Senators Gordon H. Smith (R-OR) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) have just introduced a Senate resolution calling for the immediate release of Dr. Haleh Esfandiari. Here is an excerpt of the press release:

“Incarcerating Haleh Esfandiari damages Ahmadinejad’s relations with the world, it does not improve them,” Said Senator Smith. “Ms. Esfandiari should be released immediately. Her harassment has gone on far too long.”

“I am deeply concerned about the inexplicable detention of renowned scholar Dr. Haleh Esfandiari by the Iranian government,” said Senator Clinton. “Dr. Esfandiari has made significant contributions to the body of research on international women’s issues, contemporary Iranian politics, and democratic developments in the Middle East. Her imprisonment contradicts the very essence of her work - to promote peace, reconciliation and freedom for all.”

The resolution introduced today by Senators Clinton and Smith demands the immediate, safe and unconditional release of Dr. Haleh Esfandiari from custody by the Iranian government.

The resolution also condemns the continuing crackdown in Iran on journalists and scholars and the deliberate dissemination of misinformation regarding their activities.

UPDATE: Text of the full resolution is now available.