Belgian Foreign Minister: 'We have taken action at the European level' for the release of Ahmadreza Jalali

The Belgian Foreign Minister stated on Friday that her country has taken action 'at the European level' for the release of Ahmadreza Jalali, an Iranian-Swedish researcher. Hajjah Lhabib, who is in Muscat, Oman, for meetings with Omani officials, mentioned that she, along with Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, and Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, are advocating for Mr. Jalali's freedom and the abolition of the death penalty. The senior Belgian diplomat emphasized that efforts to secure Ahmadreza Jalali's release will continue. Ms. Lhabib praised Oman's 'historic' mediation in the recent release of four European citizens, including Olivier Vandecasteele, a Belgian aid worker. In response to opposition against the release of Assadollah Assadi, an Iranian diplomat convicted of terrorism, in exchange for Vandecasteele and three other European citizens, she stated, 'We preferred life. Our priority was to bring Olivier Vandecasteele home in good conditions and without waiting too long.' In recent weeks, Olivier Vandecasteele from Belgium, Thomas Kims from Denmark, and two Iranian-Austrian citizens named Kamran Ghaderi and Masoud Mohseni were released in exchange for Assadollah Assadi from Iran through mediation by Oman and Belgium. Ahmadreza Jalali, an Iranian-Swedish researcher, has been detained since May 2016 on unproven charges such as 'espionage' and sentenced to death. Observers of Iranian affairs suggest that the Islamic Republic aims to use the detention of citizens from other countries, especially dual nationals, as leverage in its negotiations with other nations, effectively taking them hostage with false accusations. Many Western countries, including U.S. officials, have repeatedly warned dual citizens that traveling to Iran is risky due to the actions of the Islamic Republic and have urged them to avoid travel to Iran, even for family visits. Narges Mohammadi's warning about the situation of Nahid Taghavi, a dual national prisoner: 'Her pain has broken her.' Exclusive interview with VOA. Other prisoners should also be released. Olivier Vandecasteele after returning to Belgium: 'Let’s work for the release of other hostages.' The lawyer of Siamak Namazi and the wife of Shahab Deli have denied claims of 'the release of dual national prisoners.' The organization 'Britain's Committee for the Freedom of Iran' strongly condemned the release of Assadollah Assadi. Iran and Belgium exchanged two prisoners; the Belgian aid worker and the imprisoned diplomat Assadollah Assadi were released. France and Ireland confirmed the release of their two imprisoned citizens in Iran.