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May 17, 2011

Iran Comments On Missing Al Jazeera Correspondent 
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The Iranian government has commented publicly for the first time on the
disappearance of Al Jazeera journalist, Dorothy Parvaz. Parvaz who was
detained in Syria last month and was reportedly deported to Iran, but
has not been seen since. A spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry said
Parvaz attempted to enter Syria last month with an expired Iranian
passport and without proper press clearance. The official offered no
details on reports that Parvaz has been deported to Iran. Parvaz was
born in Iran and holds Iranian, U.S. and Canadian citizenship. On
Monday. her fiancé, Todd Parker, called for her immediate release.

Todd Barker, Parvaz’s fiancé: “Everyday that goes by is a
significant event and we just desperately want to hear that Dorothy is
safe. The geopolitical environment is very complicated and I understand
that. And I don't want to cast aspersions on anybody. But my
relationship with Dorothy and I know people can understand my love of
her. I am going to be married to her and I need to speak with her.”



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