Kildare TD welcomes release of Irish national Bernard Phelan from Iranian prison

Dual Irish-French national Bernard Phelan has been released from an Iranian prison on humanitarian grounds after being arrested in 2022.

The 64-year-old spent almost 200 days in a prison in north-east Iran after his arrest in Mashhad in October 2022 while on a trip.

His release was announced by the Iranian embassy in Ireland and confirmed by the Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin.

Kildare TD and Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl welcomed the news that Mr Phelan has been released from detention in Iran.

The Ceann Comhairle said: “I am very pleased that the Iranian authorities have released Bernard from his detention in Iran. As we know, Bernard’s health has deteriorated over time and this compassionate act will be much appreciated and welcomed by Bernard’s family and his many friends.

“I also wish to commend the work of An Tánaiste, Micheál Martin TD, and the officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs in pursuing this outcome for Bernard. I also acknowledge the steadfast efforts of Dr Masoud Eslami in ensuring that Bernard’s case was kept to the fore. I know from my discussions with him that he sincerely and very helpfully engaged with the Iranian and Irish authorities on this issue and thankfully we now have a successful outcome.”

His family claim that Mr Phelan was charged with “providing information to an enemy country”, which Mr Phelan denies.

Amnesty International had called for Mr Phelan’s immediate release, and raised concerns about the prison sentence he received in February 2023.

The human rights group and Mr Phelan’s family had also raised concerns about his deteriorating health, with his relatives saying that he requires daily medication for a number of health conditions.

His family have previously said that his eyesight was deteriorating, as he had an operation on both of his eyes prior to his trip to Iran and has not had any follow-up treatment.

Amnesty International had called on the Iranian authorities to grant him access to adequate healthcare, including all necessary medication and treatment.

His relatives have also stated he had been denied access to a lawyer of his own choosing since arrest.

In a statement, the embassy said: “Constructive diplomatic engagement between Iran and Ireland has resulted in pardoning and releasing of the Irish citizen, Bernard Phelan, on consular and humanitarian grounds.”

Confirming the release, Mr Martin said the last seven months have been a “very difficult ordeal for Bernard and for his family”.

He added: “I am pleased and relieved that this is now at an end.

“I also welcome the release of Benjamin Briere, a French national who was imprisoned with Bernard in Mashhad prison.

“Many people have worked tirelessly for this outcome over many months.

“I am deeply appreciative of the efforts of the French government and my counterpart, French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, for their work to resolve this case.

“I spoke to the Iranian foreign minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, yesterday and I acknowledge the assistance of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in relation to Mr Phelan’s release.

“I am also very grateful to our consular team in the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin, our diplomats on the ground in our mission in Tehran, and our ambassador in Turkey accredited to Iran.

“I have continually stressed the urgency of Mr Phelan’s release on humanitarian grounds.

“This case has been a key priority for me throughout my time as Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs.

“I look forward to Bernard’s imminent arrival back home.”