Govt: Netherlands Has No Consular Access to Dutch Man Detained in Iran

General view of the canals at the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam, Netherlands March 10, 2021. REUTERS/Eva Plevier
General view of the canals at the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam, Netherlands March 10, 2021. REUTERS/Eva Plevier
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Govt: Netherlands Has No Consular Access to Dutch Man Detained in Iran

General view of the canals at the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam, Netherlands March 10, 2021. REUTERS/Eva Plevier
General view of the canals at the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam, Netherlands March 10, 2021. REUTERS/Eva Plevier

The Netherlands said Wednesday it had no consular access to a Dutch man detained in Iran, where authorities say they have arrested dozens of foreigners in connection with mass protests.

"It is disappointing that, despite continuous pressure, the Iranian authorities have so far not granted consular access to this Dutch detainee," the Dutch government said in a letter to parliament.

Iran has repeatedly accused outside forces of stirring up widespread protests triggered by the death in custody of a 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman.

Mahsa Amini died three days after her arrest by the country's morality police for allegedly breaching Iran's strict dress code for women.

"Iran has not shared any evidence of the alleged foreign interference," AFP quoted the Dutch government as saying.

On Tuesday Iran's judiciary said it had arrested 40 foreigners during the two months of protests, accusing them of being "implicated in the recent riots".

It did not specify their nationalities, or when or where they were arrested.

In September, Iranian authorities announced the arrest of nine foreigners in connection with the protests, including someone from the Netherlands.



Starmer and Zelenskiy Meet in London, Agree Military Production Project

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C-L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-R) meet with soldiers from the Operation Interflex at Downing Street, London, Britain, 23 June 2025. EPA/JASON ALDEN / POOL
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C-L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-R) meet with soldiers from the Operation Interflex at Downing Street, London, Britain, 23 June 2025. EPA/JASON ALDEN / POOL
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Starmer and Zelenskiy Meet in London, Agree Military Production Project

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C-L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-R) meet with soldiers from the Operation Interflex at Downing Street, London, Britain, 23 June 2025. EPA/JASON ALDEN / POOL
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C-L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-R) meet with soldiers from the Operation Interflex at Downing Street, London, Britain, 23 June 2025. EPA/JASON ALDEN / POOL

Volodymyr Zelenskiy and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new defense co-production initiative on Monday during a short visit by the Ukrainian president to London to discuss his country's defense against Russia.

The two leaders announced the deal in the garden of Starmer's Downing Street residence, where they also met Ukrainian troops being trained in Britain.

"I'm really proud that this afternoon, we're able to announce an industrial military co-production agreement - the first of its kind so far as Ukraine and the UK are concerned - which will be a massive step forward now in the contribution that we can continue to make," Starmer said.

He did not provide further details on the agreement. Zelenskiy said it would help strengthen both nations.

Speaking alongside Starmer, the Ukrainian president thanked Britain for its support in the war against Russia, Reuters reported.

Zelenskiy had earlier met King Charles at Windsor Castle where the two shook hands for cameras on what was their third meeting this year and the latest gesture of Charles', and Britain's, support for Ukraine.

The Ukrainian leader also met the speakers of both houses of parliament.