Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Asadollah Assadi

Tuesday 21 June 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Matthew Offord questioned the UK Government's stance on the case of Iranian diplomat Asadollah Assadi.
  • The UK condemns the targeting of civilians and highlights the conviction of individuals involved in a plot against a conference in Paris.
  • The UK raises concerns about Iran's behavior in various areas during bilateral talks, according to the Minister's response.

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Matthew Offord Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from a case involving an Iranian diplomat, Asadollah Assadi, who was convicted for his role in a planned terrorist attack. The UK has condemned the targeting of civilians and welcomes convictions by Belgian courts.

Question

If she will make representations to her Iranian counterpart on the case of Iranian diplomat, Asadollah Assadi.

Answer from James Cleverly

The UK condemns in the strongest terms the targeting of civilians and regularly raises this issue with the Government of Iran. We welcome the fact that those responsible for the plot against the conference in Paris in 2018 have been held to account. The Belgian courts have convicted four individuals, including Asadollah Assadi, who received a 20-year sentence.

Answered
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Q2 Matthew Offord Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

Assadi orchestrated a planned terrorist attack that could have resulted in mass casualties, including several Members of Parliament. The Iranian Foreign Minister met with Belgian and Swedish counterparts to discuss prisoner swaps.

Question

I am trying to hide my disappointment in the answer. Asadollah Assadi orchestrated a planned terrorist attack in mainland Europe that would have resulted in mass casualties, including five Members of the British Parliament, including me. At the Munich security conference earlier this year, the Iranian Foreign Minister met his Belgian and Swedish counterparts for private talks, which included seeking a petition for the release of Assadi and others through prisoner swaps. May I ask the Secretary of State again to meet with her Iranian counterpart to make it clear that any future JCPOA must ensure human rights in Iran and must ensure that terrorism activities are relinquished across the region, including those aimed at mainland Europe?

Answer from James Cleverly

I am not able to speculate on the context of bilateral talks between Iran and other countries. The UK's position is absolutely clear: the behaviour of Iran in a whole number of areas is unacceptable. We raise this regularly, and I know that my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has raised our concerns about the Iranian Government's behaviour on numerous occasions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific ask for meeting with Iranian counterpart to address human rights and terrorism issues

How: Not Able To Speculate

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