Courthouse Square

510 King Street, Suite 350

Alexandria, VA 22314
P 703.566.3037

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ms. Cara Di Silvio

Thursday, May 4, 2017 +1.703.566.3037

Statement on the Continued Unlawful Detention of

Internet Freedom Advocate Nizar Zakka

Congress Introduces Resolution Urging Unconditional Release

of Nizar Zakka and all U.S. Persons Held Unlawfully in Iran

Several Members of Congress, including the Chairman of the House Committee on

Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
(R-Fla), introduced a resolution urging Iran to unconditionally release all U.S. citizens and Legal
Permanent Residents being unlawfully detained in Iran.

Mr. Zakkas Attorney, Jason Poblete said: We are pleased that the Congress continues to
shine a light on the ongoing unlawful detention of Mr. Zakka and, indeed, all U.S. persons held
by Iran.

Among other things, the Congress urges President Donald Trump to make the release of
U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents held hostage by Iran the highest priority. The
Congress also requests that a multinational task force be established by the United States and
allies whose nationals have also been detained in order to secure the release of the detainees.

The other original co-sponsors include: Rep. Nita Lowey (D-New York), Rep. Ted Poe
(R-Tex.), and Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.). Additional co-sponsors will likely be added.

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ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA + CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA