An Iranian court has sentenced 35-year-old Frenchman Benjamin Brier to eight years and eight months in prison on charges of espionage and anti-Iranian propaganda, the French channel reported. BFM TV. Brier, who according to his lawyers was vacationing in Iran, is imprisoned Since May 2020. He had flown a drone over the desert region on the border with neighboring Turkmenistan and took pictures.

Brier always denied. His lawyer told Reuters news agency that the Frenchman was shocked by the verdict and was talking about a political trial. They had no access to his file and thus could not prepare for the case. The lawyer says he will appeal in the coming days.

His lawyer said the family of the 35-year-old Frenchman is very concerned about his health. Brier is currently on hunger strike. His lawyer urges the French authorities to intervene.

Iran deal

The French trial began at a time when the United States and European countries, including France, began efforts to close the nuclear agreement with Iran. to recover. Under former President Trump, the United States withdrew from this. Rights activists accused Iran of arresting foreigners for exercising political pressure.

In recent years, Iran has received dozens of foreigners and dual nationals Arrested, usually due to suspected espionage or other security reasons.