I am so happy that I get to write to you today to say that Matt has been issued a presidential pardon and should be able to come home to us soon!

That he is returning home to me and the rest of his family is much more than I was ever expecting to happen this week.  We are elated. It’s the best news we could have received. Everyone’s crying happy tears and we cannot wait to have him back home in time for Christmas.

I cannot thank you all enough for your support. Without the support of the media, the overwhelming support of fellow academics, the work of the British diplomatic body in the UAE, Secretary Hunt’s intervention and importantly the support of wonderful people like you, this wouldn’t be happening right now.

Sadly, there are other families facing similar situations. We still need to bring Nazanin and Gabriella back home to Richard Ratcliffe. So please please sign and share his petition: change.org/FreeNazanin

I ask for some time for myself and the family to process - we’ll be saying more in the coming days.

Thank you all once again - this news has truly brought me back to life.

From Daniela