Lankford Joins Senators in Demanding Release of Americans Held In Iran

Press Release

Senator James Lankford joined Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL), in addition to 16 other Republican senators, in urging the Obama administration to demand the unconditional release of American citizens unjustly imprisoned in Iran.

In a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry, the senators highlighted the cases of three American citizens who are languishing in Iranian jails. The senators urged Secretary Kerry to discuss these cases in his communications with Iran and demand their unconditional release. Rubio and Kirk are the lead co-authors of the letter.

"It is unacceptable that as the United States engages with Iran, human rights violations at the hands of Iranian officials go unchecked and Americans languish in Iranian jail cells," the senators wrote. "We urge you to discuss these imprisoned Americans and demand their unconditional release as you engage in discussion with Iranian officials."

"The Iranian government, which is unjustly punishing Mr. Rezaian, Pastor Abedini, and Mr. Hekmati and refusing to assist the search for Mr. Levinson, must be held accountable for its actions," the senators added. "Once again, Iran's government is showing they will spare no means to stifle dissent and use innocent Americans as political pawns."

Source