Meanwhile, Maura was also facing immense pressure from Iranian authorities, who were trying to coerce her into obtaining a divorce from her fiancé, an Iranian citizen, and staying in Iran permanently. Maura, who had been planning to marry her fiancé and start a new life in the United States, was shocked and dismayed by the sudden turn of events.
Patricia Harmon, a 54-year-old American citizen, was traveling with her 20-year-old daughter, Maura, to visit her estranged husband, Teymur Mirzayev, in Iran. Unbeknownst to Patricia, her husband had ulterior motives and had been planning to use Maura as leverage to gain custody of their other children, who were living with Patricia in the United States.
The U.S. government, in particular, played a significant role in advocating for Patricia's release. In 2012, the U.S. Department of State described her detention as "unjust" and "unacceptable," and urged Iranian authorities to release her immediately.
As news of Patricia's detention spread, an international campaign was launched to secure her release. The hashtag #FreePatriciaHarmon trended on social media, and human rights organizations, government officials, and concerned citizens rallied behind her cause.
Upon their arrival in Iran, Mirzayev falsely accused Patricia of spying, and she was detained by Iranian authorities. Maura, who had been traveling with her mother, was forced to stay in Iran, and Patricia was threatened that she would not be allowed to leave the country without her daughter.
For those who may not be familiar with the term, "Not Without My Daughter Qartulad" is a Georgian phrase that translates to "არ დავტოვებ ჩემს ქალიშვილს" in English. The phrase gained international attention due to the high-profile case of an American mother, Patricia Amy Harmon, who was wrongfully detained in Iran with her daughter, Maura, in 2011.
The story of Patricia Harmon and Maura has inspired a global movement, with many people using the phrase "Not Without My Daughter Qartulad" to raise awareness about the plight of mothers and children who are detained or separated from their loved ones due to conflict, politics, or human rights abuses.
Patricia Harmon spent 781 days in Iranian prison, where she was subjected to physical and emotional abuse. During her detention, she was forced to endure solitary confinement, inadequate medical care, and grueling interrogations. Despite her deteriorating health, Patricia continued to fight for her freedom and the freedom of her daughter.