Tehran Municipality Confirms Arrest of Qalibaf's Deputy in Kuwait

While the Iranian ambassador in Kuwait denied reports about the arrest of Meysam Amroodi, the cultural and social deputy of Tehran Municipality, upon his departure from Kuwait on Tuesday, a Tehran municipality official confirmed the news. According to ILNA, Farzad Khalafi, the media deputy of the Tehran Municipality's communications center, confirmed the news on Tuesday, May 8, stating that this incident 'could be due to Mr. Amroodi's expulsion from Kuwait because of his religious and anti-American activities in the country.' Meanwhile, Alireza Ina'yati, the Iranian ambassador in Kuwait, reported that Mr. Amroodi's issue regarding his departure from Kuwait has been resolved and he will return to Tehran on the first flight. On Tuesday, May 8, Fars News Agency reported that Mr. Amroodi was arrested at the airport before leaving Kuwait. Following the publication of this news, some websites close to Iranian conservatives announced that he had previously been the head of Iranian schools in Kuwait in 2008 but was expelled due to his 'anti-Zionist and anti-American positions' and 'extensive activities in the Shiite community of Kuwait.' However, the Iranian ambassador in Kuwait rejected the claim that Mr. Amroodi's current problem was due to his past activities, adding, 'These statements are completely irrelevant, and he entered Kuwait with a valid passport and visa.' According to ISNA, Alireza Ina'yati also denied reports about the arrest of the cultural and social deputy of Tehran Municipality while leaving Kuwait, stating that 'he was not arrested, but was present at Kuwait airport, and our colleagues at the embassy were also with him.' While Fars News Agency reported that the cultural and social deputy of Tehran Municipality traveled to Kuwait 'at the invitation of the Iran-Kuwait Friendship Association to attend an event,' the Iranian ambassador in Kuwait described Mr. Amroodi's trip as 'a personal trip' and stated that he traveled with a 'regular passport.' According to some news websites close to Iranian conservatives, Mr. Amroodi also intended to travel to the United Arab Emirates in 2013 to attend an international World Health Organization conference, but his entry to that country was prevented.