Iranian president's brother hospitalised on second day of detention

BEIRUT: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s brother, who is also a close advisor, was transferred to hospital on his second day of detention, according to reports on Iranian news sites.

Hossein Fereydoun was summoned for questioning on Saturday in a corruption case in which he faces unspecified charges. He was later detained when he could not post bail, which was set at more than 15 million dollars, according to Fars News.



Fereydoun is a senior diplomat who took part in the talks that led to a 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers. Some Rouhani supporters have interpreted the charges against him as a move by the hard-line judiciary to discredit the president.

Fereydoun appeared in court on Monday but was transferred to hospital after appearing unwell, according to the Tasnim news site.



"Fereydoun’s health was not good from the moment he appeared in court and, ultimately, because his health situation became critical, the questioning session did not take place and the accused left the court in an ambulance," Tasnim reported.

No further information was provided about Fereydoun’s health. Rouhani has not made any official statement about his brother’s detention or hospitalization.