On Tuesday, the families of European citizens detained in Iran sent a letter to the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrelldemanding answers regarding the fate of loved ones who feel their cause has been neglected, while the bloc tries to revive nuclear deal.
and arrested Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Over the past years, dozens of dual nationals and foreigners, most of them accused of spying and security charges.
“Negotiations with Iran on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action have been going on for months. Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic of Iran is holding a number of European citizens hostage,” the families said in the letter, which was reported by Archyde.com and dated Tuesday.
The letter was signed by the families of Benjamin Brier (a French tourist detained in Iran), Kamran Ghadiri (an Austrian-Iranian businessman who specializes in information technology), Ahmad Reza Jalali (a Swedish citizen), and Jamshid Charmahd (a German citizen of Iranian origin).
“We, the families of citizens of France, Sweden, Germany and Austria who have been unlawfully detained by the Iranian regime, are outraged that the European Union appears to be ignoring these crimes,” the families added in the letter.
Borrell’s office might not be reached for comment.
Talks to revive a 2015 agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief have stalled since March, despite hopes in August of a breakthrough.
The European Union is coordinating indirect talks between Iran and the United States and world powers.
On Monday, Borrell said he had become less confident of a deal following receiving the latest proposal from Tehran.
Rights groups accuse Iran of trying to extract concessions from other countries through such arrests. Iran, which does not recognize dual citizenship, denies holding them to gain diplomatic influence.
“They are all wondering if EU officials have forgotten them, and how long they will have to endure this ordeal,” the families said in the letter, urging Borrell to focus on their release.
“Will priority be given to their release? Will the European Union prioritize defending its values, defending human rights, over economic and other interests?”
(Archyde.com)
