Husband of jailed UK mum joins her in hunger strike

The husband of jailed British mother nazanin Zagharirat-cliffe is staging a hunger strike outside the iranian embassy in London in solidarity with his wife.

richard ratcliffe, 44, has vowed to camp outside the government building in Kensington, west London, for ‘as long as it takes’ until officials begin the process to secure her release.

His protest began on Saturday after he received a call from his ‘calm but nervous’ wife who told him she had stopped eating in protest of her ‘unfair imprisonment’ in iran.

Mrs Zaghari- ratcliffe was jailed in 2016 over spying charges – which she denies.

Their dual hunger strike comes just days after their daughter – who has not been allowed to leave iran following her mother’s arrest – turned five.

Mr ratcliffe told the Mail yesterday: ‘She had been threatening this for a few weeks and i knew that the landmark for her would be gabriella’s birthday.

‘i think she wants to make it clear that enough is enough. We’ll do it long enough that that is clear. i don’t think she wants to do it to the bitter end and be taken off to hospital. it gives her strength [that i’m doing it too]. To know she’s not alone. Being in prison on hunger strike behind closed doors with guards ignoring you – you can feel pretty powerless.’

This is the third time Mrs Zaghari-ratcliffe, 40, has initiated a hunger strike in protest of her imprisonment. They lasted three and six days respectively – but her husband expects this one to last even longer.

Yesterday, Mr ratcliffe was joined by an Amnesty international activist outside the embassy, complete with tent, deckchairs and a photograph of his wife and daughter.