Freed in Iran, fishermen thank Jayalalithaa

Sixteen fishermen from Tamil Nadu freed from a jail in Iran met Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa at the state secretariat here Wednesday and thanked her for helping in their release, an official statement said.

Considering their poor financial position, Jayalalithaa ordered a financial assistance of Rs.100,000 each to the 16 fishermen, the statement said.

The fishermen, who were working for a private company in Saudi Arabia, strayed into Iranian waters. They were taken into custody December last, and sentenced to six months in prison. A fine of $5,750 was levied on each of them.

The 16 fishermen were released from Iran jail Sep 16 and later reached India.

At the meeting, Jayalalithaa also announced assistance of Rs.3 million under a state government scheme and help to get bank loan for another Rs.3 million so that the fishermen can buy a boat and carry on their trade without having to leave home for work abroad.