Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) made a statement on May 11 about Haleh’s arrest, he called for Haleh’s immediate release. Also, Senator Lieberman recognized Haleh for being a voice of moderation and a promoter of peaceful exchange.

Dr. Esfandiari has dedicated decades of her life to the cause of promoting the peaceful exchange of ideas between the Iranian people and the American people. She has inspired untold numbers of American students to study the Persian language and the rich culture and history of Iran.

If the Iranian government sincerely wants to reach out and engage with the American people, it should immediately and unconditionally release this champion of outreach, and it should continue by releasing all other individuals it has detained merely for participating in the free exchange of scholarship and ideas.”