Key Moments
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe speaks about her time in prison & meeting Boris Johnson in person
Oxford UnionKey Moments
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe reveals prison taught her life's true value, but the UK government still hasn't acknowledged its mistakes in her hostage case.
Key Insights
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was held for six years in Iran, arrested with her infant daughter and falsely convicted of security charges.
Her prison sentence was extended after Boris Johnson mistakenly claimed she was in Iran to train journalists.
Her release in March 2022 was contingent on the British government settling a £400 million debt with Iran, a debt owed before her birth.
Zaghari-Ratcliffe advocates for British citizens still held in Iran, highlighting cases like Morad Tahbaz, who was left behind initially.
She met with Boris Johnson to explain how his inaccurate comments put her life in danger for four years, though he did not apologize.
Prison taught her that "everything is temporary" and that "you only have today if you're lucky," a stark contrast to her previous fast-paced life in London.
A six-year ordeal and a different world upon return
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe recounted her harrowing six-year imprisonment in Iran, which began when she was arrested while on holiday with her infant daughter. The separation from her family, particularly her daughter who was under two upon her arrest and eight upon her return, marked a profound disconnect. The world had changed significantly during her incarceration, not only due to events like the COVID-19 pandemic but also in terms of personal relationships. Adjusting to life back in the UK was challenging, as she had to reacquaint herself with her immediate family and navigate a society that moved at a pace vastly different from the restricted environment of prison. The experience fundamentally altered her perspective, making her realize there's "more to life than just having a job and going to the office and getting paid and planning holidays."
Prison as a profound, albeit harsh, teacher
Far from a mere detention, Zaghari-Ratcliffe described prison as a "crash course" in life, imparting lessons that would have been otherwise unlearned. The experience stripped away the illusion of long-term planning, instilling a deep understanding that "everything is temporary" and "there is no tomorrow if you plan for tomorrow." This existential realization contrasted sharply with the hyper-scheduled and fast-paced life in London, where even social interactions require booking months in advance. The constant awareness of mortality and the impermanence of circumstances became a central theme, forcing a re-evaluation of priorities and a focus on the present moment. This shift in mindset was a significant hurdle in her reintegration into a society still largely driven by future-oriented goals.
A commitment to being a voice for others
Emerging from her ordeal, Zaghari-Ratcliffe felt a profound obligation to advocate for other British citizens unjustly held in Iran. She emphasized that her own campaign, supported by her husband Richard Ratcliffe and others, provided her with a platform and a voice that many others lack. She spoke of meeting numerous women in prison whose stories remain unknown, feeling "obliged and committed" to be their advocate. She specifically mentioned Morad Tahbaz, an Iranian-British dual national who was left behind when she was released, and highlighted the ongoing "hostage diplomacy" in Iran, citing other dual nationals from Germany, France, and Sweden who remain imprisoned. This commitment stems from a deep sense of responsibility to ensure that the injustices she endured are not repeated for others.
The UK government's response and lingering questions
Zaghari-Ratcliffe expressed that the British government has not acknowledged any mistakes made during her six-year imprisonment, even after eventually settling the £400 million debt owed to Iran—a payment that could have been made on the day of her arrest. While the government opened doors for discussion post-release, there was no admission of wrongdoing. Her husband, Richard Ratcliffe, continues to work with her to lobby the government for legislation that would protect British citizens from similar fates, ensuring they have the right to counsel and protection. However, she noted there is "no guarantee that this will not happen to anybody else," indicating a systemic issue that remains unresolved.
Maintaining hope and dignity amidst adversity
Despite the immense hardships, Zaghari-Ratcliffe credits her faith and a powerful sense of solidarity within the women's ward for sustaining her hope and dignity. She found strength in the shared humanity among prisoners from diverse backgrounds—religious, political, and ideological—who, within the prison walls, became equals. This "level zero" existence, where no one had extra privileges or rations, fostered a strong mentality of "we are together." This bond allowed many to cope, contrasting with those who, with shorter sentences, could not endure. The hope for eventual release, coupled with solidarity and faith, were crucial factors in navigating the daily struggles.
The impact of Boris Johnson's inaccurate comments
Zaghari-Ratcliffe recounted her meeting with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, not seeking an apology but aiming to convey the profound impact of his inaccurate statement to Parliament, which wrongly suggested she was in Iran to train journalists. She explained that this remark put her life in danger for approximately four years, as the Iranian regime used it against her. While Johnson did not apologize, he listened to her account for an hour, an opportunity she felt was necessary for her own peace of conscience. She stated that his comment had "damaged my life for four years in many different ways," and while she was content that she had expressed her feelings and he had heard them, the long-term consequences of his misstatement were significant.
Solidarity with protests in Iran
Though released before the major wave of protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, Zaghari-Ratcliffe received news from inside the prison about increased arrests and a heightened sense of solidarity. She noted that political prisoners often feel a strong connection to external movements, expressing their solidarity through statements and even chants in the yard, despite facing severe repercussions like cut phone lines, visits, and new court cases. She expressed pride in their resilience, viewing their continued defiance as a powerful political statement that could not be silenced, even within the confines of prison.
A transformed perspective on life and self
Turning 40 in prison, Zaghari-Ratcliffe reflected on how both her age and her imprisonment contributed to a significant shift in her mentality and worldview. She emerged from prison more sensitive to the pain and suffering of others, unlikely to ever be indifferent to what people endure. The experience fundamentally changed her, making her a "different person and a better person in some way." This transformation was forged not only through personal hardship but also by witnessing the strength and resilience of fellow prisoners who had endured immense injustice.
Mentioned in This Episode
●Organizations
●People Referenced
Debt Settlement and Release Timeline
Data extracted from this episode
| Event | Year/Timeframe | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| UK Debt Owed to Iran | 1974 (pre-Nazanin's birth) | The debt that was eventually settled to secure Nazanin's release. |
| Nazanin's Arrest | April 2016 | Beginning of her six-year imprisonment. |
| Boris Johnson's Inaccurate Comments | Circa 2017 | Extended Nazanin's prison sentence by four years. |
| Nazanin's Release | March 2022 | Secured after the settlement of the 400 million pound debt. |
| Morad Tahbaz's Release | July 2023 (approx. 1.5 years after Nazanin) | Released after Nazanin, also due to his dual nationality being a factor. |
Common Questions
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was falsely convicted of security charges by the Iranian regime. Her prison term was controversially extended after then-Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson mistakenly claimed she was in Iran to train journalists.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
A British-Iranian national who was held as a hostage by the Iranian regime for six years, falsely convicted of security charges, and eventually released after a 400 million pound debt was settled.
An Iranian-German national mentioned as still being imprisoned in Iran.
A Swedish national who studied PPE at Oxford and is currently imprisoned in Iran.
An Iranian-British national who was left imprisoned after Nazanin's release due to his dual American nationality, and was eventually released a year and a half later.
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's husband, who actively campaigned for her release and has been working with her to advocate for new laws to protect British citizens abroad.
Her death in September 2022 sparked widespread protests in Iran, which Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe notes led to increased arrests and solidarity within prisons.
Former UK Prime Minister whose inaccurate comments about Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's purpose in Iran extended her prison term and whom she later met to explain the impact of his words.
The country where Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was imprisoned for six years. She advocates for the release of other British citizens held there.
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's home country, where she has been adjusting to life after her release. She is advocating for legislative changes there.
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