PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Iran: Political Prisoners (3 September 2018)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has made representations to the Government of Iran on the treatment of political prisoners in Evin prison; and if he will make a statement.

Asked by:
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan (Labour)

Iran's human rights record continues to be of serious concern to the UK, and the Foreign and Commonwelath Office has designated it as one of its Human Rights Priority Countries. We regularly raise human rights with the Iranians at all levels as I did during my recent visit to Tehran and we continue to take action with the international community to press Iran to improve its poor record on all human rights issues. In January, the previous Foreign Secretary discussed with Foreign Minister Zarif disturbing reports of ill treatment in Iranian prisons of those detained for participating in the recent protests. The Foreign Secretary particularly emphasised that international obligations on human rights should be observed. Additionally, we remain deeply concerned about our dual nationals detained in Iran (some of whom are in Evin prison) and continue to lobby the Iranian Government at the highest levels at every opportunity to request consular access for officials, access to lawyers and appropriate medical care.

Answered by:
Alistair Burt (Conservative)
6 September 2018