Prisoner Nader Modanlo rejected President Barack Obama's offer to commute his sentence as part of the prisoner swap that will happen this month with Iran.
It seems that the administration is too keen to give aerospace engineer, Modanlo, a better chance at living, after offering to bring down his sentence. According to Reuters, the United States administration dropped a claim against Modanlo for the $10 million he took as illegal payment from Iran.
But according to Modanlo, lawyers and U.S. officials knew about the payment and the deal. This is the first time that the media has learned about the claim's surrender, and it definitely could add to the ongoing criticism on how the administration secured a deal regarding a prisoner. The deal has already gained criticism from Republican presidential candidates as well as lawmakers.
A spokesperson from the Justice Department failed to comment on what has been said and talked about the $10 million payment. The jury in Maryland discovered that the Iran-born engineer was paid the said amount to help Iran launch its first satellite in 2005. As a defense, Modanlo claims that the money was loaned from a Swiss company as payment for a telecoms-related deal.
Five Americans that are held prison in Iran were released during the same time when seven Iranians were granted pardons. The swap deal came with the implementation of a landmark agreement on January 16 that prevents Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions, The Daily Mail reports.
The main reason why Modanlo does not want to accept the deal is his chance to clear his name in court. Speaking to Reuters, Modanlo stated that he feels disappointed that he has to give up his right to appeal his case. Modanlo then took a hit at the American justice system, asking that if they truly believe in its system, what would be the reason to deprive him of his right to do so.
