Skip to main content

An Aussie couple is locked up in Iran after an illegal drone flight

An Aussie couple has been locked up in Iran after an illegal drone flight earlier this year. The couple along with another woman is looking at a ten-year plus sentence for the drone flight that would change their life forever.

Aussie couple locked up in Iran after illegal drone flight

Jolie King and Mark Firkin have been traveling around the world for the last two years when they found themselves in Iran continuing their adventures.

The adventure was cut short when they decided to send their drone up without having a drone permit, landing them in deep trouble.

The couple and another woman are being held in Evin Jail, the same prison used to hold political prisoners and is known for its inhumane conditions. The ten-year sentence is commonly given to individuals caught spying on the country.

Iran has strict drone rules not allowing people to fly over crowds, over Tehran, or over areas of sensitive nature. Usually flying a drone in Iran without a permit will land you in jail for six months and immediate deportation.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters the government will monitor the case closely as well as keeping the issues out of the spotlight.

They’re never issues that are addressed well by offering public commentary on them. I note that in at least one of these cases, that’s a view that has been expressed by family members.

Stay in touch!

If you’d like to stay up to date with all the latest drone news, scoops, rumors, and reviews, then follow us on TwitterFacebookYouTube, and Instagram, or sign up for our daily email newsletter that goes out every weekday at 6 p.m. ET.

Buy your next drone directly from manufacturers such as DJIParrot, or Yuneec, or retailers like Adorama, AmazonB&HBestBuy, DroneNerds, or eBay. By using our links, we will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping DroneDJ grow!

Photo: Jolie King via Instagram

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading DroneDJ — experts who break news about DJI and the wider drone ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow DroneDJ on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Comments

Author

Avatar for Joshua Spires Joshua Spires

Josh started in the drone community in 2012 with a drone news Twitter account. Over the years Josh has gained mass exposure from his aerial photography work and spends his days writing drone content for DroneDJ as well as pursuing his business.


Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications