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.

(Alexandria, Virginia) The Global Liberty Alliance (GLA) acknowledges and supports the October 3rd letter from the Chairs of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) to President Biden, calling for intensified efforts to secure the release of unjustly detained Americans, including GLA client Mark Swidan. The letter, embedded at the end of this post emphasized the need for high-level diplomatic advocacy, citing Swidan's ongoing suffering and wrongful imprisonment in the People's Republic of China (PRC).

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 31, 2024 — The Global Liberty Alliance (GLA) is urgently appealing for an end to the unjust imprisonment, harassment, and mistreatment of two Cuban sisters under the Communist regime. 

On May 28, 2024, Lisdany Rodriguez Isaac was granted temporary release from detention due to her high-risk pregnancy. Tragically, her sister, Lisdiany, remains incarcerated. 
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Lisdany's situation is dire; coerced into an attempted abortion, she suffers from inadequate medical care and is battling complications including placenta previa, a condition that poses grave risks to both her and her unborn child. ​

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 8, 2024 — The Global Liberty Alliance (GLA) has formally reported to the Organization of American States' International Commission on Human Rights (ICHR) regarding the severe human rights violations by the Cuban government against members of the Association of Free Yorubas of Cuba (Asociación de Yorubas Libres de Cuba, or “Free Yorubas”) who are regular victims of harassment by Cuban State Security.

Nicaragua, though Socialist since its 1978 Marxist revolution, is a predominantly Catholic country. There is an ongoing campaign against Christians and freedom of worship. 

The Ortega regime just sentenced a dozen Protestant leaders to 10-15 years in prison and ordered them to pay collective fines over 880 million dollars. They were convicted of money laundering after holding evangelical events across the South American nation.

As part of an ongoing project to raise awareness of challenges to religious liberty, particularly Latin America, Global Liberty Alliance President and Counsel Jason Poblete was interviewed by EWTN's Tracy Sabol. 

In this interview, Tracy and Jason delve into the critical and escalating challenges faced by #Catholics and other Christian communities in Nicaragua.

EWTN News Nightly