Belgium's Foreign Ministry Urges Citizens to Leave Iran

Due to the risk of arbitrary arrests and "corrupt justice," Belgium's Foreign Ministry has advised its citizens to leave Iran immediately, according to Kommersant.

The ministry clarified that the warning applies to those who have traveled to Iran for tourism purposes as well.

“The consulate's ability to provide protection to citizens arrested or detained in Iran is limited. Moreover, in cases of dual citizenship, visiting the consulate is not permitted, as the Iranian authorities do not recognize it,” the ministry's website states.

Diplomats also recommend that Belgians refrain from traveling to Iran “for any reason.”

“Recently, a Belgian citizen and several other residents from Western countries have been arbitrarily detained and are currently in custody in Iran,” the statement adds.

Since September, mass anti-government protests have occurred in Iran, sparked by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who reportedly was killed by members of the Iranian morality police for improperly wearing her hijab.