Stateside: Art exhibit addresses Michigan detainee

Opening this weekend at the 555 Nonprofit Gallery and Studios is “Jailed Humanity: In Support of an American's Quest for Freedom from an Iranian Prison."

The exhibit aims to raise awareness of detainee Amir Hekmati’s situation.

Upon visiting family in Iran, Flint resident Hekmati was detained by the Iranian government and accused of being a spy.

In January, Hekmati was sentenced to death. Two months later, Iran’s Supreme Court found the verdict against Hekmati was incomplete and overturned the death sentence.

To this day, Hekmati sits in an Iranian prison, awaiting a new trial.

His family and friends in Flint are doing everything possible to keep Amir Hekmati's name in the headlines - to keep his plight known.

Amir's sister Sarah Hekmati is one of the show’s curators.

Hekmati was grateful for the exhibit and its ability to teach others about her brother’s situation.

“There were many artists that generated their work from across the country. The exhibit will have drawings, paintings and cartoons. It sends such a message about the power of humanity. It has been very inspiring and let us cross paths with some beautiful people,” said Hekmati.

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