Thu Mar 13 03:20:12 UTC 2025: ## Six American Prisoners Released by Kuwait in Goodwill Gesture

**New York, March 13, 2025** – Six American prisoners, including veterans and military contractors, were released by Kuwait on Wednesday and arrived in New York. The release, described as a humanitarian gesture by a representative for the detainees, Jonathan Franks, follows a recent visit to Kuwait by a U.S. hostage envoy and reflects a continued U.S. government effort to repatriate American citizens held abroad.

Franks, who assisted in securing their release, stated that his clients maintain their innocence and that more Americans he represents are expected to be freed soon. While the State Department has yet to comment, and Kuwait’s state-run news agency has not acknowledged the release, the timing coincides with the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday, during which prisoner releases are common in Muslim-majority nations.

The prisoners, whose names have not been released, had been serving lengthy sentences on drug-related charges. Their families previously alleged mistreatment and accusations of trumped-up charges by Kuwaiti authorities. The State Department cautions travelers about the severe penalties for drug offenses in Kuwait. While defense cooperation agreements likely protect U.S. troops under American law, this may not extend to contractors.

This release follows other recent prisoner exchanges initiated by the Trump administration, including a swap with Russia and the release of an American citizen from Belarus. Although these Americans were not officially designated as “wrongfully detained” by the U.S. government – a status that usually triggers higher-level intervention – their release is seen by advocates as a positive shift in policy. Franks expressed hope that this demonstrates a renewed commitment to bringing all Americans held abroad home, regardless of their designated status.

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