The Federal Government is currently negotiating with Tehran with a view to releasing the IMN leader, noted that Iran was also involved in the process.
“Unofficially, they are actually negotiating that (El-Zakzaky’s release). The Federal Government is speaking with the leadership of the Shiites in Nigeria; Iran is also part of the negotiation. The reason is to strike a balance and get an assurance that if this action (release) is taken, they (Iran) will not go against whatever agreement or condition given for his release,” the source added.
El-Zakzaky, who is in his mid-60s, lost his left eye when the Nigerian government forces raided the northern town of Zaria more than three years ago.
The raid started after Shiites refused to allow the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, to ply a road.
His wife also sustained serious wounds while more than 300 of his followers and three of his sons were killed in the violence that ensued.
The cleric has been kept in custody along with his wife and a large number of his followers ever since.
El-Zakzaky’s followers had for the last two years been holding protests mainly in Abuja, calling for his immediate release.
In recent time, the protests have become more aggressive leading to the deaths of Shiites, security officials and innocent Nigerians caught in the crossfire.
The development forced the government to, through the court, proscribe IMN and declare it a terrorist organisation
Iran, which is the stronghold of the Shi’a Muslim faith, has been demanding the release of El-Zakzaky for over three years despite reports that the Office of the National Security Adviser has asked for Iran to withdraw support for the Shiite leader.
Back in 2016, Justice Gabriel Kolawole of a Federal High Court ordered his unconditional release from jail following a trial but the government has so far refused to set him free.
El-Zakzaky’s legal team has long called for his release, saying he is suffering from health issues that require urgent medical care abroad but the state high court in Kaduna has denied the request.
Federal Government In Talks With Tehran For Zakzaky's Release
August 03, 2019
0
Tags
Share to other apps