Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe: I should have been freed six years ago

21 March 2022, 12:21 | Updated: 21 March 2022, 16:33

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe appeared at a press conference on Monday.
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe appeared at a press conference on Monday. Picture: LBC/Tulip Siddiq/Alamy

By Emma Soteriou

Freed Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has said she should not have been in prison for six years as she spoke publicly for the first time since her return to the UK.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe: 'Release should have happened six years ago'

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

At a press conference sitting next to her husband Richard, who campaigned tirelessly for her release, Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe said she should have been able to come home in 2016, not long after departing for Iran.

She said: "What happened now should have happened six years ago."

However, she refused to be drawn on what her time in jail was like.

Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe said she felt she could not trust the UK Government after being told several times that they would get her home, with them failing to deliver on promises of freedom.

Referencing comments from her husband who thanked the Government for its efforts moments earlier, she said: "I do not really agree with him on that level."

She went on to say: "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."

The mum added: "How many foreign secretaries does it take for someone to come out? Five."

Read more: 'Is that mummy?' Nazanin's tearful reunion with family after 6 year hell in Iranian jail

She continued to push for justice for others still in Iran too, including Morad Tahbaz.

The "meaning of freedom is never going to be complete" until other dual nationals are released and reunited with their families, she said.

"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."

The British-Iranian mother returned to Britain, along with a second dual national, Anoosheh Ashoori on March 17 after having been released the day before.

She said she was "overwhelmed" as she landed back in the UK.

"That moment was precious. I've been waiting for that moment for such a long time," Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe said.

"And I was overwhelmed, specifically to get to know Gabriella and Richard after such a long time.

"It was a very, very emotional moment."

It came after the UK finally agreed to settle a £400 million debt dating back to the 1970s.

However, she said she was sad to have missed out on precious time with her daughter between the ages of two and eight.

It followed her husband thanking everyone for "making us whole again", adding that it is "nice to be retiring" from his campaigning.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Former President Trump and Vice President Harris make final pitches

Road to the White House: The key swing states that will decide the 2024 US Election

The 64-year-old previously revealed he was days from death before undergoing surgery

Jeremy Clarkson issues major health update after life-changing surgery as he tells fans he is 'better than ever'

US Capitol Police arrested a man on Tuesday

Man arrested at US Capitol for 'smelling like fuel and bringing a flare gun and a torch', police say

Israeli PM Netanyahu has fired his defence minister Yoav Gallant.

Israeli PM Netanyahu fires defence minister Yoav Gallant in surprise announcement

Donald Trump after casting his vote on Tuesday

Donald Trump claims he's 'very confident' of victory in US election race after casting his ballot

Conor McGregor has been accused of raping and choking a woman in a Dublin hotel

Conor McGregor accused of raping and choking woman after snorting cocaine

The ex-Manchester City footballer married Stephen Darby in 2018, a few months before he was diagnosed with the condition

Ex-Lioness captain Steph Houghton reveals husband's 'life-changing' operation amid MND battle

Underground train, Barbican Tube Station, Smithfield, England, United Kingdom

Tube drivers call off planned London Underground strikes after improved pay offer

Playa de los Pocillos puerto del carmen Lanzarote, Canary Islands, spain

British tourist, 34, found dead on beach in Lanzarote

Trump and Harris go head to head

US Election night guide: What time do polls close and who is favourite to win?

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had only just turned 12 when he took part in the violent disorder

Britain's youngest rioter: Boy who had just turned 12 sentenced for involvement in violent disorder

The 170-metre red bridge over wetlands in Canada Water, south-east London, opened last week

Security guards to stop cyclists from using bright red ‘wildlife boardwalk’ at £3.3bn London housing development

Rubert Gispin was visiting flood-hit parts of his native Valencia

Spanish influencer defends ‘shameful’ decision to deliberately cover himself in mud in Valencia’s flood damaged streets

Sara Sharif's father denies murdering the 10-year-old.

Father claims he begged to save Sara Sharif before being told ‘Leave it, she’s dead’

Queen Camilla is unwell with a chest infection and has withdrawn from her engagements this week

The Queen withdraws from engagements this week after being taken ill, Buckingham Palace announces

Tesco customers are furious after being forced to wait hours to book a Christmas delivery slot.

'It's like getting Beyonce tickets': Fury as Tesco shoppers face 'ridiculous' online queues for Christmas delivery slots