Robert Vieira, an American missionary held in Tunisia for over a year, was freed on Sunday.

U.S. officials secured Vieira’s release on Sunday afternoon, according to a Reuters report quoting U.S. special envoy Adam Boehler.

Boehler told Reuters that Vieira was engaged in missionary work when he was detained by Tunisian authorities 13 months prior.

Authorities reportedly suspected Vieira of spying.

Tunisia, a North African nation bordered by Algeria and Libya, agreed to Vieira’s release after Boehler worked closely with its foreign minister, Mohamed Ali Nafti.

Following his release on Sunday, Vieira and his family flew back to the U.S.

“We are grateful for the Tunisian government’s decision to resolve this case and allow Mr. Vieira to return to his family after more than 13 months of detention before trial,” Boehler stated.

Boehler attributed the release to his collaboration with Nafti.

Digital reached out to the State Department for comment but has yet to receive a response.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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