On the eve of US economic sanctions being lifted, Iran today released Amir Hekmati and four other prisoners held captive in Tehran, including Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian and Christian pastor Saeed Abedini. Hekmati, a Flint Michigan native and US Marine Corps veteran, was originally in Iraq as a culture and language expert and was arrested in August 2011 while visiting his grandparents and other relatives in Iran.

Iran charged Hekmati with espionage and other charges in 2012 and sentenced him to death.  The sentence was later reduced to “cooperating with hostile governments” and Hekmati faced 10 years in prison.

“We are very pleased with the release of Amir and the U.S. prisoners today”, said Governor Bill Richardson, “The Hekmati family, and especially his sister, Sarah, have fought tirelessly for Amir’s release over the last four years.”

Wendy R. Anderson, the Richardson Center’s Senior Advisor who worked closely with the Hekmati family as part of Governor Richardson’s effort to assist in Amir’s release, said: “The bravery, persistence, and commitment of the Hekmati family – in the face of this years-long ordeal – has been extraordinary. They have endured a great deal and deserve privacy as they reunite with Amir.”

The Center would like to congratulate the Edelman Public Relations firm and Montel Williams, for their continuous efforts to highlight Amir’s case on behalf of the family over the years. Their leadership – in keeping Amir’s story in the headlines – was critically important.

Governor Bill Richardson and the Richardson Center continue to work on the release of international hostages, American servicemen and prisoners around the world.