The Vandecasteele family takes action: ‘Sign the petition en masse for Olivier’s release’

Aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele has been detained in an Iranian cell for 425 days today. With the action on the Burg van Brugge, his family wants to raise the inhumane confinement once again. They call on everyone to sign Amnesty International’s online petition.

“We have more than 340,000 signatures. This shows that everyone wants Olivier’s release, because it is now becoming very urgent,” says sister Nathalie.

Exchange deal

In the past 14 months, Olivier had only seven contacts with the family, the Belgian ambassador was able to speak to him 9 times. There is a legal agreement between Belgium and Iran to exchange Olivier for a terrorist. It can go quickly, but for the time being it remains to wait for the extradition.

“I don’t think such a thing is possible. That a regime can arrest an innocent person, hold it hostage in horrible circumstances. Then release a criminal for that… Actually, all European countries should stand up against that,” says someone who has the petition signed.

“Inhuman Punishment”

The South West Flemish aid worker has been sentenced in Iran to 40 years in prison and 74 lashes. Some politicians support the family. Among them are the Bruges liberals Jasper Pillen and Mercedes Van Volcem, as well as mayor Dirk De fauw.

“I don’t know when lashes were still pronounced here in Belgium. It is an inhuman punishment that was imposed on him, without a valid reason,” says the latter.

Olivier Vandecasteele has been in Evin Prison for a week or two where he was initially locked up, without light, mattress or medication. His condition is life-threatening, his family said.