Exclusive Interview with Kamran Ghaderi After His Release: I Hope Other Prisoners Will Be Freed Too

Kamran Ghaderi, a dual Iranian-Austrian citizen who was released from prison in Iran after years, spoke in his first exclusive interview with Voice of America just two hours after arriving in Austria. He expressed happiness at having 'tasted freedom' after seven and a half years but also sadness that 'there are still people imprisoned in Iran.' In the interview, he described his arrival in Vienna, stating, 'I arrived in Vienna about two hours ago; the trip was very interesting and pleasant. After seven and a half years, I tasted freedom. It was very well organized by the Europeans and the country of Oman. We traveled from Oman to Brussels and from Brussels to Vienna.' Ghaderi shared his mixed feelings about his release, saying, 'On one hand, I was very happy that there are people in the world who care about us and work for our freedom, and I can return to my family. On the other hand, I am sad that not everyone could come. There are still people imprisoned there, and I hope that these politicians, just as they worked for me for many years, can also help them. The focus should now be on them. Whatever happened to me is over, and I am entering a new chapter in my life.' He expressed gratitude to those who worked for his release, particularly thanking his wife, Harika, whom he referred to as a 'lioness' for her efforts in organizing support for his freedom. He also thanked the Austrian government, specifically Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Director General Peter Tifenthal, for their professional handling of the situation. Ghaderi noted the collaborative European effort that led to his release, highlighting the concern of those in Oman for prisoners in Iran. He mentioned that last week a Belgian citizen was freed, and this week he, Masoud, and a Danish man were released, with assurances of ongoing humanitarian assistance. Ghaderi also discussed the complexities of returning to Iran for dual nationals, emphasizing the fear and uncertainty surrounding such trips. He reflected on the broader implications for Iranians living abroad, stating that while returning to Iran may not be feasible today, it will eventually be a consideration for many. He concluded by acknowledging the ongoing plight of those still imprisoned in Iran and the need for continued advocacy for their freedom.