Written question asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass (Independent Ulster Unionist) on Monday, 11 September 2017, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 September 2017. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Monday, 25 September 2017 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iran: Political Prisoners

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the statement by Amnesty International on 22 August concerning conditions imposed on political prisoners in Gohardasht and other Iranian prisons, particularly the finding that around 20 such political prisoners are on hunger-strike; and what representations they have made, or diplomatic pressure they have imposed, on the Iranian authorities to take such life-preserving action as may be necessary.

Answer: Reports about mistreatment of political prisoners in Iran are deeply concerning. I urge Iran to allow the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Iran access to the country in order to carry out an independent assessment of prison conditions and the wider human rights situation in the country.

Secondary information