Written question asked by Martyn Day (Scottish National Party) on Monday, 23 November 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 November 2020. It was answered by James Cleverly (Conservative) on Monday, 30 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, if he will condemn the reported threats from the arrested Iranian diplomat Assadolah Assadi in Belgium to influence and subvert his trial on terrorism charges in that country.

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 that an Iranian diplomat is one of those standing trial in connection with the incident and are actively monitoring media reports that the diplomat has threatened "retaliation" should he be convicted. The UK Government does not have access to the court documents on which these reports are based. While the legal process is ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further.

Secondary information