Amrit Jha still in Iranian custody, Foreign Ministry apologizes for misinformation
Ministry expressed regret over the confusion, saying the earlier information was based on unofficial reports that were subsequently found to be inaccurate.
KATHMANDU: Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that Nepali national Amrit Jha remains in custody in Iran, issuing a correction after earlier communication suggested he had been released.
In a statement released on Monday, the Ministry expressed regret over the confusion, saying the earlier information was based on unofficial reports that were subsequently found to be inaccurate.
Jha was detained by Iranian security forces on the island of Qeshm Island on allegations of involvement in illegal goods smuggling and trafficking. He is currently in pre-trial detention as legal proceedings continue in Iran.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal said the earlier announcement of his release was made after receiving informal information from local sources, which was also shared publicly by the Foreign Minister through social media.
Based on that understanding, instructions had been issued to Nepal’s embassy in Doha to obtain written confirmation of his release and proceed with repatriation arrangements.
However, updated information confirmed that Jha had not been released and that Iran’s court had ordered an expert report in connection with the ongoing case.
Officials said the expert report is currently being prepared and will be submitted to the court as part of legal proceedings.
The Ministry added that the case is under judicial review in Iran and will be decided according to Iranian law.
It also reaffirmed that Nepal’s diplomatic missions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, are continuing efforts to ensure fair legal proceedings and secure Jha’s release through diplomatic channels.
The Ministry apologized for the earlier misinformation, saying it had caused confusion and concern for the public and the family of the detained Nepali citizen.
