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Ex-US Marine held in Iran to start hunger strike

The family of a former US Marine imprisoned in Iran says he is going on a hunger strike and has dictated a letter asking President Obama not to forget him as dialogue continues between the two countries over Iran's nuclear activities.

 

Amir Hekmati told the family by phone Tuesday about the hunger strike, Sarah Hekmati said in an email to The Associated Press.

 

"We are truly devastated by this news but know that he is struggling and losing hope for a resolution to his case," his sister said.

 

Amir Hekmati holds dual US and Iranian citizenship. He was born in Arizona and raised in Michigan.

 

In August 2011, Hekmati was arrested in Iran, then tried, convicted and sentenced to death for spying. Hekmati appealed, and Iran's Supreme Court annulled the death sentence and ordered a retrial in 2012. The country's Revolutionary Court then overturned his conviction for espionage, instead charging him with "cooperating with hostile governments" and sentenced him to 10 years in prison.

 


פרסום ראשון: 12.17.14, 07:45