5 Indonesian Citizens Out Of The Trap Of Oil Smuggling In Iran, Return To Indonesia Today

JAKARTA - As many as 5 Indonesian citizens (WNI) have been released from accusations of oil smuggling. They were previously detained in a prison in Minab, Hormozgan Province, Iran on Wednesday, January 6.

The official statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran was reported by Antara, Monday, January 18 that the five Indonesian citizens worked as Ruby crew members. This Monday they will also return to their homeland.

"After going through a legal process for nine months, on December 14, 2020, the Judge at the Jask Court, Hormozgan Province, finally acquitted them of the oil smuggling charges," wrote the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran in a statement.

"The Indonesian Embassy in Tehran continues to monitor developments and provide legal assistance in the handling of the cases of the five Indonesian citizens until their release."

The five ABIKs were named Agung Setiyawan, Amir, Adi Wiranata, Jessy Putra Agung Lahopang, and Juni Rinald. They were detained by Iranian authorities in March 2020 on charges of being involved in oil smuggling by the Ruby ship.

A week after leaving detention, on January 12, the five Indonesians arrived in the capital city of Tehran and were provided with accommodation to carry out health protocols to prevent COVID-19, including two swab tests, the Indonesian Embassy said.

"They are in good condition and healthy, before finally returning to Indonesia on January 18, 2021," said the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran.