Iranian-German University Professor in Norway Accused of Violating Sanctions
Norway’s prosecutor has charged an Iranian-German university professor in the country with suspicion of violating sanctions against the Islamic Republic. The issue concerns access to information that could be used in Iran’s nuclear programs.
Fredrik Ranke, a Norwegian prosecutor, charged an Iranian-German professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim with violating sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
German news agency reported on Wednesday, September 29 (October 7 in Persian calendar), citing Norwegian media, that the charged professor hosted four Iranian researchers between February 2018 and June 2019, providing them access to the technical university’s laboratory facilities.
According to the report, the prosecutor told NRK radio broadcaster that the visiting researchers gained access to information that could be beneficial for the Islamic Republic’s nuclear programs.
The prosecutor did not reveal the professor’s name, but Norwegian news sources say his lawyer, Brinjolf Rensvik, rejected the prosecutor’s accusations and emphasized that his client committed no wrongdoing.
Accused Prepared to Return to Norway
The defendant’s lawyer says his client has left Norway but is prepared to return to the country to appear in court. NRK reported that the Iranian-German university professor currently lives in one of the Persian Gulf region countries.
Norway’s National Security Agency announced on Wednesday that investigations have been conducted regarding two of the researchers who were present at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology’s laboratory, with the results submitted to the prosecutor.
The agency states there is suspicion that the Iranian-German professor may have provided the visiting researchers with unauthorized access to the university’s computer system data.
According to the prosecutor, if the charges against the professor regarding violations of sanctions and breach of Norwegian law are proven, he will be sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The Islamic Republic has not yet responded to reports by Norwegian media on this matter, and further details have not been released.
Source: DW
