Following Ransom Payment, Iran Unjustly Sentences Yet Another American

Press Release

After reports that Iran has sentenced Iranian-American Robin Shahini to 18 years in prison, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte issued the following statement:

"Following the Obama administration's $1.7 billion cash ransom payment to Iran, the regime is now betting that they can get even more money if they continue to unjustly detain and sentence Americans, as evidenced by their illegal and unjust detention and sentencing of Robin Shahini. This administration's policy toward Iran has been a disaster for Americans and our national security interests-enriching, empowering, and emboldening the world's worst state sponsor of terrorism."

On October 21, Ayotte sent a letter to Director of National Intelligence James Clapper regarding recent missile attacks on the USS Mason and Iran's potential material and financial support for the Houthi rebels reportedly responsible for the attacks. In the letter, Ayotte expressed concern that the $1.7 billion cash ransom payment the Obama administration provided to Iran may have directly or indirectly facilitated or funded the attack against a U.S. Navy vessel.

On October 18, Ayotte called on Iran to release two U.S. citizens, Siamak Namazi and his elderly father Baquer Namazi, who were sentenced to ten years in Iranian prison.

Following the administration's secret ransom payment to secure the release of Americans held hostage in Tehran, Ayotte sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, as well as a letter to the Secretary of the Treasury Jack Lew.

In addition, Ayotte helped introduce the No Ransom Payments Act of 2016, which would prohibit the federal government from paying ransom, and stop payments to Iran from the U.S. Treasury Department's Judgment Fund until Iran returns the ransom money it received and pays American victims of Iranian terrorism what they are owed.

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