Olivier Vandecasteele officially charged with espionage

Iran has charged “a Belgian” with espionage and obstruction of the country’s national security. The spokesman for the Iranian judiciary said this on Tuesday, according to news channel al Arabiya.

Because Olivier Vandecasteele is the only compatriot who is in captivity, it can only concern him. That he is accused of espionage, Minister Hadja Lahbib has since been confirmed by her Iranian colleague. “As far as Belgium is concerned, Mr. Vandecasteele is innocent and must be released,” it said on Wednesday.

Better conditions

Vandecasteele has been held in an Iranian cell since February. He and his family speak of a mock trial, because they were not aware of why he was in prison.

“In the meantime, we ask that his detention conditions improve.” In December, Vandecasteele would have been sentenced to 28 years in prison in Iran. However, no verdict has yet been made public, says Foreign Affairs.

Our country continues to demand his release. “Innumerable diplomatic and political contacts at the highest level in recent weeks and months have demanded his release and an immediate improvement of his detention conditions,” said Foreign Affairs. “Olivier Vandecasteele’s situation is and remains a priority for the minister, her department and the Belgian government, who are doing everything they can to get him released.”

Iran deal

Iran is believed to be seeking a trade between Vandecasteele and convicted Iranian terrorist Assadollah Assadi. Belgium negotiated a treaty with Iran to allow the exchange between Belgian and Iranian prisoners, but the Constitutional Court suspended that treaty last month.

Hunger strike

Olivier has been on hunger strike for a month and a half. On Christmas Eve he was able to make video calls with his family. According to them, he has lost 20 kg, has a serious foot infection and is not getting warm clothes.

His sister appealed to our editors to get him released: