Statement on the Continued Unlawful Detention of Internet Freedom Advocate & Hostage Nizar Zakka

On behalf of Mr. Nizar Zakka and his family, Mr. Zakka’s lawyer in the United States, Mr. Jason Poblete, issued the following statement:

Iran negotiated in bad faith, including using innocent civilians such as Mr. Zakka as political leverage during the JCPOA talks. Unlike the Obama administration, the Congress in two resolutions and President Trump, are refocusing U.S. priorities to include the unconditional release of hostages such as Nizar. Allies should follow America’s lead.

 

Mr. Zakka traveled to Iran in September 2015, at the invitation of Iran’s Vice President for Women and Family Affairs Shahindokht Molaverdi, to speak at a conference on the use of technology and the Internet to promote social, economic, and educational development in the region. After the conference, en route to the airport, Mr. Zakka was taken by persons believed to be associated with the IRGC’s Basij or the intelligence services.

Mr. Zakka has been denied the right to review the charges or evidence against him and his lawyers have not been allowed to mount a proper defense. Despite the ordeal, including psychological and physical torture, Nizar has maintained his innocence. 

More information about Mr. Zakka’s case and the resolutions introduced in the Congress can be found below. 

 

 

 

Prior Statements and Releases

• UPDATE 17- After Two Years, Zakka’s Health Continues to Deteriorate
  
  
• UPDATE 16- Nizar Zakka, Two Years Unlawfully Detained in Iran
• UPDATE 15a- Iran Renders Another Opinion in Zakka’s Case Affirming Prior Judgement
• UPDATE 14- After Learning of Son’s Testimony, Congressional Resolution, Zakka Breaks Hunger Strike After 33 Days
  
  
• UPDATE 13- Fourth Week of Hunger Strike Zakka Says “Liberty or Death…there is no turning back”
• UPDATE 12- As Nizar Starts Third Week of Hunger Strike, Family Pleas for Humanitarian Release 
• UPDATE 11- Nizar on Fifth Hunger Strike, Now “Open Ended”
• UPDATE 10- Nizar Zakka Begins Fifth Hunger Strike, Iran Responds With Torture
  
  
• UPDATE 9- Statement on the Continued Unlawful Detention of Nizar Zakka
• UPDATE 8- Statement on the Continued Unlawful Detention of Zakka
• UPDATE 7- Statement on the Continued Unlawful Detention of Nizar Zakka
• UPDATE 6- Statement on the Continued Unlawful Detention of Internet Freedom Advocate Nizar Zakka
  
  
• UPDATE 5- The Continued Unlawful Detention of Nizar Zakka
  
  
• US LPR Zakka Meets With Iranian Prosecutor, Lebanese Ambassador to Tehran
  
  
• UPDATE 4-Statement on the Continued Unlawful Detention of Internet Freedom Advocate Nizar Zakka
  
  
• UPDATE 3- Zakka Starts Hunger Strike, Demands Unconditional Release
• UPDATE 2- Nizar Zakka Celebrates 2nd Birthday as a Hostage in Iran
  
  
• UPDATE 1- The Continued Unlawful Detention of Nizar Zakka, Unconditional Release on Humanitarian Grounds Urged
  
  
• The Continued Unlawful Detention of Nizar Zakka, Unconditional Release on Humanitarian Grounds Urged