A Swiss national arrested in Iran and accused of espionage has died in prison, according to Iranian state media.
The man was being held with another inmate in a prison in the eastern city of Semnan when he “committed suicide” on Thursday, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.
The judiciary-run Mizan news agency said prison officials immediately took steps to save the Swiss citizen’s life, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Mizan gave no further details about the man’s identity.
“This morning, a Swiss citizen committed suicide in Semnan prison,” said a statement on Mizan’s website, attributed to Mohammad Sadegh Akbari, the chief judge of Semnan.
The statement added that he was “arrested by Iranian security forces for espionage” and that the matter is “under investigation.”
The Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the death, adding that its embassy was in contact with Iranian authorities.
In recent years, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have arrested dozens of dual nationals and foreigners, most on charges related to espionage and security.
Switzerland plays an important intermediary role between Washington and Tehran, because it represents American interests in Iran and shares messages between the two countries.
