Young vacationer of French-German descent, aged 18, vanishes in Iranian territory
An 18-year-old Franco-German tourist, Lennart Monterlos, has been missing since June 16, but contrary to recent reports, his disappearance occurred in Iran, not Iraq. The concern surrounding his whereabouts is heightened due to the ongoing tensions between Iran and Western nations, particularly France.
Reports suggest that Iran is detaining French nationals accused of spying for Israel, but there is no evidence that Lennart Monterlos is detained in Iraq or accused of such activities by Iraqi authorities. The regional tensions primarily involve Iran, with Iran holding Westerners under suspicion, not Iraq.
Recent reports of drone strikes around Iraq linked to the Iran-Israel conflict ceasefire do not provide any specific information about Iraq detaining Western hostages as part of a broader trend.
Lennart Monterlos, a cyclist, was last active on Instagram on June 15, where he shared a video about cycling across Iraq. He was reportedly cycling alone from France to Japan, a journey that took him to Iran. His disappearance was reported to France Press by a source from French diplomacy, and his last known location was Tehran, Iran.
The French authorities have expressed concern about Lennart's situation, given the warnings that Iran is specifically targeting Westerners. They have also urged French citizens to avoid travelling to Iraq and to leave if they are currently there, due to the high risk of arbitrary detention.
The source's statement emphasizes the potential danger for Westerners in Iraq, including the risk of arbitrary detention. Lennart Monterlos holds both French and German nationality, and his disappearance is being considered "worrying" by French diplomacy.
Despite the lack of evidence linking Lennart to Iraq, the source's appeal to French citizens not to travel to Iraq continues, as Iraq has a policy of taking Western hostages, according to the source. It's essential to note that this policy is not supported by verified reports linking Iraq to the detention of Western hostages under spying accusations related to Israel.
As the search for Lennart Monterlos continues, the international community hopes for a swift and safe resolution to this concerning situation.
The source's statement highlights the potential dangers for Westerners in Iraq, particularly the risk of arbitrary detention, despite Lennart Monterlos being missing in Tehran, Iran. This warning comes amidst ongoing politics surrounding Iran and its suspected targeting of Westerners. Additionally, recent news involving drone strikes in Iraq linked to the Iran-Israel conflict hasn't provided evidence of Iraq detaining Western hostages as part of a broader trend in crime and justice.
