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Amir Hekmati marks his third year as a prisoner in Iran

Hekmati family

On this day three years ago, Iranian authorities arrested a U.S. Marine veteran from Flint and charged him with spying.

His family and friends are holding a rally today to mark his three years in an Iranian jail cell.

Amir Hekmati was visiting relatives when he was arrested. His family and supporters insist he’s innocent.

Congressman Dan Kildee (D-Flint) says he’s talked with President Obama about Hekmati’s case as recently as two weeks ago. He wants the administration to pressure the Iranian government to release Hekmati.

“The Iranian government, if they really seriously choose to try to join the global community, should see the release of Amir Hekmati, as a tangible demonstration of that,” says Kildee.

Kildee says it’s important to keep Hekmati’s case in the forefront with all the attention on other Americans being held by other governments and extremist groups around the world.

Hekmati’s supporters are rallying in Bay City this morning to show they haven’t given up the fight.  

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
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