Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made representations to the government of Iran relating to the case of Naser Navard Gol-Tapeh, an Iranian convert to Christianity who has had his 10-year prison sentence for missionary activities upheld after losing his appeal.

The human rights situation in Iran, including the harassment and persecution of Christians, is of serious concern. The Foreign Secretary raised human rights concerns with the Iranian Government as a notable element of his visit to Iran on 9-10 December. The Minister for the Middle East, Alistair Burt, did likewise during his visit on 5 August.