Israel TV producer Dana Eden found dead in Athens

Israeli TV producer Dana Eden, who co-created the controversial Israeli spy series "Tehran," has been found dead in a hotel room in Athens, Greek police told AFP on Monday.

The 52-year-old's body was found on Sunday night at a hotel near Syntagma Square, in the heart of the Greek capital, the force said.

"An autopsy has been ordered, the surveillance cameras have been reviewed, and everything seems to indicate it was a suicide," a police spokesperson said.

Eden had arrived in Athens on 4 February for the shooting of the fourth season of the Emmy-winning series, broadcast internationally on Apple TV.

"This is a moment of profound pain for the family, friends, and colleagues," her company, Donna and Shula Productions, said in a statement.

The firm said rumours suggesting her death was the result of a criminal act or connected to her nationality were "incorrect and unfounded".

"We ask that Dana's dignity and the privacy of her loved ones be respected," the statement said.

The first three seasons of "Tehran", which focused on a Mossad agent working undercover in the Iranian capital, were filmed in Athens.

The series has been slammed for amplifying Israeli propaganda against Iran, and for being reminiscent of the US series Homeland, which had been criticised for its negative portrayal of Islam and Muslims.

Despite its controversial nature, the series won the Emmy Award for Best Drama Series in 2021.