Fulfilling the Promise of the Digital Age
June 11, 2019
WITSAFairfax, VA: The World InformationTechnology and Services (WITSA) welcomed the safe return of Mr. Nizar Zakka, a Lebanese-born internet freedom advocate living in theU.S., who had been imprisoned in Iran for 1,350 days.
Accordingto Mr. Zakka’s legal counsel, Mr. Jason Poblete, Nizar looks forward to reuniting with family andfriends. Nizar expresses his sincerest thanks to those who never forgot him.Nizar also wants to remind those who can help that there remain many Americans,US Legal Permanent Residents, and other foreigners in Iranian prisons. Nizargrew close to some of these men; they need help and want to come home.
Mr. Zakka served on WITSA’s Board of Directors and was its Vice Chairmanfor the Middle East and Northern Africa region. Mr Zakka did not return fromTehran after participating in the SecondInternational Conference & Exhibition on Women in Sustainable Developmenton September 18, 2015. Mr. Zakka, who had been sentencedto ten years in prison for spying for the U.S. government, was on his way tohis native Lebanon on Tuesday, Mr. Poblete said.
Mr. Zakka is also one of the foundingmembers of The Arab ICT Organization – IJMA3, which was formed to represent aregional alliance of ICT organizations across the Middle East and North Africa(MENA). Today, the member organizations represent 18 ICT organizations, across14 countries. In addition to being an advocate for the ICT industry, IJMA3works on projects in the field of ICT for Development (ICT4D), which aim topromote income generating opportunities and improved livelihoods for peopleacross the MENA region, particularly youth.
WITSA had continuallyreached out to many relevant parties, condemning the unjust imprisonment to theU.S. Department of State, U.S.Congress, and the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights and to seekMr. Zakka’s release.
About WITSA:
The World Information Technology and ServicesAlliance (WITSA) is the leading recognized international voice of the globalICT industry, whose members from over 80 countries and economies represent morethan 90 percent of the world ICT market. WITSA is dedicated to advocatingpolicies that advance industry growth and development; facilitatinginternational trade and investment in ICT products and services; strengtheningWITSA’s national industry associations; and providing members with a broadnetwork of professional contacts.
WITSA members are leaders in a globallyinterconnected marketplace. Because the challenges facing the ICT industry areundisputedly global in nature, WITSA members work together to achieve a sharedvision on important issues of common interest. WITSA makes it possible for itsmembers — ranging from Mongolia and Argentina to Kenya and the United States —to identify common issues and priorities, exchange valuable information, andpresent a united position on industry issues.
