Baqer Namazi, an Iranian-American citizen who had been released from prison on medical leave, returned to Evin Prison on Tuesday, February 6, following a summons from prison officials. His family had hoped that his medical leave, given his age of 81, would be extended. Jared Genser, the family's lawyer in Washington, announced that during medical care and examination, it was recommended that Baqer Namazi have a three-month medical leave. Genser and Babak Namazi stated that despite the medical recommendation, Evin prison officials contacted Baqer Namazi and told him he must return to prison at the earliest opportunity. Baqer Namazi, who went to Iran to save his imprisoned son Siamak, was himself imprisoned and has been in jail since February 2016. He has been hospitalized four times in nearly two years due to blood pressure and heart rate issues, and a pacemaker was installed in September this year based on doctors' recommendations. Baqer Namazi, a former UNICEF employee, went to Tehran two years ago to visit his son but was arrested, and both were sentenced to 10 years in prison for allegedly collaborating with 'hostile foreign governments.' In addition to Baqer and Siamak Namazi, several other American citizens are currently imprisoned in Iran, including Xiao Wang, a PhD student from Princeton University who was researching in Iran and was sentenced to 10 years for 'collaborating with a foreign government.' Karen Vafadari and her husband Afrin Niasari, as well as Nizar Zakka, a Lebanese citizen with permanent residency in the U.S., are also imprisoned in Iran on various charges. U.S. President Donald Trump previously warned Iran in July that it would face serious and new consequences if it did not release American citizens imprisoned in the country, including Baqer and Siamak Namazi. Mr. Namazi's health status has raised concerns among many international organizations and figures, and in September, the UN Secretary-General called for his release during discussions with Hassan Rouhani at the UN General Assembly.
81-Year-Old Baqer Namazi Returns to Evin Prison Following Summons from Prison Officials
Baqer Namazi, an 81-year-old Iranian-American, has returned to Evin Prison after a brief medical leave despite recommendations for an extended leave due to health issues. His case highlights the ongoing plight of American citizens imprisoned in Iran, raising international concerns about their treatment and health. This situation is significant as it reflects the strained U.S.-Iran relations and the humanitarian implications of such detentions.
👥 Key Players
⚡ Actions
📰 What Happened
Baqer Namazi, an Iranian-American, returns to Evin Prison despite medical recommendations.
- Evin prison officials arrest Baqer Namazi
- Evin prison officials summon Baqer Namazi
- doctors recommend Baqer Namazi
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Baqer Namazi's return to prison underscores the ongoing plight of American citizens detained in Iran.
📝 Key Evidence
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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