43 Sign On To Resolution Seeking Release Of Iran Prisoners

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan congressman says there now are 43 co-sponsors of his resolution saying Iran should immediately release jailed ex-Marine Amir Hekmati and all other Americans in its custody.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee announced the bipartisan measure last week, with Republican Raul Labrador of Idaho and Democrats Jared Huffman of California and Ted Deutsch of Florida as co-sponsors.

Kildee said Monday the House measure now has 43 co-sponsors.

His district includes the Flint area, where Hekmati's family lives.

Kildee says he applauds the U.S. Senate's approval of a similar resolution, saying it tells Iran "it cannot continue to hold innocent political prisoners" like Hekmati.

Hekmati was arrested in 2011 while visiting relatives in Iran on a spying charge. He's now serving a 10-year prison sentence on a reduced charge.

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