Amir Hekmati Returns To Michigan After Release From Iranian Prison

DETROIT (WWJ) - After spending years in an Iranian jail with his fate unknown, Michigan native, Amir Hekmati emerged from a plane at Flint's Bishop International Airport on Thursday to return to his family.

Hekmati, a Marine veteran recently released from Iran in a prisoner-swap deal, says he's grateful to be home in Michigan.

"It's great to be back in Flint, my hometown, I love this city, I love its people - they have been so good to me, my family and we are very grateful. I am happy to finally be home. It's been a very long road, a very long journey, unfortunately many people have traveled this road with me.

"Despite all the difficulties - thank God, thanks to everyone's support ... everyone from the President, Congressman Kildee, everyday Americans - I'm standing here, healthy, tall and with my head held high," said Hekmati.

Just over four years ago Hekmati was sentenced to death in Iran accused of spying for the CIA in that country. He was later retried and given a 10-year sentence on a lesser charge.