The secret treaty between Iran and Belgium on the exchange of prisoners is facing growing criticism

The treaty would mean the possible release of the Swedish-Iranian scientist Ahmadreza Djalali, who was arrested during a working visit to Iran six years ago and is accused of espionage, for which was sentenced to death in October 2017.

However, saving Djalali would also grant freedom to Assadolah Assadi, the mastermind behind a failed terrorist attack in France on an Iranian opposition organisation, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), for which he was sentenced to 20 years in prison in Belgium.

The leader of the Flemish separatist N-VA party, Theo Francken, called the agreement with Iran “criminal”.

Members of the Iranian opposition called the exchange treaty “a complete disgrace”.

Even a Republican representative in the United States expressed his concern: “I am shocked that the Belgian government is making a deal with the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world and plans to send an Iranian terrorist back to Iran where he can hatch more terrorist plans,” Randy Weber tweeted. The Texan MP is known for anti-abortion and pro-weaponisation stances.

https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/249320/a-complete-disgrace-growing-criticism-for-exchange-of-djalali-and-iranian-terrorist