AFP extension
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Belgian aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele was sentenced to 40 years in prison and 74 lashes in the Iranian capital Tehran, Iranian news agency Tasnim reported today. The sentence is much heavier than the 28 years in prison his family received in December already heard. Vandecasteele was arrested on February 24 last year and has been in solitary confinement ever since.
Iran now reports that the 41-year-old Belgian has been convicted of espionage, cooperation with the United States against Iran, money smuggling and money laundering. The most serious crimes carry a prison sentence of 12.5 years. According to the Iranian court, the Belgian actually only has to serve the sentence with the longest sentence and can therefore be released after 12.5 years.
Vandecasteele contradicts the allegations. He has the right to appeal, according to the court.
“Very Upset Family”
Vandecasteele’s family said last month that she had gone on hunger strike and was suffering from health problems. Nor would he be allowed to choose his own lawyer.
“The family is very upset by the sentence,” a friend of Vandecasteele’s said today on behalf of the family. “Olivier is a victim, a hostage.”
Due to the conviction, Belgian Foreign Minister Lahbib summoned the Iranian ambassador to Belgium.
The aid worker’s family calls on the Belgian government to do everything possible to bring Vandecasteele home as soon as possible.
Last year, the Belgian parliament paved the way for a prisoner swap with Iran. Belgium could eventually release Iranian terrorist Assadollah Assadi and Vandecasteele could be released in return. His family hopes so, but the exchange option was suspended last month by the Constitutional Court in Belgium. It is not clear whether this means that the exchange cannot take place.
Also Dutch in the Iranian cell
A Dutch man has also been detained in Iran since 21 September. He was arrested for alleged involvement in anti-government protests. For a long time, Iran did not allow contact or consular assistance from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Minister Hoekstra said last November that after “intense efforts,” the Iranians have confirmed that a Dutchman is in prison. A ministry spokesman today declined to say anything about this person’s current situation and whether the Dutchman will receive consular assistance.
