US Special Representative Calls for Release of Dual Nationals Imprisoned in Iran
The US Special Representative for Iran Affairs called for the immediate release of imprisoned dual nationals in Iran.
Robert Malley said on Monday, December 20, in a tweet that the Iranian government has imprisoned Morad Tahbaz, a British-American citizen, for four years in Evin Prison.
He wrote: “Mr. Tahbaz is a father, environmental activist, and cancer patient: ‘Iran must immediately release him, Namazi, Emad Sharqi, and British citizens.'”
Iran has detained several foreign and dual nationals in recent years and has exchanged some of them for prisoners affiliated with the Islamic Republic abroad.
The United States and Britain currently have the most dual nationals imprisoned in Iran. Siamak Namazi, Emad Sharqi, Morad Tahbaz, Anoosheh Ansari, Nazanin Zaghari, and Mehran Raoof are among these individuals.
Citizens from Austria, Germany, France, and Sweden are also detained and imprisoned in Iran, including Nahid Taghavi, Jamshid Sharmahd, and Fariba Adelkhah.
Western countries have stated that the Islamic Republic is attempting to gain leverage from foreign countries by holding dual and foreign nationals hostage.
Meanwhile, Said Khatibzadeh, spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Monday in response to a question about detained American prisoners: “Regarding this issue, America knows what it should do for agreements in this area to be implemented.”
He did not provide further clarification, but Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s former representative in nuclear deal revival negotiations with world powers, announced in June this year that the Islamic Republic is prepared to immediately release 10 prisoners provided that the United States and Britain fulfill their commitments.
Source: Radio Farda
