Why did Iran execute a British national Alireza Akbari? Find out here

A British national named Alireza Akbari has been executed by Iran over the charges of being a UK spy. UK PM Rishi Sunak has slammed the Iran government for a 'callous and cowardly act' and has summoned Iran's charge d'affaires in London.

Sunak's statement read, 'This cowardly act was carried out by a barbaric regime with no respect for the human rights of their own people.'

He extended his condolences to Alireza Akbari's friends and family and said that his thoughts are with them.


James Cleverly, UK Foreign Secy said that Iran has executed a British national and this act 'deserves strongest possible condemnation' and 'will not stand unchallenged.'



According to Tasnim news agency, the Iranian judiciary claimed Alireza Akbari was a 'key MI6 spy' for the UK government. He served as a deputy defence minister under the former president of Iran, Mohammad Khatami.

As per reports, Akbari was arrested in 2019. He was charged with spying and was accused of receiving hefty money for sharing intelligence reports with Britain. Akbari always refuted these claims by the Iran government.

Akbari had earlier claimed that he was forced to confess to the crimes he did not commit and he was given 'mind-altering drugs' and was also tortured.

Mizan news agency which is linked to the Iran judiciary shared a tweet saying that Alireza Akbari has been hanged. There was no information on when and where it happened.

Reports suggest that Akbari's family was called from Tehran for a 'final visit' to his prison.

Calling Iran's move a 'total disregard for human life', the UK has also criticised a 'politically motivated act by the barbaric regime.'

FAQs

Who was Alireza Akbari?
Alireza Akbari served as deputy defence minister of Iran and was a part of the administration of President Mohammad Khatami.

Why did Iran execute Alireza Akbari?
Alireza Akbari was accused of being a UK spy in Iran.