DOZENS of Bolton Christians are calling for the release of two women being detained in Iran.

And they have called on Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly to help their cause.

Now the MP has urged the Government to keep pressing Iran over the treatment of two Christian women being detained in the country. More than 30 constituents have contacted Ms Kelly regarding the plight of Maryam Rostampour and Marzieh Amirizadeh, who have been detained in Iran’s notorious Evin prison, in Tehran.

Campaigners claim the women have been imprisoned solely on the basis of their religious belief.

Ministers have responded to Ms Kelly’s requests for action by assuring her that Government officials have raised concerns about the prisoners on several occasions, both independently and collectively with other countries.

Ms Kelly said: “I am pleased that ministers are continuing to put pressure on the Iranian government and have been instrumental in highlighting this issue at the United Nations.

“I have asked Ministers to keep me updated regarding developments and I hope that pressure from the British government will lead to a change of heart by the Iranian authorities.”