NDP statement on the release of Canadian resident Hamid Ghassemi-Shall in Iran

New Democrats welcome the news of Hamid Ghassemi-Shall’s release from Iran’s Evin Prison, where he had spent 5 years after being arrested on espionage charges.

"This is wonderful news for Hamid's wife, Antonella and his friends and neighbours who never gave up hope for his return," said NDP MP Matthew Kellway (Beaches-East York), in whose riding Ghassemi-Shall lived. "People in our community worked so hard and so long for his freedom and his safe return home to our community.”

Hamid Ghassemi-Shall was arrested in 2008 and charged with espionage. He was sentenced to death in 2009 and until recently his execution was considered imminent.

“We are delighted at the news and remain cautiously optimistic until such time as Mr. Ghassemi-Shall is back on Canadian soil and with his family,” said NDP Consular Affairs critic Wayne Marston. "We once again call for the immediate release of all political prisoners in Iran."