Thousands of people attended a rally in London on Saturday in support of Vahid Beheshti, who is on hunger strike against the Iranian government.
British-Iranian Mr Beheshti, 45, hopes to bring pressure on the UK to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.
He is no longer able to walk after 66 days on a diet of water, coffee and a handful of sugar cubes.
“Today, there will be a big rally in London where thousands of British, Ukrainian and Iranian citizens will be calling on @RishiSunak to uphold his pledge to proscribe the IRGC,” he wrote on Twitter on Saturday.
“This is for our safety and security, not only in Britain but also the rest of the world.”
This week he was invited in to the Foreign Office in central London, where he camps out, to speak to Tariq Ahmad, Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, about his protest.
He said Mr Ahmad had told him the government was working on the matter, as well as pointing out that it imposed sanctions on four IRGC commanders on Monday.
Born and raised in Iran, campaigner and journalist Mr Beheshti was twice arrested by the IRGC before fleeing to Britain 24 years ago.
The British-Iranian citizen decided to go on hunger strike after he said he witnessed the Iranian government’s efforts to silence freedom of speech in the UK.
Last year, Britain’s domestic spy chief said that Iran has plotted to abduct or kill at least 10 British citizens or people based in the UK.
Iran International, a television station that broadcasts stories critical of the regime, was forced to temporarily close its London office this year after journalists were threatened by the IRGC.
Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
The years Ramadan fell in May
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
More coverage from the Future Forum
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Planes grounded by coronavirus
British Airways: Cancels all direct flights to and from mainland China
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific: Cutting capacity to/from mainland China by 50 per cent from Jan. 30
Chicago-based United Airlines: Reducing flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong
Ai Seoul: Suspended all flights to China
Finnair: Suspending flights to Nanjing and Beijing Daxing until the end of March
Indonesia's Lion Air: Suspending all flights to China from February
South Korea's Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air and Jin Air: Suspend all flights
