Iran's 'arbitrary detention' of Belgian aid worker flagrantly violates international law: UN experts

By Peter Kenny

GENEVA (AA) - UN experts on Tuesday condemned Iran's "arbitrary detention" of Belgian aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele, demanding his immediate release after he was recently sentenced to a cumulative 40-year jail term by a Tehran court.

Iran's state media said Vandecasteele was sentenced for espionage, collaboration with hostile governments and money laundering.

"We believe Mr. Vandecasteele has been arbitrarily deprived of his liberty and is a victim of enforced disappearance for periods of detention," the experts said in a statement.

"His right to a fair trial before an independent and impartial tribunal has been violated. These are flagrant violations of Iran's obligations under international law."

They said that the 41-year-old Belgian humanitarian worker suffered ill-treatment in detention, and his health condition is grave.

Vandecasteele was arrested on Feb. 24, 2022 by Iranian security agents and held at the Evin prison in Tehran before being moved to an unknown place of detention, according to the UN human rights office.

The UN said he was in Tehran to end a rental contract and relocate his furniture at the time of his arrest.

The UN experts said the Belgian national's access to a lawyer was denied, was not allowed to communicate regularly with his family, and also had limited access to consular services.

“We are gravely concerned over the mental and physical health of Mr. Vandecasteele and call on the Iranian authorities to release him and guarantee his physical and psychological well-being,” the experts said.

Iran has detained a number of foreigners and dual nationals over the years, accusing them of espionage or other offenses and sentencing them after trials rights group say are secretive and lack due process.