Who is Baquer Namazi, 85-year-old American released by Iran?

Baquer Namazi,
an 85-year-old American citizen, was released by Iran recently for him to
obtain medical treatment abroad, the United Nations Secretary General
spokesperson Stephane Dujarric announced. Namazi was released from detention
along with his son Siamak Namazi. The conditions of what right now seems like a
temporary release are yet to become apparent, according to CNN.

Baquer Namazi
has been in Iranian prison for six years. Detained at age 79, Namazi has suffered
numerous health issues across his time in jail. Namazi’s attorney Jared Genser
said in a statement Saturday that his client’s travel ban has been lifted for
the first time in seven years. “For the first time in seven years, Siamak Namazi
is at home with his parents in Tehran.”

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“While
these are crucial first steps, we will not rest until the Namazis can all
return to the United States and their long nightmare has finally come to an
end,” said the attorney.

Who is
Baquer Namazi?

Baquer
Namazi is an American-Iranian who served as the Khuzetan Province governor
under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Namazi is 85 years old and suffers from
several medical conditions.

Earlier
this month, Namazi’s family, who are represented by Perseus Strategies, said
Baquer Namazi has been suffering from several illnesses for a long time and his
time in prison has caused more illnesses. Namazi’s sentence has been commuted
but he was barred from living the country until the current development.

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“The horrific
prison conditions, denial of proper care, and overall trauma of the past six
and a half years have been devastating for Baquer’s physical and mental health.
He developed stress-induced, adult-onset epilepsy, as well as severe
depression. He is often confused, becomes easily fatigued, and has difficulty
moving around and maintaining his balance, which has resulted in several falls,”
a statement from his family read.