UK premier condemns Iran's execution of British-Iranian national

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON(AA) – British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Saturday called Iran's execution of a British-Iranian national a "cowardly act," denouncing the killing "by a barbaric regime with no respect for the human rights of their own people."

Earlier on Saturday, Iranian judiciary announced the execution of Alireza Akbari, former deputy defense minister, days after he was sentenced to death on charges of spying for Britain.

"I am appalled by the execution of British-Iranian citizen Alireza Akbari in Iran. My thoughts are with Alireza's friends and family," Sunak said on Twitter.

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly issued a statement following the execution, saying it would not go "unchallenged."

"This barbaric act deserves condemnation in the strongest possible terms. Through this politically motivated act, the Iranian regime has once again shown its callous disregard for human life.

"We will be summoning the Iranian Charge d'Affaires to make clear our disgust at Iran's actions. Our thoughts are with Akbari's family," he said.

According to Iran's judiciary-affiliated Mizan News Agency, Akbari was executed on charges of "corruption on earth" and "extensive action against the country's internal and external security."