US confirms release of five Americans unjustly detained by Iran

Agencies | Washington

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The US said yesterday that five Americans who were unjustly detained by Iran had been released from prison and placed on house arrest.

“While this is an encouraging step, these US citizens - Siamak Namazi, Morad Tahbaz, Emad Shargi, and two Americans who at this time wish to remain private - should have never been detained in the first place,” National Security Council Spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement.

“We will continue to monitor their condition as closely as possible. Of course, we will not rest until they are all back home in the United States,” Watson added. Iran’s mission at the United Nations confirmed the transfer of American inmates out of Tehran’s Evin prison, state media reported.

Reports suggest that the US will unfreeze $6 billion in Iranian funds held in South Korea as well as other jailed Iranians in the US.