Iranian professor arrested in US

Kaveh Afrasiabi, a professor at an Iranian university, has been imprisoned for failing to register as a lobbying agent for the Islamic Republic, Report mentions, citing the Fars news agency.

The Justice Department says Kaveh Lotfolah Afrasiabi was arrested at his home in Watertown, Massachusetts, for illegal activities. He was allegedly a secret agent of the Iranian government and the Islamic Republic's permanent representative to the United Nations. Afrasiabi was paid for his actions in this direction.

A spokesperson for Iran's UN mission, Alireza Miryoussefi, criticized the United States, saying that President Donald Trump's administration is famous for its anti-Iran "bigotry and bias": "Dr. Afrasiyabi is not an agent, but a university professor and an expert on international relations."

Former Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan Mohsen Pakayeen also criticized the United States for Afrasiyabi's arrest, calling it a serious violation of human rights and freedom of speech.

If the court proves the charges against Afrasiabi, the Iranian could face up to 10 years in prison.