Skip to main content

Iranian TV says American-born anchor detained in US

An American-born Iranian TV anchor working for Iran's state broadcaster says she has faced mistreatment after being detained upon arrival in the United States.
marziehhashemi.JPG

An American-born Iranian journalist working for Iran's state-funded English-language news network Press TV is said to be in custody after landing in the United States to visit an ailing brother.

Marzieh Hashemi was reportedly detained at St. Louis International Airport Jan. 14 and taken to a Washington, DC, facility by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, according to Press TV, citing family and friends. The FBI has yet to comment on the story. But Press TV says it has learned that its 59-year-old anchor was denied contact to her family members for 48 hours. She has recounted different forms of "mistreatment" such as being handcuffed and shackled, forced to remove her hijab, offered only pork — which is forbidden in Islam — and photographed without a headscarf.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.