David Miliband expressed deep concern of reports that Hossein Rassam has been sentenced to four years in prison in Iran following his arrest in June.

Hossein Rassam, who is a political advisor at the embassy, was arrested following the disputed Presidential elections in Iran in June 2009.

In a statement, David Miliband said:

'Reports that Hossein Rassam has been sentenced to four years in prison are deeply concerning. Such a decision is wholly unjustified and represents further harassment of Embassy staff for going about their normal and legitimate duties. Our Ambassador in Tehran has spoken to the Deputy Foreign Minister to express our concerns and our acting Permanent Under Secretary has called in the Iranian Ambassador in London.

We understand the sentence can be appealed. I urge the authorities to conduct this quickly and overturn this harsh sentence. We are in close touch with EU and other international partners, who continue to show solidarity in the face of this unacceptable Iranian action. This will be seen as an attack against the entire diplomatic community in Iran and important principles are at stake.'

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