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Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Amir Hekmati’s 32nd Birthday

July 28, 2015

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today marking Amir Hekmati's 32nd birthday – his third consecutive birthday as a political prisoner in Iran:

"As of today, Amir Hekmati has been held in Iran as a political prisoner for nearly four years. Today also is Amir's 32nd birthday – his third straight birthday spent behind the walls of Evin Prison. "Amir continues to be unjustly held as a political prisoner on the other side of the world, away from his family in Michigan. The Hekmatis, including Amir's father, who is gravely ill, longs to see their son and brother again. Too many birthdays and cherished moments with family have been missed as Amir continues to be caught up in a geopolitical struggle among nations. "There isn't a day that goes by that a Member of Congress doesn't ask me about Amir's condition and continued captivity. And it is impossible for any Member of Congress to erase from our memory the fact that Iran continues to hold Amir and other innocent Americans. "I know that Congress will be watching Iran's behavior very closely over the coming weeks, including if they take action to release Amir and the other innocent Americans it holds. Doing so would be a tangible demonstration to Congress and the world that Iran is serious about rejoining the global community."