A SUSPECTED Chinese spy has called in the legal firm used by Isis bride Shamima Begum to protest his innocence.
The ex-Parliamentary aide, 28, issued a statement via Birnberg Peirce, which also defended Wikileaks boss Julian Assange.
There is fury in Westminster after the researcher was arrested in March but it was hidden from all but a handful of ministers and senior MPs.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle warned against naming the man using Parliamentary privilege.
He told MPs: “Commenting on the identities of those alleged to be involved, engaging in speculation on the case or discussing other details runs a serious risk of prejudicing any future prosecutions.”
From tongue scraping to saying no, here are 12 health trends to try in 2023
In an anonymous statement via the legal firm, the suspect said: “Given what has been reported, it is vital it’s known I am completely innocent.
“I have spent my career trying to educate others about the challenge and threats presented by the Chinese Communist Party.”
PM Rishi Sunak said the sanctity of Parliament “must be protected”.
But No10 hinted the row will not stop Beijing from being invited to Britain’s AI summit later this year.
Foreign Affairs Committee boss Alicia Kearns, who hired the suspect, was also criticised.
China called the suspect’s arrest a “political farce” and “slander”.
