Iran slams ‘illegal’ diplomatic protection UK granting Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, aid worker in Tehran prison accused of spying
- Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested in April 2016 on charges of plotting against the Iranian government. She denies the allegations
- Diplomatic protection is a rarely-used mechanism allowing nations to seek protection on behalf of its citizens
Iran has accused Britain of breaking international law by granting diplomatic protection to a dual British-Iranian mother jailed in Tehran over spy allegations.
UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Friday that London’s decision to extend the special status to Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was aimed at sending a “very strong message” to Iran.
But Iran’s envoy to London said the decision “contravenes international law”.
“UK Govt’s extension of diplomatic protection to Ms Zaghari contravenes int’l law. Govts may only exercise such protection for own nationals,” Hamid Baeidinejad tweeted. “As UK Govt is acutely aware, Iran does not recognize dual nationality. Irrespective of UK residency, Ms Zaghari thus remains Iranian.”
Hunt insisted the decision was in response to “unacceptable treatment” Zaghari-Ratcliffe claims she experienced in prison.
“This represents formal recognition by the British government that her treatment fails to meet Iran’s obligations under international law and elevates it to a formal state to state issue,” he said.
Diplomatic protection is a rarely-used mechanism allowing nations to seek protection on behalf of its citizens on the grounds that they have been wronged by another state, according to Britain’s foreign office.
Zaghari-Ratcliffe has suffered from health issues, including series of panic attacks, while her emotional state has worsened during her confinement.