“Olivier has lost 30 kilograms, but is mentally very strong”

Dear friend and spokesperson Olivier Van Steirtegem starts the press conference: “Yesterday Olivier Vandecasteele arrived smiling in Melsbroek, the difference between yesterday’s hell and today’s paradise is great. We are lucky to live in Belgium, a country that has its not let citizens down.”

Vandecasteele and his family were not present at the press conference. “Yesterday they saw each other for the first time in a long time, now it’s time for the reunion,” says Van Steirtegem. He also calls on the press to respect the privacy of Olivier and his family. But interviews are not ruled out in the long term. “Only Olivier will determine the right moment to share his experience.”

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Rebuilding starts now

According to Van Steirtegem, the road to reconstruction has now begun: “Yesterday morning he was woken up, had to take his things and was moved. He did not know where. Only when he was at the airport did he know that he was going to fly to another country .” Vandecasteele was handed over to a Belgian delegation in Oman yesterday. “Now the reconstruction of what was destroyed during solitary confinement in Iran begins,” says Van Steirtegem.

“Olivier has lost 30 kilograms, but he is mentally very strong. Yesterday he returned home enthusiastically and with a touch of humor. The medical check-ups still have to take place. The psychological aspects also have to be followed up”, says Van Steirtegem.

In addition, the press conference was also used to thank everyone. “I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart. The battle was long and unfair. But thank you to everyone for the support and for all the actions. We continue to believe in the strength of humanity, unity is strength,” concludes Marie Van Reet .