Iranian State Owned Media has confirmed that Iran will execute Alireza Akbari for espionage activities on behalf of U.K. Intelligence, specifically MI6. Earlier this morning, BCC Farsi, confirmed that Akbari’s wife had been summoned to the prison for a “final meeting” with her husband. Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence has confirmed the death sentence is to be carried out against Akbari, who is “one of the most important agents of the British spy service.” Akbari was reportedly serving in the Iranian Justice Ministry as a Deputy Minister.
He was arrested in either 2019 or 2020 after Iranian counterintelligence services accused him of turning over classified documents while applying for a U.K. visa. He holds dual citizenship in both Iran and the U.K. However, he has denied these claims. He was initially sentenced to death but appealed the decision to the Iranian Supreme Court, which according to Iranian media, upheld the conviction and is now preparing to execute Akbari.
In leaked audio obtained by BBC, Akbari describes torture and a forced confession for espionage. A UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson told the press: “We are supporting the family of M. Akbari and have repeatedly raised his case with the Iranian authorities.”
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