All articles tagged with #american detainees
Dahud Hanid Ortiz, an American released from Venezuela in a prisoner swap, was convicted of triple murder in Spain and served a 30-year sentence before his release, raising concerns about the decision to include him in the exchange despite his criminal history.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Penn.) claims credit for helping secure the release of Bryan Hagerich, a Pennsylvania dad arrested in Turks and Caicos for accidentally carrying ammunition in his luggage. Hagerich, who faced up to 12 years in prison, returned home after a judge suspended his 52-month sentence and fined him $6,500. Fetterman, along with other lawmakers, traveled to the British territory to advocate for the release of five Americans detained under similar circumstances.
Bryan Hagerich, one of five Americans detained in Turks and Caicos for carrying ammunition in their luggage, received a 52-week suspended sentence and a $6,700 fine. He is expected to return to the U.S. soon. The strict firearm and ammunition laws in Turks and Caicos have led to similar charges against four other Americans, who are still awaiting sentencing. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, are working to secure their release.
The House has passed a bill that would permanently freeze $6 billion in funds that the Biden administration had opened up to Iran earlier this year in exchange for the release of five American detainees. The bill, introduced by Rep. Michael McCaul, received bipartisan support, with 90 Democrats joining Republicans in voting for it. Republicans have criticized the deal, accusing the administration of enabling a terrorist regime and jeopardizing American interests. The White House defended the decision, stating that the funds were necessary for the release of the detainees and would be used for humanitarian purposes. The Senate has introduced similar legislation but has yet to pass it out of committee.
Emad Shargi, an American citizen, has been imprisoned in Iran since 2018. His sister, Neda Sharghi, spoke about his wrongful detention and the deteriorating conditions he faces. A mural in Washington, D.C., depicting the faces of Americans detained overseas, including Emad, serves as a symbol of their struggle. The artist intentionally used materials that decay over time to reflect the passage of time and the impact it has on their lives. Despite some detainees being released, Emad remains imprisoned, and his family continues to fight for his freedom.
The US's top hostage negotiator, Roger Carstens, has called on Russia to allow American Embassy officials to visit detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and pledged to find a way to secure his release and that of another American, Paul Whelan. Carstens also revealed that there is a "significant offer on the table" for Whelan's release.