New York J 1800: Calling for the safe return of Ryan Corbett, and expressing our deepest condolences to his family and friends

Bill Text

Senate Resolution No. 1800
Senator HELMINGBY:
for the safe return of Ryan Corbett, andCALLING
expressing our deepest condolences to his family and
friends
Ryan Corbett moved his family to Afghanistan in 2010 andWHEREAS,
provided aid to the Afghan population through his work with local
non-governmental organizations (NGOs); and
In 2017, Ryan Corbett founded "Bloom Afghanistan" toWHEREAS,
provide consulting and microloans to Afghan small businesses in an
effort to help build a self-sustaining local economy; and
Ryan Corbett was forced to leave his life, community, andWHEREAS,
Afghan partners behind during the August 2021 Taliban takeover of
Afghanistan and the ensuing evacuation of American citizens; and
In August 2022, Ryan Corbett traveled to Afghanistan for aWHEREAS,
10-day trip to check in on his business and employees and was detained
by the Taliban; and
The Taliban detained Ryan Corbett without charging him withWHEREAS,
a crime or granting him due process in any judicial proceedings; and
It is reported that Ryan Corbett is being held in a 9-footWHEREAS,
by 9-foot cell with two other detainees; and
It is reported that Ryan Corbett has been held in solitaryWHEREAS,
confinement for months at a time; and
It is reported Ryan Corbett is being denied regular accessWHEREAS,
to a medical care, sunlight, or adequate nutrition; and
It has been reported Ryan Corbett is in deterioratingWHEREAS,
health, suffering from seizures, fainting, and discolored extremities;
and
The Taliban has not granted Ryan Corbett any consularWHEREAS,
visits by Department of State personnel; and
During his detention, Ryan Corbett has only had three phoneWHEREAS,
calls totaling 22 minutes with his family, and has only had two
in-person visits with representatives of the United States protecting
power in Afghanistan, Qatar; and
Ryan Corbett turned 40 years old during his wrongfulWHEREAS,
detention, and it is reported his physical and mental health is rapidly
declining due to the stress and harsh conditions; and
Ryan Corbett's family fears he will not survive hisWHEREAS,
wrongful detention; and

On October 10, 2023, Ryan Corbett was designated asWHEREAS,
wrongfully detained by the United States Department of State; and
United States citizen Ryan Corbett is known to have lived aWHEREAS,
life of service, by supporting humanitarian projects in Afghanistan and
helping the Afghan people start and operate small businesses; and
Ryan Corbett is known to his family, friends, colleagues,WHEREAS,
and associates as a loving father, as well as a kind, service-oriented
man; and
It is time to bring this American citizen home; now,WHEREAS,
therefore, be it
That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations toRESOLVED,
call for the safe return of Ryan Corbett, and to express our deepest
condolences to his family.