Statement Iran

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) monitors the political and social situation abroad and issues specific position statements. The FDFA's positions are guided by the objectives, and priorities of Swiss foreign policy as set out, for example, in the Federal Constitution, the Federal Council's foreign policy strategy, and other thematic and geographical strategies.

22.01.2025
Switzerland is demanding that the Iranian authorities provide detailed information on the reasons for the arrest and a full investigation into the circumstances of the death of a Swiss national.

Switzerland is demanding that the Iranian authorities provide detailed information on the reasons for the arrest and a full investigation into the circumstances of the death of a Swiss national. © FDFA

The FDFA confirms that the body arrived in Switzerland on Wednesday, 22 January 2025. The Swiss Embassy in Iran coordinated the administrative steps for the repatriation of the body to Switzerland on a commercial flight. For reasons of data protection, the FDFA does not provide any further information.

On 10 December 2024, the Swiss Embassy in Tehran was informed by the Iranian authorities that a Swiss national had been arrested on suspicion of espionage. The Swiss national is a 64-year-old man who was travelling in Iran as a tourist and has not been resident in Switzerland for almost 20 years. He has been living in southern Africa.

Since Switzerland was informed of the arrest, the Swiss Embassy in Tehran has been in daily contact with the Iranian authorities to obtain more information about the circumstances of the arrest and to gain access to the detained Swiss citizen. However, due to the accusations (espionage – national security), the requested consular access was not granted during the ongoing preliminary investigation phase. On 9 January 2025, the embassy was informed that the Swiss national had taken his own life in prison.

Switzerland is demanding that the Iranian authorities provide detailed information on the reasons for his arrest and a full investigation into the circumstances of his death. The repatriation of the body to Switzerland is also a top priority. The repatriation is to take place in the next few days. The FDFA is providing consular protection to the relatives of the deceased.

There are currently no Swiss nationals in Iranian custody. No further information can be provided at this time.

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