National Press Club issues statement by Muhammad Ali to Jason Rezaian

The National Press Club issued the following statement from Muhammad Ali to Jason Rezaian of the Washington Post on Jan. 28.

"What a true blessing to learn of your release from Iran. It truly lifted a weight off my heart and I thank God that you are back home with friends and family. Your faithfulness, peace and faith helped you through this journey and will continue to lift you up throughout your life. It is my greatest hope that you continue sharing your gift of writing to share the true meaning of Islam with the world," Muhammad Ali said in the statement.

In March of 2015 Muhammad Ali first spoke out for Jason Rezaian, calling on Iran to release the Washington Post reporter who had been unjustly detained in prison. Ali tweeted the day Rezaian was released (which was also Ali’s birthday). This is the first statement Ali has issued since Rezaian has been released.