1. #NewZealand influencer couple #TopherRichwhite and #BridgetThackwray have seemingly disappeared after entering #Iran as part of their travels more than 2 months ago. As my 2-week efforts for a response from @MFATNZ have been futile, I'm sharing it so we may find some answers.
2. #TopherRichwhite (34) and #BridgetThackwray (27) are an influencer couple who’ve been travelling the world in their Gunther for years. They entered #Iran via Turkey more than 2 months ago. This is the video they shared on their Instagram page before travelling to #Iran.
3. #TopherRichwhite and #BridgetThackwray were questioned at the border according to their video. They were asked why they were travelling to #Iran in a sanctioned car (US made Gunther).
4. They were ultimately granted entry to #Iran. Judging from this video they don’t seem to realise where they actually are! Their GPS tracker has been deactivated and they've been inactive on Instagram for more than 2 months, also raising questions amongst their followers.
5. I've sent emails and made at least 3 follow-up calls over the past 2 weeks to confirm whether #TopherRichwhite and #BridgetThackwray were arrested in #Iran. While @MFATNZ promised to respond, they've failed to do so. I hope the public can help in finding answers.
6. Since #TopherRichwhite and #BridgetThackwray were in contact with their followers and sometimes even visited or stayed with them, their potential arrest will also put innocent Iranians at risk. This was clearly explained to @MFATNZ
7. Finally, I hope #TopherRichwhite and #BridgetThackwray are safe and off social media by choice. I’ve refrained from sharing this because there’s no evidence of their arrest except hearsay which I didn’t want to spread but after more than 2 months, it's time for answers.
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