EU official's lengthy detention in Iran sparks concerns as European Commission vows action

The European Commission expresses deep concern over the ongoing detention of a Swedish EU official who has spent over 500 days imprisoned in Iran. The plight of Johan Floderus, who turned 33 in prison, has come to the forefront as diplomatic efforts intensify to secure his release, reported The Guardian.

Ylva Johansson, the home affairs commissioner and former supervisor of Johan Floderus, spoke publicly for the first time about his case, expressing her profound concern. She stated, "I'm very sad. I'm very worried. And this has been with me for such a long time now."

Identity revealed after secrecy lifted

Johan Floderus's ordeal began 512 days ago in Iran. However, his identity remained concealed until a recent report in the New York Times brought his situation to light. Sweden and the EU had kept his identity confidential, believing that quiet diplomacy would be the most effective path to securing his release.

Over the weekend, Floderus's family broke their silence, urging the international community to assist in securing his freedom. They revealed that he had resorted to a hunger strike to gain access to telephone calls. The family also highlighted the unacceptable conditions he endured in prison, including 24-hour lighting in his cell, which violated UN-standard minimum rules for prisoner treatment.

Inhumane conditions and solitary confinement

Floderus's family expressed outrage at the conditions he endured, noting that his rights, such as adequate food rations, outdoor walks, and medical checkups, were not respected. His exposure to fresh air and sunlight was limited to brief 30-minute breaks each week. They also lamented that he had spent more than 300 days in solitary confinement, flagrantly disregarding international guidelines.

Ylva Johansson, who had worked closely with Floderus for nearly two years, shared her sentiments about her colleague and friend with The Guardian. "He was a very bright, very warm, and an excellent person to work with," she said emotionally. "He's been with me for almost two years. But when he was caught in Iran, he was no longer part of my team."

She stressed that efforts were underway to secure his release, and the Swedish government, with the support of the EU's high representative on foreign affairs, Josep Borrell, was taking responsibility for the matter. Floderus had been detained in April 2022 while traveling in a personal capacity with friends.

Johansson concluded, "Of course, my feelings, my worries are nothing compared to the situation of Johan or the worries that his closest family are living with every day. Let's hope that we can have him home soon."

Floderus's family had previously conveyed their deep worry and heartbreak over his detention, emphasising that he had visited Iran on EU official business without incident before his arrest during a holiday with Swedish friends. His current location is Evin prison in Tehran, a facility known for housing political prisoners and individuals facing security charges.