Judge to Iran: Pay $63M to US Marine jailed for 4 years

DETROIT – Iran must pay $63.5 million to a former US Marine who was jailed in that country for more than four years, according to a ruling by a US judge announced Monday.

Judge Ellen Huvelle of the US District Court in Washington, D.C., on Friday granted Amir Hekmati's motion for a default judgment after Iran failed to respond to the complaint. Hekmati, who was released in January 2016 as part of a prisoner exchange, alleged he was falsely imprisoned and tortured.

It's unclear if Hekmati will get any of the money, which consists of economic and punitive damages as well as those for "pain and suffering" during and after imprisonment.

Hekmati's attorney Scott Gilbert said in a statement they are pleased with the decision, and "will do everything in our power to ensure that Amir's claim is paid in full."