Britain and Nazanin Zaghari's Husband Respond to IRGC Security Allegations

Following the release of a statement by the IRGC of Kerman containing serious security allegations against Nazanin Zaghari, the British Foreign Office announced that it is pursuing her case at the "highest levels" and her husband called the accusations "ridiculous." On Wednesday, June 16, the IRGC of Kerman confirmed the arrest of Nazanin Zaghari by this organization and sent her case to Tehran, accusing the Iranian-British citizen of participating in "subversive projects" and being "one of the main network leaders linked to foreign entities." The IRGC confirmed this after more than two months since Ms. Zaghari's detention. Following the publication of these allegations, a spokesperson for the British Foreign Office stated that the ministry is seeking information about this matter from Iranian officials. The spokesperson also noted that the British Foreign Office has "repeatedly" approached Iranian officials "at the highest level" and will continue to do so. The official news agency of Iran's judiciary, Mizan, reported on Wednesday, citing an official announcement from the IRGC of Kerman, that Ms. Zaghari had "participated in designing and executing media and cyber projects aimed at the soft overthrow of the Islamic Republic" by being a member of foreign companies and institutions. This organization also accused Ms. Zaghari of being "one of the main network leaders of hostile institutions that have carried out criminal activities over the years under the guidance and support of foreign media and intelligence services." Richard Ratcliffe, Ms. Zaghari's husband, described these accusations as "foolish and ridiculous" and referred to his wife's case as a "political file." Reuters reported that Mr. Ratcliffe also stated that Nazanin Zaghari has been transferred again from Kerman to Evin Prison in Tehran. Nazanin Zaghari, who has an English husband and is sometimes referred to by her full name Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, is 37 years old and had been working as a project manager at the Thomson Reuters Foundation since 2011. The Reuters report reiterated that Ms. Zaghari, in her professional capacity as an employee of the Thomson Reuters Foundation, has had no connection to Iran and does not have any. The report also emphasized that the foundation and Reuters operate independently of each other.