A man in his 90s is to hand over a petition to the Iranian embassy this week calling for the release of his seriously ill son.
In a touching YouTube video recorded by the Phelan family, 97-year-old Vincent said he thinks of Bernard from the minute he opens his eyes every morning. He has also had two phone conversations with Caroline in recent weeks. Mr Phelan was working as a consultant for an Iranian tour operator when he was arrested on an educational visit to the country.He denies a charge of helping to incite propaganda against the Tehran government. However, his family say he has been sentenced to six-and-a-half years.
Ms Masse-Phelan is concerned about the deteriorating health of her brother, who is a dual French-Irish citizen. “Bernard’s family and friends will be meeting outside the embassy on March 30. We will be calling on the Iranian authorities to focus on Bernard and to understand that this person shouldn’t be in Iran and should be released.