Courthouse Square

510 King Street, Suite 350

Alexandria, VA 22314
P 703.566.3037

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ms. Cara Di Silvio
Monday, July 10, 2017 +1.703.566.3037

Statement on the Continued Unlawful Detention of

Internet Freedom Advocate Nizar Zakka

As Nizar Starts Third Week of Hunger Strike,

Family Pleas For Humanitarian Release

Fifteen days ago Internet freedom advocate Nizar Zakka started his fifth hunger
strike in Evin Prison to protest inhumane treatment at the hands of Iranian captors who
have held him hostage since September 18, 2015.

In a quick phone call to family this weekend, Mr. Zakka said it is too late to
stop the hunger strike, adding that he was being physically tortured by the
Iranians. The Zakka family issued the following statement:

We urge the international community, and specially the U.S. and

Lebanese governments, as well as all the Human Rights
Organizations to help Nizar. Nizars basic human and fundamental
rights are being violated. Nizars his health severely weakened due
to his continuing Hunger Strike for past 15 days, while the world is
watching silently.

Ms. Shahindokht Molaverdi, a member of Hassan Rouhanis cabinet, who also

serves as the Vice President of Iran for Women and Family Affairs, invited Mr. Zakka in
the summer of 2015 to speak at a technology conference for women and families.

After several days in Iran, and after a seemingly successful event that was public
and covered on social media, Nizar was detained en route to the airport on September
18, 2015. It is believed that he has been held at Evin Prison ever since.

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ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA