Written question asked by Ian Mearns (Labour) on Thursday, 19 November 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 November 2020. It was answered by James Cleverly (Conservative) on Wednesday, 25 November 2020 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Assadolah Assadi

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to the Iranian authorities on the arrested Iranian diplomat Assadolah Assadi in Belgium.

Answer: We are aware of the trial of four Iranians in Belgium in relation to the 2018 plot against a conference in Paris. We are deeply concerned by reports that an Iranian diplomat is one of those standing trial in connection with the incident. While the legal process is ongoing, however, it would be inappropriate to comment further and we have not made specific representations to the Iranian Government. The UK strongly condemns the targeting of civilians and welcomes steps taken to hold those responsible to account. We continue to work closely with our European partners on security and counter-terrorism issues. We are not aware at this stage of a link to the UK.

Secondary information