MADRID Jan. 10 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Swiss Foreign Ministry has asked the Iranian authorities for explanations this Friday for the alleged “suicide” of a 64-year-old Swiss citizen accused of “espionage” in a prison in the Iranian province of Semnan.
“Switzerland demands that the Iranian authorities provide detailed information on the reasons for his arrest and a full investigation into the circumstances of his death,” the ministry said in a statement, adding that “there are currently no Swiss citizens in custody” in the country. .
The man, who was visiting Iran as a tourist and had not resided in Switzerland for at least 20 years, was arrested on charges related to “espionage”, according to what the authorities communicated to the Swiss Embassy in Tehran on December 10.
“Since Switzerland was informed of the arrest, the Swiss Embassy in Tehran has been in daily contact with the Iranian authorities to obtain more information about the circumstances of the arrest and to gain access to the detained Swiss citizen,” he said.
However, the Swiss Foreign Ministry has assured that the Iranian authorities did not give “consular access” to the detainee. “On January 9, 2025, the Embassy was informed that the Swiss citizen had taken his life in prison,” he added.
The Swiss authorities have stated that the “repatriation of the body” is a “priority” and that it will take place “in the coming days”, while Foreign Ministry personnel have granted “consular protection” to the relatives of the deceased.
The president of the Supreme Court of the province of Semnan, Mohamed Sadegh Ajbari, announced the day before that this Swiss citizen detained for “espionage” had committed suicide in prison, without providing more details about his identity or the circumstances that led to his death. death.
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