VILNIUS: Lithuania said on Tuesday it was seeking access to two Lithuanian women detained in Iran since October 15, after their families reported them missing. Iranian authorities officially informed Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry of the detentions on Monday, October 26.
Vilnius County Police identified the women as Daiva Zakažauskaitė, born in 1992, and Erika Šlimaitė, born in 1983. They travelled from Lithuania to Turkey on October 7, then continued to Iran for tourism.
Their relatives lost contact with them on October 11. Police subsequently launched a search for the missing travellers. Foreign Ministry Chancellor Aistė Stakėnienė confirmed the detention date but declined to disclose the circumstances.
She said releasing further information could undermine diplomatic efforts to secure the women’s freedom. Lithuanian officials are seeking a consular visit to assess their health, detention conditions and access to legal assistance.
Stakėnienė said a representative from another European Union country could undertake the visit. Authorities also want to establish whether the women require medication or interpretation services.
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Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius confirmed that diplomatic efforts were under way to secure their release. He said officials were working with the women’s families and using diplomatic channels to clarify the circumstances.
Sinkevičius acknowledged receiving additional information but declined to discuss it publicly. Lithuania has not disclosed any charges against the women or their precise place of detention.
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The Foreign Ministry reiterated its warning against travel to Iran and urged Lithuanian citizens already there to leave immediately.
With additional input from BNS, LRT and ELTA.
