around the world.

Azizmoradi's exact location in Turkey is being withheld to protect her.

"Negar is staying in a secret location under protection of the Turkish authorities to avert a possible Iranian attack on her person," said Brigitte Boisselier, spokesperson of the Raelian Movement. "She will remain in that location until she is accepted as a political refugee in a Western country. The Turkish office of the UNCHR is actively helping her so that she can receive such status quickly."

Rael, founder and leader of the International Raelian Movement, sent written congratulations to the Turkish government for expediting Azizmoradi's release and providing her with excellent protection.

"Our religion, based on tolerance, absolute non-violence and respect of all religious minorities, will forever keep in its heart the exemplary way your country treated Negar," Rael wrote. "It would be a great honor for me to officially visit your country, or to have one of my official representatives meet with you to express publicly our gratitude and our support for your government."

In a statement released this morning, Rael noted that Turkey "has shown great respect for human rights" and said the country "definitely deserves to be accepted as a member of the European community."

Toward that end, he pledged the support of Raelians worldwide.

"The Turkish government can rest assured that all Raelians will fully support Turkey's request to join the European community," Rael said. "Many countries already part of the European community, such as France , Belgium and Switzerland , show less respect for human rights than Turkey has shown, especially in terms of how their religious minorities are treated."

Raelians will be celebrating the release of their sister Negar on December 13 , which is a special date for all Raelians.

"That date this year will mark the 36th anniversary of Rael's encounter with the human beings who created all life on Earth," Boisselier explained. "They were mistaken for gods by our ancestors."

For further information: or interview: Stella, [phone].