Tehran threatens Saudi Arabia with consequences over execution of Iranians

Azerbaijan, Baku, June 13 /Trend/

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast has expressed deep regret over the execution of a number of Iranian prisoners in Saudi Arabia, saying that the action will have "political repercussions" for the Arab kingdom, Mehr news agency reported.

"Saudi Arabia should be aware that the execution of Iranian nationals will have political repercussions for the country, and the issue will be pursued through relevant (international) organizations," Mehmanparast said during his regular press briefing in Tehran on Tuesday.

The Iranian nationals, who had been held in a prison in the Saudi city of Dammam, had been sentenced to death for alleged involvement in drug trafficking.

Mehmanparast also said that Saudi Arabia should have respected international conventions and the right of consular access. "These people had been denied the rights to have lawyer, interpreter, and consular access", he pointed out.

On Monday Iran's Foreign Ministry summoned Saudi Arabia's chargé d'affaires to express the Islamic Republic's strong objection to the execution of Iranian inmates.

The Saudi diplomat was summoned by the Iranian Foreign Ministry when the report of the execution of the Iranian prisoners was confirmed, Press TV quoted IRNA as reporting.

Tehran censured Riyadh for denying the Iranians their right to consular access, saying that it is against international obligations and human rights law.

Iran's Foreign Ministry also announced that Tehran will pursue the case through international organizations.

The Saudi chargé d'affaires said he will convey Iran's objection to the Saudi government.

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