Today: 31 May 2025
14 January 2023
2 mins read

Iran executes British-Iranian Akbari, Sunak condemns ‘cowardly act’

Alireza Akbari was charged with “extensive cooperation with British intelligence officials” for which he was paid “large sums of money” on Saturday.

Iran executed a British-Iranian citizen, Alireza Akbari, over accusations of corruption and extensive cooperation with the British intelligence officers, CNN reported citing the Iranian judiciary-affiliated outlet Mizan on Saturday.

The outlet posted two tweets, informing about the execution. Akbari was charged with “extensive cooperation with British intelligence officials” for which he was paid “large sums of money” on Saturday.

Akbari’s death sentence was announced just days ago, on January 11, after he was convicted of spying for the United Kingdom. However, Akbari, who was also a former Iranian official, had denied the charges, as per CNN.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Saturday and condemned the execution on Twitter, calling it a ‘callous and cowardly’ act.

He tweeted, “I am appalled by the execution of British-Iranian citizen Alireza Akbari in Iran. This was a callous and cowardly act, carried out by a barbaric regime with no respect for the human rights of their own people. My thoughts are with Alireza’s friends and family.”

Citing the Iranian pro-reform publication Shargh Daily, CNN stated that Akbari formerly held the positions of deputy defence minister, head of the Strategic Research Institute, and member of the military group that carried out the United Nations resolution that ended the Iran-Iraq conflict.

Furthermore, UK’s Foreign Minister James Cleverly also denounced the execution of Alireza.

“Iran has executed a British national. This barbaric act deserves condemnation in the strongest possible terms. This will not stand unchallenged. My thoughts are with Alireza Akbari’s family,” Cleverly tweeted.

Several Iranians have received death-by-execution sentences during the nationwide demonstrations spurred by the alleged custodial killing of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, by the country’s erstwhile morality police for reportedly not wearing her headscarf properly.

The country carried out its first-ever execution of a man for injuring a paramilitary officer on Thursday. The person, identified as Mohsen Shekari, was found guilty of using a machete to hurt a security official while blocking a street in Tehran.

Three days after her arrest, Amini died in custody. The death sparked demonstrations and clashes with security forces, leaving many dead. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Cleverly summons Iranian diplomat following executions

Previous Story

India, UAE ink deal on green hydrogen, under sea connectivity

Next Story

Manish bags coveted ‘Freeman of the city’ title

Latest from -Top News

World needs Dubai’s ambition: Morgan

Piers Morgan has hailed Dubai’s transformation as an example of what visionary leadership can achieve. British broadcaster Piers Morgan has praised the extraordinary ambition and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin

Mohammed honours football champions

Ruler of Dubai hails players as role models during palace reception His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, received the

Abu Dhabi sets 2050 energy vision

Abu Dhabi unveils AED400 billion energy roadmap, inked climate finance pact ahead of 2026 UN Water Conference Abu Dhabi has unveiled a sweeping strategic framework to transform its energy and water sector

Gargash: UAE’s pragmatism sets regional example

Anwar Gargash says the UAE stands as a beacon of what is possible when pragmatism and vision come together. As political instability, economic fragmentation and rapid technological change continue to reshape the

US flag returns to Damascus

Billions in energy deals and lifted sanctions mark Syria’s reintegration, as US reopens embassy and declares the war-torn nation “open for business” under new regional partnerships. The United States has reopened its
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UK arranges flights for Britons stranded in Israel

Those who will be travelling on the flight have been

Hartley, Pope Overwhelm India

India bossed a majority of the match before they were