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Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe speaks during a press conference Victoria Jones/PA

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe calls for release of other detainees in Iran

The British-Iranian dual national also said: ‘What happened now should have happened six years ago.’

NAZANIN ZAGHARI-RATCLIFFE HAS urged an end to the detention of other dual nationals still held in Iran, saying without their release “the meaning of freedom is never going to be complete”.

Speaking in public for the first time at a press conference following her release from detention, the British-Iranian mother paid tribute to her husband Richard Ratcliffe for his campaign to keep her plight in the spotlight.

But the 43-year-old, who landed back in Britain on Thursday after the UK finally agreed to settle a £400 million debt dating back to the 1970s, criticised the Government for the length of time it took to secure her release.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe also highlighted the continued detention of British-US national and wildlife conservationist Morad Tahbaz, who, according to his family, has gone on hunger strike after he was taken back into prison after just 48 hours on furlough.

She told reporters at Portcullis House: “I believe that the meaning of freedom is never going to be complete as to such time that all of us who are unjustly detained in Iran are reunited with our families.

“To begin with Morad, but also the other dual nationals, members of religious groups, or prisoners of conscience who are … I mean, we do realise that if I have been in prison for six years there are so many other people we don’t know their names who have been suffering in prison in Iran.”

Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was detained on April 3 2016 by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard at Imam Khomeini airport after a holiday visit with Gabriella to her parents, thanked those who campaigned for her release, saying she was “powerless” in prison.

Referencing her husband thanking the Government a few moments earlier, she said: “I do not really agree with him on that level.”

She said she had seen five foreign secretaries over the course of six years, adding: “That is unprecedented given the politics of the UK. I love you Richard, respect whatever you believe, but I was told many, many times that ‘Oh we’re going to get you home’.

“That never happened.”

She said this resulted in her finding it difficult to place trust in them, adding: “I mean, how many foreign secretaries does it take for someone to come home? Five?”

Zaghari-Ratcliffe told reporters: “What’s happened now should have happened six years ago.”

With daughter Gabriella in the front row of the audience, Zaghari-Ratcliffe said the journey back home was “tough” as she told of the moment she was reunited with her family back in the UK.

“That moment was precious,” she said.

“I’ve been waiting for that moment for such a long time. And I was overwhelmed, specifically to get to know Gabriella and Richard after such a long time.

“It was a very, very emotional moment.”

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    Mute Wheresmyjumper
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    Sep 4th 2020, 8:43 AM

    Covid 19 must actually be 19 years old and have a tight sets of buns for him to come in to contact with it

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    Sep 4th 2020, 8:58 AM

    @Wheresmyjumper: excellent

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    Sep 4th 2020, 9:22 AM

    He’s gone into hospital for another mickey transplant…. The first one rejected him.

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    Sep 4th 2020, 8:37 AM

    Carry on matron comes to mind.

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    Sep 4th 2020, 9:56 AM

    Those bunga bunga parties can be dodgy mustn’t have been using ppe

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    Mute SB
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    Sep 4th 2020, 1:33 PM

    The €9 covid meal would have prevented this

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    Sep 4th 2020, 2:41 PM

    My condolences to Covid.

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    Mute Pat O'Leary
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    Sep 4th 2020, 9:33 AM

    Apparently his new partner 53 years his junior (seriously – 83 v 30) has contracted Covid also.

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    Mute Greg Ward
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    Sep 4th 2020, 9:37 AM

    @Pat O’Leary: That’s not all she’s contracted from the bould Silvio

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    Mute J
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    Sep 4th 2020, 2:05 PM

    @Pat O’Leary: I’d say she was told to sign a contract also, an NDA.

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    Sep 4th 2020, 2:39 PM

    Berlusconi- A triumph of the embalmers art.

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    Sep 4th 2020, 1:23 PM

    I’d say that’s not the only disease he’s got!

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    Sep 4th 2020, 8:23 AM

    Godspeed Sil! Ci vediamo a Monza

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    Sep 4th 2020, 9:26 AM

    Dear Silvio and Flavio, in front of Covid-19 we’re equal. This lesson Is only for you and you sh.. Friends. Love

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    Mute Micheal S. O' Ceilleachair
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    Sep 4th 2020, 9:17 AM

    Were the members of the “entourage” singing in chorus!!!?

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    Sep 4th 2020, 10:30 PM

    Bunga Bunga

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