The West Coast breeze sweeps into the family’s porch. It was where Johan Floderus dreamed away and longed for during the days innocently arrested and detained by Iran.
– It is difficult to put the feelings into words and I do not know how one is expected to feel after such an experience. During the day I realize I’ve come home, but at night I wake up and think I’m still there, he says.
Johan Floderus imprisoned in Iran
Hear the parents tell about the tumultuous day when Johan Floderus was released
Martin Schibbye on the release of Johan Floderus: “A risk for correspondents”
Arrested at the airport in 2022
The EU official Johan Floderus was on a private trip in Iran together with some friends. He had visited Iran several times before, both privately and through work.
This time he visited a good friend who worked at the Swedish embassy and had an invitation from there. But at the airport on his way home on April 17, 2022, he was arrested and when the plane took off, Johan Floderu’s seat was empty.
– It was the beginning of a development that I could not have imagined in my worst nightmares. That I would become a pawn in a cynical game.
Requested the death penalty
In December 2023, the trial began and Iran accused Johan Floderus of espionage and of having “conspired with Israel and worldwide corruption.” At the end of January, the prosecutor requested the death penalty.
– These are completely baseless accusations and I have never committed any crime. Even though I knew it was a way to put pressure on Sweden, it was of course very unpleasant.
Johan Floderus talks about the constantly lit 12 square meter cell he was in. For several months in isolation and when he was allowed to leave it, it was blindfolded.
– Every day is one day closer to healing and what the future means now I don’t really know yet.
Johan Floderus about the time in Iran