According to a statement from the Iranian Embassy in Dublin, 64-year-old Phelan, who has dual French-Irish citizenship, was pardoned and released “on humanitarian grounds”.
“Constructive diplomatic relations between Iran and Ireland resulted in the amnesty and release of Irish citizen Bernard Phelan on humanitarian grounds,” the statement said. statements were included.
Bernard Phelan was arrested in Mashhad during the Mahsa Emini demonstrations in October 2022 on various national security-related charges, including “making anti-regime propaganda and taking pictures of security forces”. Phelan was sentenced to 6.5 years in prison. His family had announced that Phelan’s health condition deteriorated in prison.
In a statement on January 17, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that they were worried about Phelan’s health and fate and that he should be released immediately. In the statement, it was reported that Iran was contacted with the Irish government to ensure Phelan’s immediate release.