American Jew still in Iranian prison for alleged Israel ties, another out on bail

After a wave of arrests sparked by the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, an American Jew is still being held in an Iranian Prison.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that “the individual, Yehuda Hekmati, is over 70 years old and works in the jewelry and precious stones trade.”

According to the HRANA report, the arrest was made in connection with “a visit [Hekmati] made to Israel seven years ago.”

Hekmati left Iran decades ago, and has been since living in New York.

While another American, living in Los Angeles, was arrested during the recent crackdown, he has since been released on bail.

The report indicates that both Hekmati and the other American were in Iran for the purpose of visiting family.

About 35 Iranian Jews in total were arrested after the 12-day war.

Ynet reported on Sunday that a total of 5 of the Jews arrested after the war began remain in Iranian custody.

The report states that “the other detainees were arrested for allegedly posting or liking anti-regime content online, according to Iranian authorities.”

Jewish member of the Iranian parliament Dr. Homayoun Sameh said that all espionage charges had been dropped, and that he was working to resolve the five remaining cases.

“We are scheduled to meet with the president of the court in Alborz Province to discuss the remaining cases,” he said. “We are hopeful that, with continued cooperation, those issues will also be resolved in the near future.”