Seven Iranian prisoners in United States to be freed in swap

Published January 16, 2016
They will be freed in exchange for the release of four Iranian-American nationals jailed in Iran. —AP/File
They will be freed in exchange for the release of four Iranian-American nationals jailed in Iran. —AP/File

TEHRAN: Seven Iranian prisoners held in the United States will be freed in exchange for the release of four Iranian-American nationals jailed in Iran, official media said on Saturday.

Iran's state television named the dual-nationals as Jason Rezaian, the Washington Post's Tehran correspondent, pastor Saeed Abedini, former US Marine Amir Hekmati, and Nosratollah Khosravi.

However, the official IRNA news agency, quoting an informed source, said the fourth person freed was Siamak Namazi, an Iranian-American businessman, before changing its report and naming Khosravi.

The seven Iranians to be freed by the US are Nader Modanlou, Baharam Mekanik, Khosrow Afghahi, Arash Ghahraman, Touraj Faridi, Nima Golestaneh, and Ali Sabounchi, according to Iran's judiciary and the state broadcaster.

Fourteen other Iranians wanted by the FBI would no longer be sought for prosecution by Interpol, both official media outlets said.

Earlier on aturday, Iran said that four Iranian dual nationals had been freed as part of a prisoner exchange in line with national interests on the orders of the country's top security committee.

Saeed Abedini's lawyer, Naser Sarbazi, confirmed to ISNA news agency that his client was released. But Rezaian's lawyer, Leila Ahsan, told AFP she did not know if her client was free.

“I have no information on this,” she said.

The announcement came as Iran and world powers led by the United States were expected to finally implement last July's nuclear deal, which will lift international sanctions imposed on the Islamic republic.

Opinion

Who bears the cost?

Who bears the cost?

This small window of low inflation should compel a rethink of how the authorities and employers understand the average household’s

Editorial

Internet restrictions
Updated 23 Dec, 2024

Internet restrictions

Notion that Pakistan enjoys unprecedented freedom of expression difficult to reconcile with the reality of restrictions.
Bangladesh reset
23 Dec, 2024

Bangladesh reset

THE vibes were positive during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent meeting with Bangladesh interim leader Dr...
Leaving home
23 Dec, 2024

Leaving home

FROM asylum seekers to economic migrants, the continuing exodus from Pakistan shows mass disillusionment with the...
Military convictions
Updated 22 Dec, 2024

Military convictions

Pakistan’s democracy, still finding its feet, cannot afford such compromises on core democratic values.
Need for talks
22 Dec, 2024

Need for talks

FOR a long time now, the country has been in the grip of relentless political uncertainty, featuring the...
Vulnerable vaccinators
22 Dec, 2024

Vulnerable vaccinators

THE campaign to eradicate polio from Pakistan cannot succeed unless the safety of vaccinators and security personnel...