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European nations have strongly criticised the latest trials in Iran over the unrest that followed the disputed presidential poll.

Iranian workers at the French and British embassies and a French national were among dozens of detainees to appear in court in Tehran.

The EU presidency said action against any EU national or embassy would be seen as an act against the whole bloc.

The UK and France also spoke out against the trial.

This is the second group trial of those accused of taking part in the mass protests that erupted after the 12 June election.

Last week more than 100 people, including leading reformers, appeared in court in Tehran on charges including conspiracy.

'Spying for foreigners'

The
group that appeared in court in Tehran on Saturday included reformist lawmakers and journalists, all wearing grey prison clothes.

They are accused of crimes including rioting, spying and plotting to overthrow the government.

Hossein Rassam, the most senior Iranian employee at the British embassy, stands accused of "spying for foreigners".

Prosecutors accuse him of monitoring the riots on the ground along with two UK diplomats who have since been expelled.