Kamran Hekmati is seen in this undated photo. Courtesy Hekmati family

Kamran Hekmati didn’t have concerns about going to Iran earlier this year for what was supposed to be a brief trip.

Hekmati, who is Iranian-American and Jewish, had traveled there numerous times with family, and he isn’t a political person, family members told CNN.

But the 70-year old was arrested and sentenced to prison time by Iranian authorities for visiting Israel 13 years ago for his son’s bar mitzvah, according to family members who spoke to CNN.

They asked not to be identified for fear of retaliation against Hekmati.

Hekmati is suffering from bladder cancer and is currently detained in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison . Although an appeal has been filed, his family is seriously concerned about his health.

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