UK in denial over hostage-taking by foreign states, says Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a prominent figure who endured six years in an Iranian prison on false espionage charges, has publicly condemned the UK government for its denial regarding the serious issue of hostage-taking by foreign states. Speaking at a conference focused on eradicating this troubling trend, she emphasized the government's failure to fulfill its commitment to appoint a special envoy dedicated to combating hostage-taking. This situation underscores a broader concern about the UK's approach to international diplomacy and human rights, particularly in light of Zaghari-Ratcliffe's own harrowing experience. Her call for accountability reflects a growing demand for action against the alarming rise in state-sponsored hostage-taking, which poses significant risks to citizens abroad and challenges the integrity of international relations.