Muhammad Ali's Wife Calls for the Release of Namazi Brothers in Letter to Iran's Leader

Nearly a year after the arrest of Siamak and Mohammad Baqer Namazi, and following a recent court session presided over by Aboulghasem Salavati, Muhammad Ali's wife, the legendary American Muslim boxer, has written a letter to Iran's leader calling for their release. Siamak Namazi, an Iranian-American manager in the strategic planning department of Crescent Oil Company, was arrested last October during a trip to Iran, shortly after which Crescent announced the termination of his collaboration with the company. Four months later, his father, Mohammad Baqer Namazi, a former diplomat, traveled to Iran to follow up on his son's situation but was also arrested and sent to Evin Prison. Recently, Radio Farda has learned that these two Iranian-American citizens appeared in a court presided over by Aboulghasem Salavati, although there has been no report yet on the charges or potential sentences. Meanwhile, on Friday, a letter signed by Loni Ali, the wife of Muhammad Ali, was published, addressed to Ali Khamenei, the leader of Iran, in which she referred to the humanitarian activities of Baqer and Siamak Namazi and requested their return to their families by showing 'Islamic compassion' during the month of Muharram. She added, 'My husband, Muhammad Ali, loved Iran and the people of Iran. Showing compassion and forgiveness for these two individuals would honor Muhammad Ali's legacy.' Muhammad Ali's wife stated that her husband 'was an advocate for Islam for all Muslims. It is very important to show the true face of Islam as a religion of peace and forgiveness for a world that still respects Muhammad Ali's efforts and influence. I pray that we can all walk in his path and strengthen goodwill and understanding between the peoples of Iran and America.' Regarding the charges against Siamak and Baqer Namazi, the Iranian judiciary has remained silent, and the Tehran prosecutor announced in July of this year the issuance of an indictment for Siamak Namazi without detailing the case or the charges. In this context, in March 2016, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, the spokesman for the judiciary, claimed that Siamak Namazi has a 'security case.' At that time, in response to reports about interrogating Siamak Namazi 'without the presence of a lawyer,' he stated that 'in security cases, lawyers are accepted who are approved by the head of the judiciary.' Mahmoud Alizadeh Tabatabai, Siamak Namazi's lawyer, had previously confirmed that this case is being handled in the second branch of the security prosecutor's office. He also quoted the Namazi family as saying that his charge is 'collaborating with the U.S. government.' The arrests of Siamak and Baqer Namazi have prompted international reactions, including a resolution proposal by two members of the House of Representatives in July of this year calling for their immediate and unconditional release, urging the U.S. government not to refrain from any action in this regard. Other reactions have also emerged, particularly focusing on Baqer Namazi's health status. For instance, UNICEF, with which Mr. Namazi has a history of collaboration, announced in September of this year that his former colleagues at the organization are deeply concerned about his health, and these concerns have increased given that six months have passed since his arrest. Baqer Namazi is 80 years old and, according to his family, suffers from heart problems and needs medical care. The arrest of dual citizens, including these two members of the Namazi family, has led to the U.S. State Department warning against travel to Iran, reiterating in September of this year that dual Iranian-American citizens face the risk of arrest or being banned from leaving if they travel to Iran.