Deputy FM: Iran Hopeful about Release of Nationals Jailed in Kenya
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Iranian deputy foreign minister said Tehran is making efforts to help release the two nationals imprisoned in Kenya in 2012, expressing the hope that the efforts would yield result soon.
Speaking in a meeting with the families of the jailed Iranian nationals on Monday evening, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for African and Middle Eastern Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian said efforts by the foreign ministry are underway to secure the release of Ahmad Abolfathi and Seyed Mansour Mousavi.
He further pointed to the friendly relations between Tehran and Nairobi, saying that he hopes the close ties would pave the way for the release of the two Iranian nationals.
The Iranian diplomat said the Foreign Ministry has been actively seeking freedom of Abolfathi and Mousavi through various legal and diplomatic channels.
Abolfathi and Mousavi were detained in June 2012 in the Nairobi during their short visit to the coastal town of Mombasa.
A Kenyan court sentenced the two Iranian nationals to life imprisonment in May 2013 over allegations of plotting against Western interests in the African country.
Iran slammed the Kenyan court for the verdict and said the conviction was on the basis of unfounded charges.