Kerry urges Iran to release former US Marine from 'unjust detention'

Published August 28, 2015
Hekmati was arrested 4 years ago on what Kerry called “false espionage charges” when he was visiting relatives in Iran. —AFP/File
Hekmati was arrested 4 years ago on what Kerry called “false espionage charges” when he was visiting relatives in Iran. —AFP/File

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday urged Iran to free Amir Hekmati, an American who served as a US Marine, from four years of “unjust detention".

Saturday marks the fourth anniversary of Hekmati's imprisonment on what Kerry called “false espionage charges” while Hekmati was visiting relatives in the Islamic republic.

“We repeat our call on the Iranian government to release Amir on humanitarian grounds,” Kerry said in a statement.

“This is a milestone no family wants to mark, and the Hekmati family has shown inspiring perseverance in the face of this injustice,” he added.

“And as befits a former Marine, Amir has shown tremendous courage in the face of this unjust detention." Kerry reiterated his government's call for Iran to release two other Americans.

These include pastor Saeed Abedini, who was arrested in 2012 and sentenced to eight years in jail for gathering a group of people to study the Bible, and Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian.

Kerry also urged Iran to “work cooperatively” to help locate Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent who disappeared while on Iran's Kish island in 2007.

Several lawmakers and Republican presidential candidates have argued that Washington and the international community should have negotiated the return of the Americans as a condition for finalising the historic nuclear deal with Iran.

Opinion

Editorial

Counterterrorism plan
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Counterterrorism plan

Lacunae in our counterterrorism efforts need to be plugged quickly.
Bullish stock market
23 Nov, 2024

Bullish stock market

NORMALLY, stock markets rise gradually. In recent months, however, Pakistan’s stock market has soared to one ...
Political misstep
23 Nov, 2024

Political misstep

FORMER first lady Bushra Bibi’s video address to PTI followers has triggered a firestorm. Her assertion implying...
Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...