FLINT, MI -- The Iranian news agency FARS has reported Flint native Amir Hekmati is among a group of prisoners being released from captivity in the country.

(UPDATE: Family of Amir Hekmati 'praying and hoping' after reports of release)

A story on the news agency's website lists Hekmati, a Flint Central High School and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, who was arrested in August 2011 and accused of being a spy, as one of four people being released along with Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian.

Hekmati was originally sentenced to death, but the decision was overturned. He was later charged with cooperating with and collaborating with the U.S. government and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Hekmati's family and politicians, including U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township, have been fighting for Amir's release. Sarah Hekmati, Amir's sister, was recently Kildee's guest during President Obama's State of the Union address.