Iran denies access to Slovak accused of spying
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 23 January 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iran denies access to Slovak accused of spying, 23 January 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/51223586c.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 23, 2013
Iranian TV shows a long-haired man of European appearance in his 30s identified as Slovak Matej Valuch on January 16.
Slovakia's Foreign Ministry says it is being denied access to one of its citizens arrested in Iran on charges of spying for the United States.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Boris Gandel said on January 22 that attempts to visit 26-year-old Matej Valuch have so far failed.
Iranian state television aired what it said was a "confession" by Valuch on January 16.
In a report titled "The Hunter Trapped," Valuch says he was recruited by the CIA and that he sent secret information about Iranians to a U.S. intelligence agency.
It was not clear if Valuch was under any kind of pressure when he made the video confession.
Iran is charging Valuch with threatening national security.
He reportedly went to Iran last summer to work in the telecommunications field.
Based on reporting by CTK and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
