The UK has frequently condemned Iran’s persecution of its Christian religious minority. In my statement of 3 January, I highlighted the harassment of Christians over the Christmas period, including the re-arrest of Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani on Christmas day. Furthermore, I called on Iran to release immediately any citizens who remained in prison in Iran on the basis of their faith or belief, including Reverend Avanessian. We condemn the imprisonment of these three individuals, which appears to be on the grounds of their Christian faith. The UK continues to call on Iran to cease its persecution of Iranian citizens based on their religion or belief.