Row over Khatami visit to Scotland
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Iran's former president, Mohammed Khatami, arrives in Scotland today for a visit opposed by Iranian émigré groups and a group of MPs who charge that thousands of students were imprisoned during his rule.
However, the Metropolitan Police last night said that there were "insufficient grounds" to pursue a criminal investigation against Mr Khatami, after two exiled Iranians said that they had been tortured by his government.
A police spokeswoman said: "Having considered the content of the letter and the supporting evidence provided, we consider there are insufficient grounds to make an arrest and there is not sufficient basis for a criminal investigation."
Mr Khatami is the highest ranking Iranian official to visit the UK since the 1979 Islamic revolution, and will be awarded an honorary doctorate by St Andrews University this evening.
His staff say the five-day visit, on a "purely personal" basis, is aimed at defusing the mistrust between Tehran and the West which has deepened over Iran's nuclear ambitions.
After opening a new Iranian studies institute and library at St Andrews, Mr Khatami will travel to London, where he will speak at the Chatham House think- tank and meet leaders of the Anglican Church.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments