Iranian state television has announced the release of four prisoners with dual nationality in a reported prisoner swap with the United States.
It’s believed that the released prisoners are Pastor Saeed Abedini, Siamak Namazi, Marine Amir Hekmati, and Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, though there is no official confirmation as of yet.
The Washington Post has not yet received confirmation of Rezaian’s release:
Current statement from the @WashingtonPost: “While we are hopeful, we have not received any official word of Jason’s release.”
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) January 16, 2016
However, Abedini’s wife posted confirmation on her Twitter page that her husband has been released:
It is confirmed: Saeed is released from Iranian prison.
— Naghmeh Abedini (@NaghmehAbedini) January 16, 2016
It’s worth noting this releases comes as implementation day of the Iran deal arrives.
You can watch CNN’s report above.
UPDATE –– 10:29 am EST: A Washington Post reporter tweeted out a big update and seeming confirmation of Rezaian’s release:
Jason Rezaian should be out of Iranian airspace in about 30 minutes.
— Ellen Nakashima (@nakashimae) January 16, 2016
UPDATE –– 11:19 am EST: U.S. officials have confirmed to CNN this morning that Rezaian, Hekmati, Abedini, and Nosratollah Khosrawi have been released by Iran. No word about Namazi.
The United States also reportedly released seven Iranian prisoners.
UPDATE –– 11:25 am EST: There is apparently a fifth American that will also be released:
BREAKING: US official: Iran also releasing 5th detained American, unrelated to prisoner swap.
— The Associated Press (@AP) January 16, 2016
UPDATE –– 12:25 pm EST: That fifth prisoner has been identified as Matthew Trevithchick, an American student.
UPDATE –– 12:42 pm EST: The Washington Post has a brief statement out on Rezaian’s release:
WaPo publisher Fred Ryan: "We couldn’t be happier to hear the news that Jason Rezaian has been released from Evin Prison." (1/2)
— Michael Calderone (@mlcalderone) January 16, 2016
Ryan, cont'd: "Once we receive more details and can confirm Jason has safely left Iran, we will have more to share." (2/2)
— Michael Calderone (@mlcalderone) January 16, 2016
[image via screengrab]
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