Iran executes Anglo-Iranian cleric convicted of spying

IRAN – This is a decision that will not ease tensions between Iran and the West. An Iranian-British man has been executed by hanging after being sentenced to death for spying for British intelligence services, Iran’s Judiciary Authority announced on Saturday (14 January). The act was described as “cruel and cowardly” by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

A former senior Iranian defense official, Alireza Akbari, 61, was convicted of “ corruption on Earth and to undermine the country’s internal and external security for transmitting intelligence in the UK, according to Mizan Online.

After this announcement, Rishi Sunak said to himself “ surprised by Iran’s decision to execute Alireza Abkari. ” This is a cruel and cowardly act perpetrated by a barbaric regime that does not respect the human rights of its own people. added a tenant at 10 Downing Street. In twitterhead of diplomacy James Cleverley added that “ this barbaric act deserves to be condemned in the strongest possible terms “and promised that these hangings would not remain” no answer “.

Outraged, London stirs up action” politically motivated »

His execution came three days after the announcement by an Iranian court of the death sentence for this man, who was presented as ” key spies ” For ” secret intelligence service » English (SIS) because « the importance of its position “.

The announcement of the verdict had already angered London, which immediately asked that the sentence not be carried out. ” Iran must stop executing British and Iranian citizen Alireza Akbari and release him immediately “, the reaction of the head of British diplomacy James Cleverly. ” This is a politically motivated act by a barbaric regime that completely ignores human life “, according to him.

On Thursday, Iran’s official media reported that Alireza Akbari had held senior positions in the security and defense apparatus. According to the IRNA news agency, the veteran of the war between Iran and Iraq (1980-1988) later held important positions, without specifying the date, such as ” Deputy Minister of Defense for Foreign Affairs », unit head at the ministry research center or « adviser to the Commander of the Navy “, among others.

He also works at Secretariat of the Supreme National Security Council IRNA said, adding that Alireza Akbari was arrested between March 2019 and March 2020.

Lots of death sentences

The United States said on Friday it was joining Britain in calling on Iran not to execute Alireza Akbari. ” The charges against Alireza Akbari and her death sentence are politically motivated and her execution is unacceptable “, said the deputy spokesman for American diplomacy, Vedant Patel.

Iran regularly announces arrests of agents suspected of working for foreign intelligence services, including Israel. In early December, for example, Iran executed four people accused of collaborating with Israel’s intelligence services.

Relations between Tehran and London have been strained in recent years by the arrests of several dual nationals.

But this time, Akbari’s execution came as Iran was rocked by protests sparked by the September 16 death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd, after being arrested for violating the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code for women.

Iranian justice has confirmed the death sentences against 18 people in connection with this demonstration, according to a count made by AFP from the official announcement. Among them, four have been executed, sparking international protests.

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