Courthouse Square

510 King Street, Suite 350

Alexandria, VA 22314
P 703.566.3037

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ms. Cara Di Silvio
Thursday, September 21, 2017 +1.703.566.3037

Statement on the Continued Unlawful Detention of

Internet Freedom Advocate & Hostage Nizar Zakka

The following is an update from the Zakka family about Mr. Nizar Zakkas
current health situation. This week marks the second year that Mr. Zakka was invited
and kidnapped by Iranian authorities.

We continue to hope and pray for Nizars prompt release from Evin Prison. Nizar has
lost more than 70 pounds, continues to suffer from several health ailments, and now he
has a very serious gum infection that requires surgery. For reasons that we do not know,
Evin prison officials refuse to provide Nizar with the medical attention that he needs.
Using health as a weapon is cruel and a violation of human rights.

To secure medical care, Evin Prison guards have even asked Nizar to sign forms in the
Persian language, a language that he does not understand. Nizar will not sign these
forms because he fears that his jailers may be trying to, again, force Nizar to sign a
confession for crimes that he did not commit. We ask that anyone in a position to do so,
please help Nizar secure his freedom so that he can be reunited with his family and get the
health care that he desperately needs.

At the invitation of Irans Vice President for Women and Family Affairs
Shahindokht Molaverdi, Mr. Zakka traveled to Iran and spoke at an ICT Conference in
September 2015. On the 18th of September, en route to the airport, Mr. Zakka
disappeared after being taken by persons believed to be associated with the Basij or the
intelligence services.

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

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ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA