Hague blasts Iran on human rights

His comments follow the death sentences passed on five members of the Ahwazi Arab community last month, weeks after the secret execution of four others from the minority for “enmity against God”.

Mr Hague warned Iran’s actions would not go unchallenged by the international community and said the abuses added to the regime’s isolation.

Mr Hague said Tehran had shown an “utter disregard for human rights” in a number of cases, including the death penalty carried out against Safieh Ghafouri, a woman convicted of murder, who was reportedly subjected to abuse and mistreatment including rape while in custody.

The Foreign Secretary said: “I am deeply disturbed by the human rights abuses perpetrated by Iran in recent months.

“Iran’s continued, widespread persecution of ethnic minorities, human rights defenders and political prisoners is a disgrace and stands as a shameful indictment of Iran’s leaders.”