PRESS RELEASE : Execution of Alireza Akbari – Statement by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs [January 2023]

The press release issued by the French Government on 15 January 2023.

France condemns in the strongest terms the execution in Iran of Alireza Akbari, an Iranian-British national.

It expresses its full solidarity with the British authorities and extends its condolences to Mr Akbari’s family.

At the Minister’s request, the chargé d’affaires of the Iranian Embassy in Paris was summoned once again this morning so that we could express our outrage. A warning was also issued to him: Iran’s repeated violations of international law cannot go unanswered, especially when it comes to the treatment of the foreign nationals the country arbitrarily detains.

France reiterates its steadfast opposition to the death penalty everywhere and in all circumstances, and condemns its political use in Iran.