Iran: Alireza Akbari, an Iranian-British convicted of espionage was executed by hanging

According to the Mizan Online agency, Mr Akbari (our photo), was convicted of “corruption on Earth and of undermining the internal and external security of the country for having transmitted intelligence” to the United Kingdom.

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Iran has just carried out another execution, but this time it is a former deputy defense minister accused of spying for British intelligence.

The man, Alireza Akbari, had dual Iranian-British nationality.

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With our correspondent in Tehran,

Alireza Akbari was arrested three years ago for espionage.

In recent days, Iranian media have widely publicized his confession filmed by Iran's Intelligence Ministry.

In these videos, he claims that he was in contact with British diplomats in Tehran but also in Europe and transmitted to them information on the nuclear program or on the personalities of power involved in various programs, in particular ballistics.

Forced confessions

In statements given to foreign media by his family, Alireza Akbari says he was forced to confess.

He served for years as Deputy Defense Minister, notably under former reformist President Mohammad Khatami.

Admiral Ali Shamkhani also threatened?

At the time, Admiral Ali Shamkhani held the post of Defense Minister.

He is now in the strategic position of secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, which oversees the nuclear negotiations in particular.

Alireza Akbari was also Ali Shamkhani's adviser for several years.

According to some Iranian media, Ali Shamkhani could also have been threatened and replaced by a soldier in this post.

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