Lawyer: Family of jailed American encouraged
Mar 5, 2012, 5:39 PM
AP National Security Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) – A lawyer for the family of an American man sentenced to death in Iran welcomed word of a retrial Monday.
Pierre Prosper told The Associated Press the family is still seeking details about the surprise announcement from Tehran. Former Marine Amir Hekmati was convicted in January on charges he is an American spy. His family denies that.
Prosper says he is “waiting for official confirmation, but we are pleased with reports coming out of Tehran.”
Prosper says the family looks forward to working with the Iranian government. Other Americans have been released after months or years in Iranian jails.
Prosper says an appeal has been in the works and progress in the case may be unrelated to the escalating pressure on Iran over its nuclear program.
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