(Alexandria, Virginia)  The Global Liberty Alliance (GLA) today reaffirmed its commitment to helping secure the immediate release of Swedish-Eritrean journalist Dawit Isaak, who turns 61 after more than 24 years held incommunicado in Eritrea. 

​Today, Global Liberty Alliance joined partners in a joint press release urging decisive action for Swedish-Eritrean journalist Dawit Isaak, held incommunicado since September 2001 and now marking 24 years without due process or family contact. Dawit’s case embodies core principles we defend: the rule of law, due process, freedom of expression, and the dignity of the human person.  The press release and US Congressional Record sources are embedded at the end of this post.

​Originally published in the Swedish daily newspaper Sydsvenskan on August 14, 2025, this op-ed by Jason Poblete is presented here in English. Sydsvenskan is one of Sweden’s leading newspapers, founded in 1870, with a large national and regional readership. Mr. Poblete is an international human rights lawyer and president of the Global Liberty Alliance, a legal defense fund.

Global Liberty Alliance (GLA) welcomes Opinion No. 27/2025 by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) concluding that Iranian authorities arbitrarily deprived U.S. lawful permanent resident and Virginian, Mr. Shahab Dalili of his liberty and urging his immediate release, compensation, and accountability measures.

This past week in Berlin, a memorial was held for Jamshid (“Jimmy”) Sharmahd, a U.S. Legal Resident and German citizen who was unjustly imprisoned, tortured, and ultimately killed by the Islamic Regime of Iran. His daughter Gazelle and son Shayan (pictured), alongside family and allies from around the world, gathered not only to mourn his loss—but to renew the call for justice.

(Alexandria, Virginia) The “Iran expert group” is an independent team of United Nations human rights specialists tasked with monitoring and evaluating Iran’s adherence to international human rights laws. On February 12, 2024, they issued a findings report on the execution of GLA client, Jamshid (Jimmy) Sharmahd from California.

Their findings are important for justice and accountability efforts because they impartially highlight abuses, guide global efforts to hold violators accountable, and help protect future victims of unjust detention or other abuses.

In response to the United Nations’ Iran Experts Group, GLA President Jason Poblete issued the following statement:

(Alexandria, Virginia) This week, we celebrate a significant milestone in the fight against wrongful detention and hostage diplomacy. The Australian Senate has released a pivotal report to end these unjust practices and protect citizens targeted by authoritarian regimes. Inspired by frameworks in the U.S. and Canada, the report’s recommendations include establishing a dedicated envoy for wrongful detention, clearly defining these cases, and implementing sanctions to deter offenders.

(Alexandria, Virginia) ​The Global Liberty Alliance (GLA) welcomes the long-overdue release of American citizen Mark Swidan, who was wrongfully detained in China for over a decade. Swidan’s freedom was secured through tireless advocacy efforts and diplomatic negotiations. Among those recognized for their dedication to his case is GLA President Jason Poblete, who worked diligently alongside U.S. officials and advocates to ensure Swidan’s return.

(Alexandria, Virginia)  Last week, we issued a letter to Senators Grassley and Cardin, urging Congress to intensify diplomatic efforts and prioritize Mark’s case. The letter highlights the arbitrary nature of his detention, as confirmed by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and outlines actionable steps to press for his release.

(Alexandria, Virginia)​ Confusion and outrage have emerged over the reported execution in Iran of Mr. Jamshid Sharmahd.  Jimmy is a GLA client and a long-time California resident held hostage by Iran for the past four years. He was kidnapped in the UAE by Islamic Regime agents in 2020. An Iranian official claimed Sharmahd died before his scheduled execution, a statement that contradicts Tehran’s previous announcement of his execution. This inconsistency has drawn sharp reactions from Germany, the United States, and international human rights organizations, further straining relations between Iran and the West.