DUBAI: Iran and Belgium conducted a prisoner Swap Friday in Oman, with authorities saying Tehran freed a Belgian aid worker in exchange for an Iranian envoy convicted of trying to bomb a meeting of exiles in France.
Iran, Belgium ties
The early announcement by Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not identify the detainees being exchanged.
Later Friday, Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo said that the aid worker, Olivier Vandecasteele, had been released. Iranian official media later confirmed that the envoy, Assadollah Assadi, was released as well.
Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that “those freed were transferred from Iran and Brussels to Oman Friday, in preparation for their return to their home countries.” It said that “the Oman lauded the positive spirit that prevailed in the dialogue in Muscat between officials of Iran and Belgium, and their enthusiasm to resolve this humanitarian problem.”
Prime Minister of Belgium said Vandecasteele was shifted to Oman on Thursday night and was received by Belgian diplomats and army officials, then was assessed by a medical team.
“Olivier had spent 455 days in jail in Tehran. In intolerable conditions. Acquitted,” De Croo wrote. “Vandecasteele’s return to the country is a relief. A relief for friends, his family, and colleagues.”
