Belgian humanitarian Olivier Vandecastle was released for exchanging detainees with Iran.

Iran and Belgium reached an agreement“mutual exchange” The detainees, who are currently in transit in the Sultanate of Oman, mediate between Tehran and Western countries, Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday, May 26. Two ex-convicts “Today they were transferred from Tehran and Brussels to Muscat [vendredi] to return to their countries”said the ministry of this Gulf Arab state.

After 455 days in prison in Iran, humanitarian Olivier Vandecastelle has been released, Belgian Prime Minister Alexandre de Croix has confirmed. “Last night Olivier was taken to Oman where he was cared for by a team of Belgian soldiers and diplomats. He went through a number of medical tests there this morning to assess his health and return in top condition.said Mr. de Croo. “If all goes as planned, he’ll be with us tonight. free at last”he added.

In March, Belgium’s constitutional court upheld an extradition treaty between Brussels and Tehran, which was the only way for the government to free Mr. Vandekasteel, who was imprisoned by Iran and wanted him back in exchange for Asadollah Assad. Iranian convicted of terrorism and arrested in Belgium. Iran did not immediately confirm the identity of the captured prisoner.

Dozens of Westerners are being held in Iran, described by their supporters as innocent people used by Tehran as leverage and bargaining chips. Arrested in Tehran in February 2022, 42-year-old Vandekastele was convicted of “espionage”. According to Brussels, he was in the heart“blackmail”and processed “inhumanly”.