Iran Says Good Measures Adopted to Release Zakzaky

Morteza Rahimi said Iran’s embassy in Nigeria have already made arrangements with Nigerian officials and held constructive talks with various sides in the African country to pave the way for the release of Sheikh Zakzaky.

“After arrangements made with the Nigerian government, a medical team was sent to examine health conditions of Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife in jail,” he said, saying that Tehran warmly welcomed the move.

“The medical team has reportedly submitted a report on his health conditions so as to be developed by his lawyers for giving to the court,” he added.

According to Rahimi, the lawyers and family members of Sheikh Zakzaky are anxiously waiting for his trial so that they can take further legal steps for his release and treatment outside the country.

“We hope the legal procedures will be over soon,” he said.

The Iranian ambassador finally thanked organizations in Iran which are seriously following up the fate of Sheikh Zakzaky.

Sheikh Zakzaky, who is in his mid-sixties, lost his left eyesight in a 2015 raid by security forces that left more than 300 of his followers and three of his sons dead.

During the raid, his wife also sustained serious wounds. Sheikh Zakzaky has been held in detention since December 2015 despite a high court ruling.

He was charged in April with murder, culpable homicide, unlawful assembly, disruption of public peace and other accusations. He has pleaded not guilty.