Thank you to everyone who has contacted me about the detention of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.

As I have stated previously, I strongly condemn the Iranian authorities’ imprisonment of dual British-Iranian nationals (including Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe) and believe they should be released immediately.

Nazanin has been illegally imprisoned on trumped-up charges for over four years now. This situation is understandably distressing for Nazanin and her family, and my thoughts are with them during this difficult time.

I was dismayed to learn in September that Nazanin faces new charges. A new trial commenced on 2nd November and was adjourned. I am pleased that Nazanin was not returned to prison and remains at her parents’ home in Tehran – albeit under house arrest. However, her release must be made permanent.

I am worried that the adjournment of Nazanin’s trial could only serve to delay a potential further miscarriage of justice. I believe the threat of reincarceration, the constant harassment by members of Iran’s revolutionary guard, the repeated delay to judicial hearings, and the levelling of false charges are tantamount to nothing less than mental torture. As we approach the fifth Christmas that Nazanin will be unable to spend with her family, I hope the Government will do everything in its power to bring her safely home.

I believe it is vital that the Government has a clear and agreed strategy for Nazanin and other dual British-Iranian nationals, such as Anoosheh Ashoori, to ensure they are brought home as soon as possible. ​