Lawyer for Levinson Family Says They Have Filed a Lawsuit Against Iran

David McGee, the lawyer for Robert Levinson's family, the retired FBI agent who disappeared on Kish Island ten years ago, told the New York Times that Mr. Levinson's family has filed a lawsuit against Iran in a federal court in Washington. According to the New York Times, Levinson's wife and seven children submitted this complaint. They are seeking damages for what they describe as Iran's role, including 'imposing psychological pressure' on them. The details of these damages have not been specified. David McGee, one of Levinson's lawyers, stated in an interview with the New York Times, 'We seek justice... We also want the world to be aware of Iran's hypocritical and cruel behavior.' The New York Times reports that the Iranian government's delegation to the United Nations has left two emails regarding this matter unanswered. Several domestic Iranian news agencies that have reported on Mr. Levinson's lawsuit have also not published any response from Tehran officials. Previously, in Esfand of last year, his family sought help from Donald Trump, the new U.S. President, and told the Associated Press that Trump's record 'as a successful dealmaker and his firm stance against the Iranian regime' could be influential in clarifying what happened to Levinson. At that time, the White House issued a statement saying, 'The Trump administration is firmly committed to finding Mr. Levinson and bringing him home.' Several other American citizens who have been detained in Iran have also filed lawsuits against Tehran, accusing it of 'kidnapping,' 'terrorism,' and 'torture.' Nevertheless, the New York Times states that the Levinson family's lawsuit appears unusual, as Iranian officials have claimed to be unaware of Levinson's whereabouts or what has happened to him since his disappearance. For example, Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, stated in an interview with CBS in Azar 1392 that the government has no information about Levinson's fate or possible location. Levinson's family lawyer has described the Iranian officials' statements as 'absurd.' Robert Levinson traveled to Kish Island in Iran in March 2007. After his disappearance, it was reported that he was conducting private research for a large company regarding 'cigarette smuggling.' The Associated Press reported in Azar 1392 that Mr. Levinson was gathering information for the CIA in an unconfirmed mission. The Obama administration expressed regret over the publication of this report, and the CIA refrained from commenting on it. David McGee had previously told Reuters that he was investigating money laundering by senior Iranian officials. The New York Times states that the 14-page lawsuit filed by Levinson's family does not present any new information about him.