News

Foreign Secretary David Miliband has urged Iran to overturn a four year jail sentence reportedly given to a British embassy employee. Hossein Rassam, 44, was arrested in June at the time of massive street protests over the country's disputed presidential election.

The Iranian, who worked as the embassy's chief political analyst, was accused of spying and inciting unrest.

In a statement, Mr Miliband called the reported sentence "wholly unjustified". The foreign secretary said it represented "further harassment of embassy staff for going about their normal and legitimate duties".