Iran Executes Dual Iranian-British National, Sparking International Outcry and Condemnation from the West

Iran executed a dual Iranian-British national on Saturday, despite international warnings not to carry out the death sentence. Ali Reza Akbari, a former high-ranking defense ministry official and close ally of top security official Ali Shamkhani, was hanged, sparking immediate anger from London, the U.S. and other countries who have sanctioned Iran over the protests.

The execution of Akbari is believed to be part of an ongoing power struggle within Iran’s theocracy as it attempts to contain the demonstrations that erupted in September following the death of Mahsa Amini. The hanging has further escalated tensions with the West, as the country continues to be rocked by nationwide anti-government protests.

The British government has condemned the execution, with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab calling it “an abhorrent violation of human rights” and “an unjust and politically motivated sentence”. He also called for the release of all dual nationals and other foreign nationals detained in Iran.

The U.S. State Department also expressed its “strong condemnation” of the execution and demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners in Iran. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Iran in response to the ongoing protests and has accused the Iranian government of using “brutal force” to suppress the demonstrations.

The execution of Akbari has further strained the already tense relationship between Iran and the West, and has sparked international outcry over the human rights violations committed by the Iranian government.