The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has apologized for disseminating incorrect information regarding the release of Nepali citizen Amrit Jha from Iranian custody.
The ministry issued an apology on Monday for the confusion and inconvenience caused by the false information.
"The ministry apologizes for the confusion and inconvenience caused by the public dissemination of unofficial information stating that Mr Jha had been released, while his case remains under consideration in a local Iranian court and he continues to be in detention," the ministry stated. "According to the latest update, an expert team formed to prepare an expert report is currently in the process of submitting its findings to the court."
Furthermore, the ministry stated that continuous diplomatic efforts are being made to ensure a fair trial in Jha's case. According to the ministry, Jha was arrested on charges of smuggling and trafficking illegal goods.
Iranian security forces had detained Jha along with six other foreign nationals even before the conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran erupted on February 28.
On April 15, Nepal’s Honorary Consul for Iran Shahram Shantiaee had informed Kumar Rai, Nepal's chargé d'affaires in Qatar, that Amrit Jha had been released.
The same information was then relayed to Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, the foreign secretary, and others. Based on that information, Minister Khanal and the ministry had communicated the news of Jha's release.
