Boris Johnson to push for Nazanin Zagari-Ratcliffe release on Iran trip
2 min read
Boris Johnson is set to use a visit to Iran this weekend to push for the release of jailed British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.
The mother-of-two from London has been held by the regime since April 2016 after she was accused of spying.
Pressure to secure her release has been heaped on the Foreign Secretary after a major gaffe, where he wrongly claimed she had been in the country “teaching journalists”.
The 38-year-old recently endured a cancer scare, although was eventually cleared by doctors, and had been feared to be close to a nervous breakdown.
Mr Johnson’s visit comes as she faces prosecutors this Sunday for “spreading propaganda” – a charge which could result in a hefty sentence.
Her husband, Richard Ratcliffe told BBC News his wife was due back in court on Sunday to face possible new charges and said Mr Johnson’s influence was needed to "make clear that he thinks Nazanin is innocent and should be home with her family".
He said: "I don't know if I'm expecting him to be able to unlock it all, and she comes out with him, but it can only be a good thing that he is there".
The broadcaster also reported that Mr Ratcliffe had sought to accompany Mr Johnson but the Foreign Office felt his presence would be "too political".
He will also reportedly settle a decades-long £400m dispute with the region that could help secure the British-Iranian mother’s freedom.
The Guardian said Mr Johnson has been working to overcome the issue of sanctions in order to finally release the funds, the amount of which has been largely settled, following a lengthy court case.
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