Iranian Diplomat to Be Released in Prisoner Swap with Belgium: Judiciary
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - An Iranian diplomat who has been imprisoned in Belgium will soon be released in a prisoner swap, according to the spokesman for Iran’s Judiciary.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Massoud Setayeshi stated that Tehran had made a request regarding the transfer of Assadollah Assadi after the Belgian side submitted a request for the exchange of a prisoner detained in Iran. Both countries have finalized the agreement for the prisoner swap.
In February 2021, a Belgian court sentenced Assadi to 20 years in prison for allegedly planning an attack against the Mujahedin-e-Khalq Organization (MKO). Iran's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the jail term as completely unlawful, saying it violated Assadi's diplomatic immunity and was a result of Belgium falling under the influence of the MKO.
In line with the deal, Iranians convicted in Belgium would be allowed to serve their sentences at home and vice versa. The treaty paved the way for the release of Assadi.
In March, Belgium’s Constitutional Court turned down a request for the annulment of a treaty with Iran, which authorizes the exchange of prisoners between the countries.
