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Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Thursday, 12 January 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 January 2023. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Thursday, 26 January 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Alireza Akbari

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what update they can provide on the case of British-Iranian national, Alireza Akbari, currently detained in Iran on charges of spying and sentenced to death.

Answer

The execution of Mr Alireza Akbari, a British-Iranian national, was a barbaric act which deserves condemnation in the strongest possible terms. His execution was a politically-motivated act - showing us the Iranian regime's complete disregard for human life. The UK will not allow this to stand unchallenged. When we were notified of the execution on Saturday 14 January, the Foreign Secretary ordered the summoning of Iran's chargé d'affaires to explain the behaviour of the Iranian Government.

The Foreign Secretary has also temporarily recalled the UK's Ambassador to Tehran for consultations. Iran must be in no doubt about how seriously we view their actions. We also sanctioned Iran's Prosecutor General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri on 14 January - one of the most powerful figures in Iran's judiciary, and responsible for Iran's unacceptable use of the death penalty. We will continue our work, alongside partners, to hold the regime to account.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL4721
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Detainees Capital punishment Iran Akbari, Alireza
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk