“Germany burned Iran’s spy ring”

German and European police are searching for an Iranian-born 32-year-old man born in the German city of Darmstadt, accused of twice raping a 16-year-old girl. But it is said that he may have been spying for Iran.

What's going on between Iran and Germany? Iran arrests 66-year-old Nahid Taghavi, Germany publishes photo of 32-year-old Soheil Omid Khulusian among wanted persons three years after rape accusation.

Are these two issues related? Reports indicate that Nahid Taghavi is a human rights activist. While according to German media sources, Soheil Omid Khulusian is not only a criminal but also a spy. What is the connection between the two?

"Gender: male, height: 177 cm, eye color: brown, tattoo on arm, nationality: German" These characteristics are printed against the photo of an Iranian on the Europol page among the most wanted people in Europe.

This man's name is Soheil Omid Khulusian. He is accused of rape.

This page states that he went to Iran after committing the rape and is said to be active as a tour guide, especially for European tourists.

German police say Soheil Omid Khulusian is officially wanted on charges of raping two times in 2017 in Cologne and Kerpen. The victim is a 16-year-old student who met the man at the central train station in Cologne. The German newspaper Bild, which cites a police report as describing the suspect as “stylishly dressed and with a fit body,” writes that after meeting the student and chatting on the phone for several days, Soheil Omid Khulusian raped her in Cologne and then, after putting psychological pressure on the girl, including telling her she was planning to commit suicide, dragged her to his apartment in Kerpen and raped her again.

Did they publish his photo on Europol because of the rape?

The German-language newspaper "Express" wrote in its issue yesterday (October 28), referring to the rape accusation: "It is not clear why he was not arrested." The newspaper continued by adding: "It is likely that Khulusian was released because, as a spy who had been identified long ago, he was more valuable in freedom [to German security agents] than in prison."

Express, noting that “staying in Germany had become dangerous for the 32-year-old man,” adds: “That is why he went to Iran, where, according to information from German security services, he works as a guide for foreign tourists.” Is the incident, as reported by Europol, a case of rape?

Express, noting that “the Europol list includes the names of people facing charges such as terrorism, drug trafficking or human trafficking,” writes: “In contrast, Khulusian, with two rape charges, is a criminal whose name is surprising on this list.” The newspaper asks: “Is there something else going on?”

Express claims to have learned from a German security official (the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution) that Soheil Omid Khulusian plays an important role in the espionage war that has been going on between Iran and Germany for years.

The newspaper continues its report by mentioning the arrest of Nahid Naqvi on October 16.

The connection between Nahid Taghavi's arrest and Khulusian

Express, referring to the charge against Ms. Taghvi of “endangering security,” adds: “Taghvi, 66, is the mother of a German daughter and holds German citizenship.”

On Friday, November 15, the International Society for the Defense of Human Rights in Germany announced the arrest of Nahid Taghavi, a dual Iranian-German citizen, in Tehran. According to Nahid Taghavi's daughter, officers arrested her mother on October 15 and took her to Evin Prison.

Taghavi, 66, who came to Germany in 1983 and has held German citizenship alongside Iranian citizenship for 17 years, has traveled to Iran many times over the past 15 years. According to the International Human Rights Society, Nahid Taghavi has been an activist for women's rights and women's liberation.

The Express newspaper further pointed to the history of arresting dual nationals by the Islamic Republic of Iran, which the government uses as "leverage to pressure for the release of individuals close to the government in other countries."

The newspaper, citing a security official who spoke to the newspaper, writes: "Soheil Omid Khulusian, as a spy, is now a burnt piece and Iran can never use this piece again. Germany cannot pay Iran blackmail and [with this step] made it clear to Iran that if Iran does not come to terms quickly, it is ready to burn Iran's spy pieces one after the other."

The German-language newspaper refers to the “tasks” of a spy from the ranks of the Khulusi: “This group of spies is tasked with poisoning Iranians who are working against the regime in Germany.” According to the newspaper, threats such as “Think about your family in Iran” are effective threats to calm down critics of the regime.

We must wait and see what Iran's reaction will be and when Nahid Taqvi will be released.

Source: DW