Trump admin secures release of American missionary held in Tunisia for 13 months: report

An American missionary who was detained in Tunisia for over a year was released on Sunday.

Officials gained the release of U.S. citizen Robert Vieira on Sunday afternoon, according to a Reuters report citing U.S. special envoy Adam Boehler.

Boehler told the outlet that Vieira was doing missionary work when he was detained by Tunisian authorities 13 months ago.

Officials reportedly suspected Vieira of espionage.

Mohamed Ali Nafti next to a Tunisian flag

Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti worked with U.S. officials on Vieira’s release. (KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images)

“We are grateful for Tunisia’s government’s decision to settle this matter, enabling Mr. Vieira to reunite with his family after over 13 months in pre-trial detention,” stated Boehler.

Boehler credited his collaboration with Nafti for securing the detainee’s release.

Tunis, Tunisia

Tunisia is a North African country bordered by Algeria and Libya. Vieira was detained in Tunisia for over a year. (iStock)

Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for additional comment but did not immediately hear back.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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