Swiss national accused of spying found dead in Iranian prison

A Swiss national accused of espionage was found dead in a prison in the eastern city of Semnan on Thursday, Iran’s judiciary announced. Authorities said the individual died by suicide while in custody, where he was awaiting trial on charges of spying.

“This morning, a Swiss citizen committed suicide in Semnan prison,” the judiciary’s Mizan Online website reported. The detainee had been arrested by security agencies, and his case was still under investigation, according to the statement.

The Swiss national, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly held in a shared cell. Mizan stated that he asked his cellmate to retrieve food from the prison cafeteria and used the momentary absence to take his own life.

“The prisoner used the time he was left alone… and committed suicide,” the report said, adding that prison authorities intervened to save him but were unsuccessful. The statement did not specify the method of suicide or provide details about the circumstances of his arrest.

The death comes as Iran continues to hold several European nationals in custody, often accused of espionage or other charges. Prisoner exchanges between Iran and Western governments have become a frequent occurrence, with mediation typically facilitated by countries like Oman or Qatar.

Among recent high-profile detentions are French nationals Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who have been jailed since May 2022 on espionage charges, which carry the death penalty in Iran.

Earlier this year, Oman played a critical role in negotiating the release of European detainees in Iran. In June, two Swedes, including a European Union diplomat, were freed in a swap brokered by Oman. The exchange involved a former Iranian official held in Sweden.

Similarly, in 2023, Belgium secured the release of aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele after he spent over a year in Iranian custody on espionage charges. That agreement, too, was facilitated by Omani officials.