Hundreds of people held a demonstration in Brussels in support of Belgian aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele who was sent to prison for 40 years in Iran for alleged espionage
ADVERTISEMENTHundreds of people held a demonstration in Brussels in support of a Belgian humanitarian worker who's been detained in Iran since February 2022.
Olivier Vandecasteele was sentenced to a total of 40 years in prison in Tehran for alleged 'espionage'.
The 42-year-old was also sentenced to 74 lashes. His parents were at the rally.
"It is very difficult for our family," explained his father Bernard Vandecasteele. "Fortunately, everyone and all of Olivier`s friends are helping us every day so that we are able to continue living."
"It`s very difficult for him, and for us too, of course," added his mother Annie Santy, "his circumstances and his health are not good."
Olivier's parents say their son has lost 25 kilos and has been psychologically weakened after 11 months in solitary confinement.
According to Amnesty International, the conviction makes no sense, the arrest was arbitrary and Olivier didn't receive a fair trial.
Watch the video in the player above.