Written question asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass (Independent Ulster Unionist) on Thursday, 19 November 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 December 2020. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Wednesday, 2 December 2020 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Assadolah Assadi

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Iran about reports that that government has threatened to retaliate against the government of Belgium if Assadollah Assadi is found guilty of participating in preparations for bombing an international gathering near Paris in June 2018.

Answer: We are aware of media reports that an Iranian diplomat, who is charged with involvement in a plot against a conference in Paris in 2018, 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 on these reports and we have not made specific representations to the Iranian Government. We are not aware of any reporting suggesting that the Government of Iran itself has made any threats to retaliate against the Government of Belgium.

Secondary information