Heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali has publicly asked Iran to free Jason Rezaian.
Ali previously a news conference a few years ago at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, and asked Iran to free the three American hikers it had arrested at the border.
Ali was invited to attend another press conference at the club last Thursday to speak about Rezaian. In declining health, he said he was unable to attend but sent a statement read at the news conference.
“”I am sorry that I cannot be physically present to lend my support in person, but I pray my words will provide relief to the efforts to secure the release of Jason Rezaian,” Ali wrote.
“To my knowledge, Jason is a man of peace and great faith, a man whose dedication and respect for the Iranian people is evident in his work.
“I support his family, friends and colleagues in their efforts to obtain his release.”
