One of the five Americans released by Iran as a part of a prisoner exchange described his return as “like being born again.”
Amir Hekmanti was part of a group of freed Americans that included Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian and Christian pastor Saeed Abedini. His family says he was visiting his grandmother in Iran in 2011 when he was first detained. Hekmanti, a former Marine infantryman and linguist, was charged with espionage and other crimes a year later, according to CNN.
“I feel extremely lucky, alive, for the first time in a long time, and very humbled at everybody’s support, from the President to Congress to my fellow Marines, and especially my family who’ve really gone through so much throughout this time,” Hekmanti told reporters outside Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany before traveling to Michigan.
Hekmanti, Rezaian and Abedini arrived at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on Sunday. “I did not relax until we were out of Iranian airspace,” Hekmati said.
[CNN]
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
- Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work?
- Why We're Spending So Much Money Now
- The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To
- Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris
- Why TV Can’t Stop Making Silly Shows About Lady Journalists
- The Case for Wearing Shoes in the House
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Write to Nolan Feeney at nolan.feeney@time.com