CAIR-MI Seeks Clemency for Michigan Muslim
Detained in Iran
(SOUTHFIELD, MI, 1/31/2012) — The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) today sent a letter to Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamene’i seeking clemency for a Michigan Muslim who was recently sentenced to death for espionage in Iran.
Amir Mirzaei Hekmati, a veteran of the U.S. Army, was detained after he traveled to Iran in August 2012. His family maintains that he was visiting relatives during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and that they respect Iran’s sovereignty.
SEE: 20-day Timeline to Appeal Sentence Passes for Amir Hekmati
Ex-Marine Unlikely as Spy in Iran, Experts Say (Wall Street Journal)
In his letter to Ayatollah Khamenei’i, CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid wrote in part:
“It is our hope that the Iranian government will offer the same mercy and compassion to Mr. Hekmati as it recently offered to other Americans charged with similar offenses, including an Iranian-American journalist and three American hikers.
“We respectfully request that you spare the life of Amir Mirzaei Hekmati, grant him clemency and facilitate his immediate release, allowing him to return home and reunite with his family.”
SEE Entire Letter:
CAIR has communicated with Iranian officials in the past regarding Americans.
CAIR Welcomes Roxana Saberi’s Release by Iran
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid, 248-842-1418, E-Mail:dwalid@cair.com, CAIR-MI Staff Attorney Lena Masri, 248-390-9784, E-Mail: lmasri@cair.com
Weblog of Dawud Walid 