UN Working Group Finds virginian Shahab Dalili Arbitrarily Detained; Calls for His Immediate Release

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.

GLA received official transmission of the Opinion from the WGAD secretariat following its adoption at the Working Group’s 102nd session. The Opinion determines Mr. Dalili’s detention is arbitrary under Categories I, III, and V, and recommends his immediate release, an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, and a full, independent investigation into the violations. The case has also been referred to the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran.
Key findings highlighted by the WGAD

• Mr. Dalili—a U.S. lawful permanent resident—was arrested without a warrant in April 2016 and held incommunicado, violating core protections against arbitrary detention.
• Serious fair-trial violations and concerns about judicial independence and impartiality rendered the proceedings fundamentally unfair.
• The deprivation of liberty rests on discriminatory grounds, including his ties to the United States, placing the case within Category V. 

“This UN determination further validates what we already knew, and another milestone for Shahab and his family in Virginia,” said Jason Poblete, GLA President. “We urge responsible nations and other stakeholders to act with urgency to secure his freedom, ensure he receives proper care, and hold those responsible to account.”

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