releases: https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/ahead-un-general-assembly-congressman-dan-kildee-writes-ambassador-samantha
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://dankildee.house.gov/media/press-releases/ahead-un-general-assembly-congressman-dan-kildee-writes-ambassador-samantha | Ahead of U.N. General Assembly, Congressman Dan Kildee Writes Ambassador Samantha Power on Release of U.S. Prisoner in Iran | 2013-09-18 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Democrat | House | MI | Dan Kildee | K000380 | dankildee.house.gov | legacy | Amir Hekmati, Flint Native, Held in Iran Now for Over Two Years Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today wrote a letter to Samantha Power, the Permanent U.S. Representative to the United Nations, urging the Ambassador to engage her diplomatic colleagues at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meeting on the release of Flint-native Amir Hekmati. Hekmati, a constituent of Congressman Kildee's, has been imprisoned in Iran since August 2011 and been accused of being a U.S. spy, allegations the U.S. vehemently denies. During the proceedings, I ask that you explore all available opportunities to raise Mr. Hekmati's case with your colleagues at the U.N., Congressman Kildee said in his letter. I am optimistic that we can facilitate a humanitarian resolution and reunite Mr. Hekmati with his father, mother and sisters soon. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, recently elected on a moderate platform, is scheduled to visit the United Nations General Assembly next week. While the U.S. does not have formal diplomatic relations with Iran, Congressman Kildee in his letter asked Ambassador Power to engage U.N. colleagues who have diplomatic relations with Iran to examine all opportunities to facilitate Mr. Hekmati's release. It is imperative that Mr. Hekmati be reunited with his family so that as the eldest son, he can return to Michigan to care for his ailing father, mother and sisters, Congressman Kildee said in his letter. Amir's father, Ali Hekmati, a professor at Mott Community College in Flint, was recently diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and has been hospitalized. Since being elected to Congress, Congressman Kildee has pushed for Hekmati's release. In addition to writing to Ambassador Power, Congressman Kildee sent a letter in July to Secretary Kerry calling on the U.S. Department of State to prioritize attaining the release of Hekmati. The letter, signed and supported by 112 Members of Congress, urged the State Department to explore all options to secure Hekmati's release so he can be reunited with his family. Following Congressman Kildee's letter, on Aug. 28, 2013, Secretary Kerry released a statement calling for the Iranian government to release Mr. Hekmati. A copy of Congressman Kildee's letter to Ambassador Power can be viewed here and is also below. -- September 17, 2013 Ambassador Samantha Power Permanent U.S. Representative to the United Nations 799 United Nations Plaza New York, NY 10017 Dear Ambassador Power: Amir Hekmati, a former U.S. Marine and one of my constituents, has been imprisoned in Iran for now over two years. President Hassan Rouhani and an Iranian delegation are scheduled to visit the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly later in the month. During their visit, I ask that you engage your colleagues that have diplomatic relations with Iran to examine all opportunities to facilitate Mr. Hekmati's release. After serving honorably in the military, Mr. Hekmati traveled to Iran in August of 2011 to visit his grandmother for the first time. During this visit, he was detained and accused of being a U.S. spy, allegations the U.S. vehemently denies. Moreover, Mr. Hekmati's father, who lives in Flint, Mich., was recently diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Thus, it is imperative that Mr. Hekmati be reunited with his family so that as the eldest son, he can return to Michigan to care for his ailing father, mother and sisters during this difficult time. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is aware of Mr. Hekmati's detention and many members of Congress have been following the situation closely. In July, I sent a letter to Secretary Kerry regarding Mr. Hekmati that was signed by 111 other Members of Congress. We were pleased when Secretary Kerry issued a statement in August calling for Mr. Hekmati's release, and it appears that the upcoming U.N. General Assembly meeting presents a particularly auspicious opportunity. During the proceedings, I ask that you explore all available opportunities to raise Mr. Hekmati's case with your colleagues at the U.N. that maintain diplomatic relations with Iran. I am optimistic that we can facilitate a humanitarian resolution and reunite Mr. Hekmati with his father, mother and sisters soon. Sincerely, Dan Kildee MEMBER OF CONGRESS cc: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |