Anger as Iran jails embassy 'spy'

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Hossein Rassam, an Iranian who worked as the embassy's chief political analyst, was arrested in June as the authorities in Tehran clamped down on massive street protests following the disputed presidential election.

His arrest came as relations between Britain and Iran plunged to a new low, with Tehran accusing the UK of fomenting opposition demonstrations.

Mr Miliband said reports from Iran that Mr Rassam, 44, had been sentenced to four years in jail were "deeply concerning". Iran's ambassador in London was summoned to the Foreign Office to explain the action.

In a statement issued by the Foreign Office in London, Mr Miliband said: "Such a decision is wholly unjustified and represents further harassment of embassy staff for going about their normal and legitimate duties.

"Our ambassador in Tehran has spoken to the deputy foreign minister to express our concerns, and our acting permanent under secretary has called in the Iranian ambassador in London.

"We understand the sentence can be appealed. I urge the authorities to conduct this quickly and overturn this harsh sentence.

"We are in close touch with EU and other international partners, who continue to show solidarity in the face of this unacceptable Iranian action. This will be seen as an attack against the entire diplomatic community in Iran and important principles are at stake."