Iran sentences US-based Lebanese internet-freedom activist to ten years

A US permanent resident detained for a year in Iran over spying allegations has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and a $4.2 million fine, his supporters said on Tuesday, part of a wide crackdown on those with foreign ties which followed the nuclear deal.

Nizar Zakka is a Lebanese citizen who advocates for Internet freedom and whose non-profit group worked for the US government, received the sentence in a 60-page verdict that Zakka’s supporters have yet to see, according to his lawyer Jason Poblete.

“There’s no regard for any international order, any international agreement or any international state of relations that they care about,” said David Ramadan, a former Virginia state legislator who co-founded a group called Friends of Nizar Zakka said, in reference to hard-liners in the Islamic Republic.

Zakka had two court hearings before the ruling and received limited legal assistance before the court, Amnesty International said.

The closed-door tribunal handles cases involving alleged attempts to overthrow the government and was heard by Abolghassem Salavati - a judge known for his tough sentences during politically charged cases.

Washington-resident, Zakka leads the Arab ICT Organisation - an industry consortium from 13 countries that advocates for information technology in the region.

He disappeared in September last year during a trip to Iran after being invited to a conference attended by President Hassan Rouhani.

Almost one month later, state television reported Zakka was being held in custody for his alleged "deep links" to US intelligence services.

It’s unclear what prompted Iranian authorities to detain Zakka, however reports emerged in May suggesting Zakka's organisation had received at least $730,000 in contracts and grants since 2009 from both the US State Department and USAID  - the lead American government agency fighting poverty and promoting democracy across the world.

Officials have not publicly acknowledge Zakka's work with the US government and the State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment early Tuesday.