Written question asked by Caroline Lucas (Green Party) on Tuesday, 18 July 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 September 2023 (named day). It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Monday, 4 September 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Mohammad Ghobadloo

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 15 June 2023 to Question 188913 on Members: Correspondence, whether he has contacted Iran’s Chargé d'Affaires on the impending execution of Mohmmad Ghobadloo in Iran; and if he will make a statement.

Answer

The UK is firmly opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances in Iran. HMG weighs lobbying on individual cases extremely carefully because we recognise that the UK raising specific individuals by name can put them at greater risk.

In a flawed judicial system, even false accusations of "collaboration with hostile foreign governments" can lead to significantly worse outcomes. It is imperative that we do not take action which risks harm.

The UK initiated a joint statement at the Human Rights Council in July, signed by 54 countries, which condemned Iran's use of the death penalty. The Foreign Secretary has summoned Iran's Chargé d'Affaires twice to express our opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances.

The UK has implemented nine rounds of human rights sanctions on Iran, including on those responsible for overseeing the death penalty. The most recent round was on 6 July.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 194685
Session: 2022-23
Related items: Members: Correspondence
Thursday, 15 June 2023
Written questions
House of Commons; Mohammad Ghobadloo
Tuesday, 19 September 2023
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Capital punishment Iran Ghobadloo, Mohammad
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Mohammad Ghobadloo

Secondary information

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