Iran Ambassador to Damascus receives kidnapped pilgrims

Deputy Foreign Minister says that Iran ambassador to Damascus has received 48 Iranian kidnapped pilgrims in Syria.
Hassan Qashqavi told Mehr News that “the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will issue a statement on the release of the kidnapped pilgrims.”

Foreign Ministry Deputy of Consular and Iranians Affairs pointed out that plans were being made for the return of the released, and that all 48 were in full health.

These people were kidnapped by armed forces in August 2012 en route to the holy shrine of Hazrat Zeinab (Imam Ali’s daughter) in the Reef area of Damascus.

Following the arrest, Western media had spewed stories on the military origins of the pilgrims, which Iran Foreign Ministry denied.

Foreign Ministry had also added that using such strategy in detaining the vehicle carrying God-seeking pilgrims of Prophet Muhammad’s Household had no legitimacy and indicated the media irresponsibility and lack of commitment.