Ministry of Foreign Affairs Confirms Ongoing Release Process of Amrit Jha Detained in Iran

April 24, Kathmandu – The government has confirmed that the release process of Nepali citizen Amrit Jha, who was detained by Iranian authorities in the Strait of Hormuz, is still underway. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Kshetri provided an update on Jha’s case, emphasizing that the procedure remains active.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Shashir Khanal had announced on social media that Jha had been released. However, widespread criticism followed when it was discovered that Jha was still incarcerated in an Iranian prison.

“The local court in Bandar Abbas, Iran, has already delivered a verdict on the case related to the ship associated with Amrit Jha, who was detained before the conflict started. Out of the seven individuals involved, four have already been released. The release procedures for the remaining detainees, including Jha, are ongoing,” explained spokesperson Kshetri. He added that due to the complex current situation in Iran and its judicial system, some legal procedures remain pending and will take a few more days to complete.

The spokesperson also noted that the government continues to make persistent efforts at various levels to secure Jha’s release. While the entire release process is in progress, the Ministry has clarified and defended itself regarding Minister Khanal’s earlier statement about Jha’s release.