HUNTINGTON WOODS, Mich. – The family of Huntington Woods journalist Danny Fenster is celebrating his freedom.
Danny Fenster was the managing editor of the online magazine Frontier Myanmar when he was convicted on several charges and sentenced to 11 years in prison. He has been released from prison with help from a former U.S. diplomat.
Former U.S. diplomat Bill Richardson helped negotiate the release over the weekend. Late Monday afternoon Danny Fenster arrived in Doha, Qatar.
Read: Danny Fenster’s family upon news of his release: ‘We cannot wait to hold him in our arms’
Meantime, in Huntington Woods, the many “Free Fenster” lawn signs dotting the landscape remain. The neighbors are showing they’re glad he’s free. Fenster’s family said they appreciate the gestures greatly.
“We’re a very close family and I think always, all of us, have been demonstrative. We love you and we’re with you, so I think he knows that. We know that. Bryan and Kara knows that. We’re just all anxious to see him,” Danny Fenster’s mother Rose Fenster said.
Danny Fenster’s older brother finds though they have always been a tight-knit family, their bonds are now forever cemented.
“It brought us together. We sure have found out what we’re made of in terms of relationship with Danny. We hope things are good. This is a hard six months for him,” Danny Fenster’s brother Bryan Fenster said.
Danny Fenster’s father Buddy said the real unsung hero is Danny Fenster’s wife, Juliann. She is a brazilian diplomat who provided the best support she could to her husband and kept Danny Fenster’s family updated.
“She’s been the rock, you know? She’s been the one that went to the prison and delivered the stuff and kept his spirits up and she can take care of herself. Although, I haven’t met her yet, actually, you know. I think that she is a strong woman,” Danny Fenster’s father Buddy Fenster said.
Juliann Fenster can leave Myanmar on a commercial flight, when one is available. The flights do not leave frequently because Myanmar is in the middle of a civil war. The Fenster family expects her to come and meet them for the first time in the next couple weeks.