GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. — The family of a man near Flint is asking for financial help as they continue to fight for his release from Iran.
Former Marine Amir Hekmati was arrested in Iran back in 2011 while visiting his grandparents. Iran has accused him of being a spy, which Hekmati’s family vehemently denies.
Hekmati was initially tried and sentenced to death, but the verdict was eventually overturned and a new trial was ordered. Last year, Hekmati was given a 10-year prison sentence.
Several people have been fighting for his release, including Secretary of State John Kerry, who has been calling on the Iranian government to release Hekmati on humanitarian grounds.
If you’d like to help his family in their fight for his release, they have set up aGoFundMe page. The money will be used in that ongoing effort and to help Hekmati’s father, who has been battling brain cancer and says he fears he’ll lose his battle before seeing his son again.
