Iranians Appeal for US Release of Mother
VoA News: The twin daughters of an Iranian woman detained in the U.S. have appealed to President Barack Obama to release their mother as a New Year's gesture.
Iran's state-run Press TV aired the appeal from the teenage daughters of Shaharzad Mir Gholikhan Wednesday. In the video message, the twins said the New Year is a time when “families gather together and celebrate with joy,” and they want to celebrate with their mother. They urged viewers to send letters and emails to Mr. Obama.
U.S. and Austrian authorities arrested Gholikhan and her former husband (Mahmoud Seif) in 2004 on charges of attempting to illegally export thousands of sophisticated night-vision systems for Iran's military.
Officials said they two were trying to buy up to 3,000 advanced helmet-mounted night vision goggles.
About a year ago, Gholikhan's situation became linked to the case of three American hikers detained in Iran on spying charges. Iranian officials included her name on list of citizens allegedly detained in the U.S. and proposed a swap.
Iran later freed one of the hikers, Sarah Shourd
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