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The family of a former US Marine imprisoned in Iran appealed on Monday directly to the Iranian president, due in New York for the UN General Assembly, to secure his release.
Amir Hekmati, 31, has been held for three years. His father, a microbiology professor, has been diagnosed with brain cancer and recently suffered a stroke, and is desperate to see his son.
“Today I voted in favor of the President’s plan to continue to train and equip moderate Syrian forces to help them confront the threat ISIS poses.
“Today’s vote, however, does not authorize a prolonged U.S. military offensive. Rather, it allows the President to continue supporting allies in the region as they battle ISIS. Any solution to defeat ISIS will require a coalition of countries, including both NATO allies and Arab nations.
Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Three-Year Anniversary of Amir Hekmati’s Imprisonment in Iran
“Today marks three years of imprisonment in Iran for my constituent, Amir Hekmati.
“For 1,095 days, Amir has been wrongfully held in Evin prison for crimes he did not commit. He is innocent, yet continues to be held against his will, thousands of miles away from his family in Michigan.
“As the July 20th deadline between the P5+1 countries and Iran approaches, there is the possibility that an extension may be necessary in order to reach an agreement over Iran’s nuclear program. Both sides have publicly cited progress in the ongoing talks, yet it is clear that differences remain between the parties involved.
A local Congressman says it's clear that Iran needs to free Flint man Amir Hekmati as a July 20 deadline looms in nuclear talks with Iran and world powers including the United States.
Hekmati, a Flint Central graduate and former U.S. Marine, has been held in an Iranian prison since 2011.
“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have taken preliminary steps to identify potential locations for temporary housing in the event that it is needed to address the influx of undocumented women and children crossing into the U.S. through Mexico. My office has been in routine contact with HHS and FEMA, who will ultimately decide whether or not any temporary housing is needed. They have indicated that no facilities are being currently considered to temporarily house unaccompanied children in the Fifth District.
Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today marking the 1,000th day of captivity in Iran for his constituent, Amir Hekmati:
“For 1,000 days, my constituent, Amir Hekmati, has been held prisoner in Iran. For 1,000 days, an innocent man has languished in a prison cell. For Amir’s last 1,000 days, holidays have passed. Birthdays have gone uncelebrated. Cherished moments with family have been missed.
“On Memorial Day, we come together to remember the men and women in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our nation and uphold our democratic values. We remember not only their heroic sacrifices, but also the sacrifices of the families they left behind. The courage of those who have selflessly died fighting for freedom should never be forgotten. We owe an incredible debt of gratitude to those who have fought and died for our country, today and every day.
Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) has successfully amended the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with two amendments, both focused on improving the lives of service members in Michigan and around the nation. On a unanimous bipartisan vote late last night, the amendments were passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.
“I am pleased that the House adopted both of my amendments to care for our wounded men and women returning from overseas and to protect service members near military bases from predatory lenders,” Congressman Kildee said.
Supporters of Amir Hekmati are holding a vigil near the White House Monday to mark the 1,000th day the Flint Township man has been imprisoned in Iran.
Organized by U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township, and Hekmati’s family, the vigil will last for 1,000 minutes and feature a figurative prison cell to emphasize each of the 1,000 days the one-time U.S. Marine has been held captive on false charges.