In her appeal for the release of Morad Tahbaz, who was not part of the deal that brought her home, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe said that memories of her daughter sustained her through her nearly six years in captivity in Iran.
After being released from a U.K. prison last week after paying an old debt, Zaghira-Ratcliffe expressed gratitude for being freed, but added that her journey would not be complete until Tahbaz and others were returned to Iran.
“I believe we will not have true freedom until all those unfortunate people who have been unfairly detained in Iran have been reunited with their families,” Zaghari-Ratcliffe said at the news conference at which Tahbaz’s daughter also spoke.
Anoosheh Ashoori and Zaghari-Ratcliffe were released Wednesday as Britain, the United States, and other countries make efforts to secure the freedom of dozens of dual nationals detained by Iran, which does not recognize their right to hold citizenship in another country.
Iranian human rights activists and family members say the dual nationals were arrested on fabricated charges to pressure Western states into concessions.
Iran and the United States are negotiating the return of both to an international agreement limiting Tehran’s nuclear enrichment program – talks that have been complicated by the issue of the prisoners.
Despite recent Russian demands, a road map for restoring the accord has come closer. The British government said at the time Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Ashoori were freed that Tahbaz was also set to be released on furlough.
In a different twist, Tahbaz was taken to a hotel on Sunday but then returned to Evin Prison the next day. Tahbaz could only see his family for 48 hours under armed guards, then was returned to custody.
