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Hunger-striking Frenchman charged by Iran with spying goes on trial
Just a little reminder to France of Iran’s hole cards in the nuclear negotiations. [IsraelTimes] A Frenchie held in Iran  ...Formerly a fairly civilized nation ruled by a Shah, it became a victim of Islamic revolution in 1979...for over a year and a half on spying charges, which his family has rejected, went on trial today severely weakened by a hunger strike, his family and lawyer say. Benjamin Briere, 36, was arrested in May 2020 while traveling in Iran. He began the hunger strike in December to protest, among other issues, the lack of any serious advance in the proceedings. His family says he is an innocent tourist unknowingly caught up as global powers including La Belle France and the US seek to negotiate with Tehran a revival of a 2015 deal over its nuclear program. "We have very little information, all we know is that the hearing took place and that a verdict will be issued on Saturday," his sister Blandine Briere tells AFP. She adds that an Iranian lawyer representing her brother and an interpreter were present for the hearing. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the hearing took place in branch four of the Revolutionary Court in the eastern city of Mashhad, where Briere is being held. His Gay Paree-based lawyer, Philippe Valent, said in a statement yesterday that Briere was "very weakened" by his hunger strike, and had not been allowed to learn what specific charges had been brought against him. “You were within reach when we needed new hostages, O unbeliever, as is our right according to Allah’s laws.” Valent confirms that the hearing had taken place and says a verdict was expected from Saturday, the first day of the week in Iran.The HRANA says Briere is still on a hunger strike. Related: Benjamin Briere: 2021-05-31 French detainee awaiting trial in Iran for spying, propaganda charges Posted by: trailing wife 2022-01-21 |
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