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List of American people imprisoned abroad

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This is a list of American people imprisoned abroad by state and non-state actors. This list includes citizens of the United States and Legal permanent residents. The Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA) Roger D. Carstens leads and coordinates activities across the Executive Branch to bring home Americans held hostage in other countries.

Non-governmental organizations that advocate for the return of Americans imprisoned abroad include the Richardson Center for Global Engagement and the James Foley Legacy Foundation.

Africa

Name Detained Released Days in detention Reason for detention Ref.
Jeffrey Woodke 14 October 2016 In detention 2928 Kidnapped for monetary ransom [1]
Paul Rusesabagina 31 August 2020 Arrested on charges of terrorism, arson, kidnap and "murder perpetrated against unarmed, innocent Rwandan civilians on Rwandan territory".

Asia

Afghanistan

Name Detained Released Days in detention Reason for detention Ref.
Mark Frerichs 31 January 2020 In detention 1724 Kidnapped by the Haqqani network

China

Name Detained Released Days in detention Reason for detention Ref.
Kai Li (businessman) In detention ~2971 Accused of espionage [2]
Mark Swidan 13 November 2012 Accused of drug conspiracy [3]
David Lin 2008 Accused of contract fraud and sentenced to life in prison [4]

Iran

Name Detained Released Days in detention Reason for detention Notes Ref.
Emad Shargi 30 November 2020 In detention 1420 Espionage / Spying Sentenced to 10 years in January 2021.

Had previously been cleared in December 2019

[5][6]
Morad Tahbaz January 2018 In detention [7]
Baquer Namazi 22 February 2016 In detention 3163 [8]
Siamak Namazi 13 October 2015 In detention 3293 [9]
Shahab Dalili 2016 "Aiding and abetting" the U.S. [10]

Pakistan

Name Detained Released Days in detention Reason for detention Ref.
Paul Overby 17 May 2014 In detention 3809

Russia

Name Detained Released Days in detention Reason for detention Ref.
Brittney Griner 17 February 2022 In detention 976 Accused of possession of hashish oil
Paul Whelan (security director) 28 December 2018 Accused of espionage
Marc Fogel 15. August 2021 In detention 1162 Accused of marijuana possession [11][12]

Middle East

Syria

Name Detained Released Days in detention Reason for detention Ref.
Austin Tice 14 August 2012
Majd Kamalmaz 15 February 2017

United Arab Emirates

Name Detained Released Days in detention Reason for detention Ref.
Zack Shahin March 2008 In detention Accused of bribery and embezlement [13]

South America

Venezuela

Name Detained Released Days in detention Reason for detention Ref.
Eyvin Hernandez 29 March 2022
Matthew John Heath September 2020
Airan Berry May 2020 [14]
Luke Denman May 2020 [14]
Tomeu Vadell 21 November 2017 Arrested for corruption charges and detained among the Citgo Six
Jorge Toledo 21 November 2017 Arrested for corruption charges and detained among the Citgo Six
Alirio Zambrano 21 November 2017 Arrested for corruption charges and detained among the Citgo Six
Jose Luis Zambrano 21 November 2017 Arrested for corruption charges and detained among the Citgo Six
Jose Angel Pereira 21 November 2017 Arrested for corruption charges and detained among the Citgo Six

References

  1. ^ Korpar, Lora (2021-11-18). "Wife of American man kidnapped 5 years ago in Africa says release being hindered by U.S." Newsweek. Retrieved 2022-07-28.
  2. ^ James Griffiths. "How this Long Island man ended up in Chinese prison on espionage charges". CNN. Retrieved 2022-07-29.
  3. ^ Amanatullah, Samy (2020-11-30). "The Dui Hua Foundation - American Citizen Mark Swidan: Eight Years in Jiangmen Detention Center". The Dui Hua Foundation. Retrieved 2022-07-29.
  4. ^ Perkins, Tony (2019-04-16). "The US must bring imprisoned American pastor David Lin home from China". Fox News. Retrieved 2022-07-29.
  5. ^ Luce, Dan De (2021-01-17). "Iran jailed another American, jeopardizing Biden's plans for diplomacy". NBC News.
  6. ^ Coleman, Justine (2021-01-17). "Iran convicts American businessman on spying charge: report". TheHill. Retrieved 2021-01-20.
  7. ^ "Environmentalists Detained in Crackdown Denied Legal Counsel Amid Claims Some Were 'Jewish Spies'". Center for Human Rights in Iran. 5 March 2018. Archived from the original on 15 October 2019.
  8. ^ "Revolutionary Guards Mark Anniversary of Dual National Siamak Namazi's Arrest With Propaganda Video". Center for Human Rights in Iran. 17 October 2016. Archived from the original on 9 October 2019.
  9. ^ "UN Urged to Take Immediate Action on Namazis". IranWire. 25 April 2017. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020.
  10. ^ "Iranian-American woman asks for release of husband held in Iran". NBC News. Retrieved 2022-07-29.
  11. ^ "This American teacher also sits in a Russian jail, worried nobody cares". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2022-07-29.
  12. ^ "Drug smuggling case of former U.S. embassy employee Fogel sent to court - Russian Interior Ministry". Interfax. Retrieved 2022-07-29.
  13. ^ "The longest-serving overseas American prisoner goes on hunger strike". The longest-serving overseas American prisoner goes on hunger strike. Retrieved 2022-07-29.
  14. ^ a b "Family of Texas Green Beret jailed still awaits son's return". spectrumlocalnews.com. Retrieved 2022-07-29.
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