EU Expresses Serious Concern Over Detained Swedish Diplomat in Iran

Ilva Johansson, the European Union's Commissioner for Home Affairs, called on Monday for the release of a Swedish diplomat imprisoned in Iran. Sweden announced last week that Johan Flodros, a Swedish citizen working for the EU's foreign affairs office, was detained in Iran last year. He has been held in Iran for over 500 days and turned 33 on Sunday, marking his second birthday spent in prison in Iran. Johansson stated that Flodros had been with her office for about two years, but had requested to work for the EU delegation on Afghanistan before his detention in Iran. On Monday, September 11, she told reporters, "I am very upset. I am very concerned." She expressed that she has had this concern for a long time and that her feelings are nothing compared to the worries faced by Johan or his closest family members daily. Johansson mentioned that it is the responsibility of the Swedish Foreign Ministry to work with the EU's diplomatic service for Flodros's release. Friends and family of Flodros have launched a campaign for his freedom. Flodros's family previously described his conditions in Evin prison as "inhumane," stating that "his needs for adequate food rations, outdoor walks, medical examinations, and other necessities are not being met," and he only has access to fresh air and sunlight for 3.5 hours a week. The statement also noted that Flodros has spent over 300 days in solitary confinement. Various countries have accused the Islamic Republic of "hostage diplomacy," claiming that the regime detains Western citizens for leverage. The family of this EU diplomat called for his immediate release on Sunday. According to AFP, Flodros was arrested at Tehran airport on April 17, 2022, while returning home from a trip with friends and has been in Evin prison since September 2022. They state that Flodros has only been allowed to contact them once. The family of the imprisoned Swedish diplomat in Iran has called for his immediate release. Hanna Neumann demanded clarification from the EU regarding the "concealment" of the detention of the Swedish citizen. Josep Borrell confirmed that the detained "Swedish citizen" has a history of working with the EU. The Iranian judiciary claimed that the Swedes spied on Hamid Nouri.