Iranians Use London Riots As Propaganda

The shocking violence and looting in England have been seen by people all over the world - even in Iran, where the scenes were being used as propaganda.

:: London Riots: All The Stories, Video And Images From Sky News

Criticised internationally for the brutal crackdown on human rights protesters during the so-called 'Green Revolution' a few years ago, the Iranians have issued a stark warning to the British authorities.

Foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehman-Parast urged the police to exercise restraint against "the protesters", according to the Fars news agency.

Mr Mehman-Parast called on the British government to open a dialogue with rioters and listen to their demands in order to calm the situation.

He also urged independent human rights organisations to investigate the killing of Mark Duggan, who was shot dead by police last week .

His death set off a chain reaction of events that began with rioting in Tottenham on Saturday night.

Copycat violence and looting has since plagued London, Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool.

Attempting to put their own spin on the situation, Tehran was apparently keen to send its own representatives to the UK, Fars reported.

"The Islamic Consultative Assembly (Iranian parliament) announces its readiness to send a human rights delegation to Britain to study human rights violations in the country," said Hossein Ebrahimi, deputy head of the country's national security and foreign policy commission.

"We urge the British government and the regime's embassy in Tehran to provide the ground for the presence of the Iranian human rights rapporteurs in Britain and avoid making unreal excuses."

Iran's warning to the British authorities is a classic piece of vintage Iranian theatre.

The country has frequently been condemned for its ruthless suppression of free speech - so it's a great irony it should presents itself as a protector of human rights.