<p>The imprisonment by the Iranian authorities of these individuals for their beliefs is deplorable. Reports indicate that three of them were released on bail on 19 March and are currently awaiting trial. The plight of the remaining individuals is unclear. I have repeatedly and publicly expressed the UK's serious concern at the persecution of religious minorities in Iran, including the unjustified arrest and imprisonment of Christians. On 14 May, after formally receiving an interfaith letter on religious persecution in Iran, I issued a statement calling once again for Iran to end such persecution and release all those imprisoned on the basis of their faith.</p>