CEO responds to news that Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been freed

On behalf of all at the Thomson Reuters Foundation, we are overjoyed that our much-missed colleague and friend Nazanin has finally been freed.

No one can begin to imagine what Nazanin has endured throughout the past tortuous six years; denied her freedoms, separated from her husband and young child, battling significant illness, thrown in solitary confinement. An innocent victim of an international dispute, Nazanin has been one of many used as political pawns. Her treatment has been utterly inhumane.

Throughout this extremely dark period, we have supported the Free Nazanin campaign every single step of the way, whilst remaining in close contact with Richard, and of course, with Nazanin herself. On a personal level, I have nothing but admiration for Nazanin’s courage, resilience and fortitude, despite her prolonged and painful suffering. I have been thankful that we have been able to remain in close contact. She is a truly remarkable woman, with a truly remarkable family.

In a time when the world is in turmoil and the news has been consistently bleak, Nazanin’s freedom is a ray of light and hope. Her reunion with her family cannot come soon enough, and we cannot wait to have her back with us at the Thomson Reuters Foundation whenever she is ready.

Our thoughts are with all those who remain unfairly incarcerated in Tehran, and with their families who continue to so desperately hope for clemency.

Antonio Zappulla, Thomson Reuters Foundation CEO

For all media enquiries and interview requests:

Jenny Vereker
Global Director of Communications
Thomson Reuters Foundation
Mobile: +447932966331
[email protected]