Britain Grants Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe ‘Diplomatic Protection’
The British government has granted “diplomatic protection” to Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, an Iranian-British citizen. The announcement of “diplomatic protection” was made by Britain’s Foreign Secretary. He spoke of Zaghari’s innocence and called for her release.
The announcement of “diplomatic protection” for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is a protest against the violation of international law by the Islamic Republic.
Reuters news agency reported on Thursday, March 7 (16 Esfand) the announcement of “diplomatic protection” for the Iranian-British citizen detained in Iran. It is said that Jeremy Hunt announced that while this action cannot be expected to work miracles, this decision could help Nazanin Zaghari’s case.
The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Britain, in a tweet, described the announcement of “diplomatic protection” for Nazanin Zaghari as a violation of international law.
Nazanin Zaghari is one of the project managers at the Thomson Reuters Foundation. She was detained at the airport in April 2016 upon her return from Iran. Nazanin Zaghari had traveled to Iran with her daughter for a family visit.
“Diplomatic Protection”
Nazanin Zaghari has been sentenced to five years in prison on charges of acting against national security. A charge that has been rejected by her family as well as by the Thomson Reuters Foundation charity.
Jeremy Hunt, Britain’s Foreign Secretary, announced that Britain intended to demonstrate Iran’s completely improper conduct with this action.
Jeremy Hunt said that this action cannot produce results overnight. But it can show Nazanin’s innocence to the whole world, and this action is also a sign that Britain will not remain silent whenever one of its citizens is subjected to injustice and unfair treatment.
Hamid Baeidinejad, Iran’s Ambassador to Britain, considered the announcement of “diplomatic protection” for Nazanin Zaghari contrary to international law and said that such a thing is only possible in the case of supporting citizens of one country. In other words, the Islamic Republic does not recognize Nazanin Zaghari’s dual nationality.
Reuters news agency further mentioned Nazanin Zaghari’s hunger strike in early 2019 and reported on her protest regarding prison conditions and mistreatment of herself.
Britain’s Foreign Secretary condemned the Islamic Republic of Iran for using innocent citizens in international diplomatic disputes.
Hunt emphasized that Britain’s efforts to free Zaghari have so far been unsuccessful, and therefore, the decision to announce “diplomatic protection” for this citizen was necessary. Britain’s Foreign Secretary called for the release of Nazanin Zaghari.
Source: DW
