Ailing American Held in Iran: A Family's Plea

A 70-Year-Old's Plight

Kamran Hekmati, a 70-year-old Iranian-American, finds himself in a dire situation. He is currently imprisoned in Iran's infamous Evin Prison, battling bladder cancer. His family is deeply concerned, stating that his arrest stems from a visit to Israel 13 years ago for his son's bar mitzvah—a trip that has now led to severe consequences.

The Arrest and Trial

Hekmati's family reports that he was detained at the airport in May while attempting to return to his home in New York. His passport was confiscated, and his phone and social media accounts were scrutinized. In July, he was arrested and sentenced to four years in prison. However, the sentence was later reduced to two years. The charges? A violation of an Iranian law that prohibits Iranian passport holders from visiting Israel.

Legal and Diplomatic Challenges

The family expresses frustration over the lack of legal representation during Hekmati's trial. They have since hired a lawyer, but the situation remains critical. Iran does not recognize dual nationality, which means Hekmati's U.S. citizenship offers little protection.

The U.S. has no diplomatic presence in Iran, so Switzerland represents American interests there. However, Swiss officials have not been permitted to visit Hekmati. Rep. Tom Suozzi, who represents Hekmati's home state, is urging the State Department to prioritize his release, citing humanitarian grounds.

A Family's Hope

Hekmati's family describes him as a devoted father, grandfather, and husband. They are holding out hope for a miracle. The State Department has stated that they cannot comment on individual cases but are actively working on cases of unjust detention in Iran.