Courthouse Square

510 King Street, Suite 350

Alexandria, VA 22314
P 703.566.3037

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ms. Cara Di Silvio
Tuesday, July 18, 2017 +1.703.566.3037

Statement on the Continued Unlawful Detention of

Internet Freedom Advocate & Prisoner of Conscience Nizar Zakka

4th Week of Hunger Strike Zakka Says: liberty or death there is no turning back

(Alexandria, Virginia) Mr. Zakkas attorney in the United States, Mr. Jason Poblete,
issued the following update:

Determined more than ever to secure his freedom, Mr. Zakka has started his
fourth week of hunger strike to protest the false charges against him as well as the cruel
treatment that he has been subjected to in Evin Prison. As he has done since the onset of
this ordeal, Nizar maintains his innocence and seeks the unconditional release from
Iranian captivity.

Nizar has been subjected to unspeakable acts of physical and psychological

torture in violation of his fundamental liberties. Iranian officials know very well that
torture, under any circumstances, is unacceptable. The prohibition against torture is so
widely accepted that it is now a fundamental principle of customary international law.
To this day, Iran has repeatedly violated the United Nations Convention Against Torture
and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Despite significant pressures from his jailers in Evin, this past weekend Nizar
said he remains committed to the hunger strike, for himself and others unjustly held,
adding it is liberty or death there is no turning back. Nizar is fighting not only for
his liberty but also his life. On behalf of Nizar, we strongly urge all parties in a position
to do so, to act swiftly to secure his release on a humanitarian basis.

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ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA