The son of an Iranian prisoner hops that compassion shown to US prisoners by the Iranian government is shown to his elderly father.

Kamal Foroughi, 76, was taken in for questioning without an arrest warrant or explanation in May 2011 and is currently being held in Evin Prison, Tehran in Iran.

On January 17, 5 US citizen prisoners were released by Iran as part of a prisoner swap with the US, however, Mr Foroughi has not been released.

According to his son, Kamran Foroughi, 40, from Hertsmere, Mr Foroughi had a meeting with his lawyer and he was feeling confident that he may be released soon.

Mr Foroughi said: “Let us hope that this sign of compassion shown by the Iranian authorities to the US prisoners continues and they do release Grandpa Kamal very soon.

“Please continue to help us with your thoughts, prayers and spreading awareness of Grandpa Kamal’s predicament.”

The petition on change.org has more than 70, 000 signatures asking for Mr Foroughi to be freed.

The case of Mr Foroughi was brought to the attention of Tobias Ellwood, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, on January 16, 2016, by Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden.

Mr Ellwood said at the House of Commons: “Iran does not recognise dual nationality, so we have not been granted the normal consular access to Kamal Foroughi.

“We continue to raise the case of Mr Foroughi’s detention at the highest levels, including representations from me and the Foreign Secretary, as well as the Prime Minister.”

His son is becoming increasingly concerned with his health and approached the Foreign Office in 2013 to make his father’s case clear.

In the House of Commons Mr Dowden said: “Mr Foroughi is now 76 years of age and there are serious concerns about his health, including the possibility that he may be suffering from cancer.

“Will the Minister update the House on what steps the Foreign Office has taken to promote Mr Foroughi’s wellbeing during his detention at Evin Prison?”

Mr Ellwood replied: “We certainly share the family’s concerns for Mr Foroughi’s health.

“The case was raised most recently on December 22 by our chargé d'affaires with the deputy secretary-general of the Iranian High Council for Human Rights.

“I hope to visit the country soon. The Foroughi Secretary and I will continue to make the case for clemency, but also for consular access.”