Concern for detained reporter

Asia Society Executive Vice President Jamie Metzl expressed his organization's deep concern at the detention of Newsweek correspondent and Asia Society young leader Maziar Bahari. Maziar was arrested for his journalistic activities on June 21 and has been held since. Maziar participated in the Asia Society's Asia 21 Summit in 2007. "Maziar Bahari is just the kind of voice Iran needs to help it build a better and more secure future," Metzl says. "Rather than imprisoning him on what appear to be questionable charges, the Iranian leadership should engage Maziar and others like him in a national dialogue on the way forward. The Asia Society is extremely concerned about the safety, security, and well-being of Maziar Bahari."

For further comment, please contact the Asia Society Communications Department at [email protected] or 212-327-9271.