Australia Confirms Arrest of Three Australian and British Citizens in Iran
Australia’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed the arrest of two women and one man of Australian and British nationality by Iran. Australia has issued warnings to its citizens about traveling to Iran. Iran has announced security-related charges against these individuals.
This is not the first time that foreign nationals and dual-nationality individuals have been arrested in Iran. Australia’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed the arrest of three Australian citizens. The announcement of their arrest comes with a media delay.
German news agency reported on Wednesday, September 11 (September 11), the arrest of three Australian citizens. It is said that the detainees have been transferred to prison.
Australia’s Foreign Ministry, while confirming the arrest of these three people, stated that consular affairs for the families of the two women and one man have been attended to. Australia’s Foreign Ministry has not provided further explanation regarding the individuals detained in Iran to the media.
Warning About Travel to Iran
Australia’s Foreign Ministry has also warned about travel by its citizens to Iran. In a notice released by Australia’s Foreign Ministry regarding the dangers of travel to Iran, it states:
“The danger of arrest and imprisonment of foreign citizens, including Australian citizens traveling to Iran, is a threat.”
Based on reports released by Australian media, the arrest of these two Australian citizens dates back ten weeks. The third person, who holds British nationality, was arrested and imprisoned approximately one year ago. This is while news of their arrest is coming with a media delay.
It is reported that officials from Australia’s Foreign Ministry have been following up on the status of these individuals in Iran during this time.
The newspaper “Times” published a report stating that an Australian blogger and his Australian girlfriend were arrested and imprisoned in Iran ten weeks ago during their travel to Asia.
The same newspaper reported the arrest of a British citizen who was teaching as a professor at a university in Australia. It is said that this person was arrested approximately one year ago and was sentenced to ten years in prison.
The “Times” newspaper further stated in its report that this person is in solitary confinement, but the charges against him are unclear.
The British Foreign Ministry, the London “Times” newspaper, and the ABC television network have refrained from disclosing the names and identities of these individuals. It is only stated that these people have been transferred to Evin Prison and are detained there.
In a report released by Associated Press, reference is also made to the arrest and detention of Nazanin Zaghari in Evin Prison. Iranian officials claimed that the Australian citizen was arrested for entering a restricted security area.
Source: DW
