Courthouse Square

510 King Street, Suite 350

Alexandria, VA 22314
P 703.566.3037

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ms. Cara Di Silvio
Monday, August 28, 2017 +1.703.566.3037

Statement on the Continued Unlawful Detention of

Internet Freedom Advocate & Prisoner of Conscience Nizar Zakka

Mr. Nizar Zakka issued the following statement upon learning that the Iranian
judicial system, such as it is, rendered another opinion in his case affirming a prior
judgment that sentenced him to 10 years in prison and a $4.5 million fine for the false
charge of espionage:

If youre traveling to Iran on business or pleasure, let my case be a lesson and a warning
to others considering visits to Iran. Im not the only one. If you value your freedom and are a
foreigner, Iran is not safe for you. Don't come here. I was invited to speak at an Internet ICT
conference by Vice President Shahindokht Molaverdi. On my way to the airport I was
kidnapped, locked up in Evin Prison, and was falsely charged with espionage. I am innocent and
the Iranians know it. There is no rule of law in Iran, and I am a victim of this, especially if youre
a foreigner. I will continue to speak out for freedom and justice.

Mr Zakkas lawyer in the United States, Mr. Jason I. Poblete, added:

As we have said in prior instances of alleged judicial action, Mr. Zakka was subjected to
a Star Chamber-like proceeding by certain people in the Iranian government who are more
interested in using him, and others, as political pawns in international politics. It's wrong and
inhumane.

In 1979, Iran held Americans hostages to exact political concessions from the United
States. The Iranians are doing it again, but this time Iran is using the color of law to legitimize
what amounts to hostage-taking so that Iran can, among other things, circumvent U.S. and E.U.
sanctions or use innocent civilians, such as Nizar, as leverage to negotiate flawed agreements
such as the JCPOA.

In summary, Nizar was invited and given a visa, Nizar was kidnapped, and then Nizar
was falsely accused of espionage. It appears that he was targeted for capture so that it coincided
during a critical time of the JCPOA negotiations. For these and other reasons, Iran remains a
state sponsor of terrorism under U.S. law. We shall continue to press all governments that can
and should help to demand that Iran unconditionally release of Mr. Zakka.
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ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA