Latest show of contempt for America, says Foreign Affairs Chair

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued this statement as reports surfaced that Iranian-American Siamak Namazi has been arrested by the intelligence arm of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, a unit that reports directly to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei:

“The arrest of Siamak Namazi is the latest show of contempt for America.  This American executive – who has worked to promote closer U.S.-Iran relations – deserves to be home with his family.  So do the other four Americans either detained or missing in Iran.  Unfortunately for Siamak and his family, I fear that his ‘case’ will play out like the others: a closed sham trail with no transparency, no evidence and no representation – and even brutal treatment.

“Secretary Kerry is meeting today in Europe with the Iranian Foreign Minister.  He will yet again raise the cases of the now five Americans detained by Iran.  Enough is enough.  Mr. Secretary, don’t just raise the cases – demand that these Americans come home now.”    

Background note:  In June, Chairman Royce convened a hearing at which family members of four Americans either detained or missing in Iran testified. For more information about the hearing, click here.

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