Miliband reacts to staffer sentencing

LONDON, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- British Foreign Secretary David Miliband called on Tehran on Thursday to overturn a four-year prison sentence reportedly given to a British Embassy staffer.

Iranian authorities arrested 44-year-old Hossein Rassam in June as Iran was gripped by violent demonstrations following the disputed victory for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the presidential election.

Iran arrested nine staffers from the British Embassy in Tehran, though Rassam was the only one charged with inciting unrest in the post-election climate.

Miliband in statements published Thursday by his offices in London said he was "deeply concerned" about the reports of Rassam's sentencing.

"This will be seen as an attack against the entire diplomatic community in Iran and important principles are at stake," the foreign secretary said.

Tehran blamed foreign elements, particularly the United States and Britain, for meddling in its internal affairs following the disputed June election. Both Western governments denied the charges.

Miliband said his office was in contact with Iranian officials to express his position that the decision was "wholly unjustified."

"We understand the sentence can be appealed," he said. "I urge the authorities to conduct this quickly and overturn this harsh sentence."