Category: News & Media

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Securing Freedom: The Release of Mark Swidan and Ongoing Efforts Against Wrongful Detention

The recent release of American citizen Mark Swidan from detention in the People’s Republic of China marks an important development in U.S. policy in the ongoing global effort to bring wrongfully detained U.S. nationals home.

Mr. Swidan had been held in China since 2012. After more than a decade in prison, he was freed as part of a negotiated prisoner exchange that also secured the release of other detained Americans.

Public attention to the case intensified in recent months. In a recorded statement published online and The Hill newspaper, actor Mel Gibson publicly thanked several individuals involved in the effort to secure Mr. Swidan’s freedom, including members of Congress and his legal team. Gibson specifically referenced Jason Poblete, founding partner of Poblete Tamargo LLP, for his work on the matter.

“And I want to thank these people, particularly by the members of the Texas Congress, in particular Ted Cruz. I also want to thank his lawyer, who was tirelessly employed in getting this man free, Jason Poblete, and of course, Elizabeth Vargas, who reported this story several times, and Alison Weiner,” said Mel Gibson. The acknowledgment reflects years of sustained advocacy and legal engagement in a case that required coordination across multiple administrations and branches of government.

Wrongful Detention as a Persistent Global Challenge

Mr. Swidan’s case underscores a broader reality: wrongful detention remains a geopolitical and humanitarian challenge facing American citizens abroad. These matters often involve:

  • Extended detention under opaque or disputed legal proceedings
  • Complex diplomatic negotiations
  • Sustained Congressional engagement
  • Coordinated legal and policy advocacy

According to U.S. government statements, the release followed diplomatic engagement aimed at resolving cases involving Americans held abroad.

The Human Dimension

Behind every wrongful detention case is a family enduring years of uncertainty. Detainees frequently face harsh conditions, limited access to due process, and prolonged isolation. Successful releases require patience, persistence, and strategic coordination among families, counsel, policymakers, and executive officials. Each return represents not only a diplomatic achievement but the restoration of an individual’s liberty and dignity.

PT Law Perspective

Poblete Tamargo LLP, through its legal defense fund, the Global Liberty Alliance and Legal Defense Fund, has long been engaged in high-stakes cross-border legal and policy matters involving wrongful detention, sanctions, and sovereign accountability. Cases like Mr. Swidan’s demonstrate that sustained legal advocacy and coordinated governmental action can produce results—even after many years.

We remain committed to supporting families and advancing strategies designed to secure the release of Americans detained abroad.

Disclaimer:
This blog post is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

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Poblete Tamargo Attorney Jason Poblete Serving on Commission on Hostage Taking and Wrongful Detention

(Alexandria, Virginia) The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Commission on Hostage Taking and Wrongful Detention announced a commission that will explore policy responses to the growing phenomenon of hostage-taking and unjust imprisonment by foreign nations and actors of Americans and others this week.

“We look forward to working with fellow advocates and stakeholders to continue to find ways to improve US and global efforts to help secure the release of Americans and other Westerners held hostage or unjustly imprisoned in nations such as Iran, Ecuador, Cuba, China, and others,” said Jason Poblete, Esq.

The Wall Street Journal reported today that the “bipartisan effort by the Washington, D.C.-based think tank comes as nations such as Russia and Iran have increasingly sought to use high-profile American detainees for diplomatic leverage, according to U.S. officials and hostage-advocacy groups.” You can read the article, Rise in Wrongful Detentions Abroad Sparks Effort to Bolster U.S. Hostage Policy, on the WSJ website.

You can read more about the Commission on the CSIS website.

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Poblete Tamargo’s Jason Poblete Featured in Germany’s Der Spiegel on Hostage Case

(Alexandria, Virginia) Poblete Tamargo’s Jason Poblete was recently interviewed by Der Spiegel on the matter Mr. Jamshid (Jimmy) Sharmahd, a California resident and German national held hostage in Iran.

“US lawyer Jason Poblete is fighting for the release of Jamshid Sharmahd. Here he describes how difficult this task is – and what chances he still sees of saving the life of the 68-year-old German-Iranian,” Der Spiegel said.

Der Spiegel is a renowned German news magazine known for its investigative journalism and in-depth coverage of national and international affairs. It has a wide readership and is highly respected for its critical analysis, political commentary, and in-depth reporting on various topics.

The article can be accessed at the Der Spiegel website.

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Legal Team of Litigators and Human Rights Advocates Secure a $25 million judgment for former American Held Hostage in Iran

A leading litigation team and national security law experts from two firms have secured a $25 million judgment for Mr. Robin Shahini, an American held hostage by Iran.  The judgment is available for download at the end of this post.  
 
Jeremy H. Gonzalez Ibrahim, Esquire, of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, working with the Alexandria, Virginia law firm of Poblete Tamargo, LLP, secured a final Judgement of $25 Million in Damages Against the Republic of Iran for Mr. Robin Shahini from California an American and former hostage, held captive in Iran.
 
On February 24, 2023, District of Columbia District Court Judge Nichols issued his Memorandum Opinion in Shahini v. Islamic Republic of Iran, et. al, 1:18-CV-01619-CJN. Mr. Shahini was award $25 million in total damages.  Filed on July 10, 2018, the case brings a close to a difficult chapter in the life of Mr. Shahini and a first step to achieving justice for him, his family, and other families who have been held hostage & tortured by Iran. 
 
The matter involved claims under the terrorism exception to the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA).  Judge Carl J. Nichols of the D.C. District Court issued a 26-page memorandum Opinion finding Iran liable for damages resulting from the unjust imprisonment and torture of Mr. Shahini.
 
In addition to this matter, Poblete Tamargo, has worked with other families going through hostage cases and other forms of international claims. The Poblete Tamargo team working on these cases includes founding partners Mauricio Tamargo, Jason Poblete, and Arthur Freye. Mr. Tamargo is a former Chairman of the United States Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. A national security law expert, Mr. Poblete is an award-winning international law, and human rights advocate representing Americans and others held hostage by foreign nations.
 
Jeremy H. Gonzalez Ibrahim, Esq. is an experienced and seasoned litigator with over thirty years of experience handling complex federal cases involving the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and White Collar Criminal Defense. Mr. Ibrahim is the former Chief of Staff to the 77th Secretary of the Department of the Navy, a former Commissioner with the United States Foreign Claims Settlement Commission, and a former Philadelphia prosecutor.

CONTACTS

Jeremy H. Gonzalez Ibrahim 215-568-1943 jeremyibrahim.esq@gmail.com
Jason Poblete 703-566-3037 jpobletePobletetamargo.com

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Jason Poblete to Speak During Florida Bar ILS iLaw Conference 2023

Poblete Tamargo LLP Partner Jason Poblete will speak on a panel during the Florida Bar International Law Section (ILS) iLaw Conference 2023. Jason and fellow panelists will speak about “Sanctions against Russia for the Ukraine Invasion: Current Perspectives, Sanctions, Penalties and Strategies for Compliance.”

Jason represents individuals and corporations in both domestic and international matters. Poblete helps clients navigate the complex legal and, at times, political, federal interagency regulatory and legislative processes, primarily in issues overseen by the Department of State, Department of the Treasury, Department of Commerce, and Congress. A national security law and international law expert, Jason advises companies on compliance with U.S. export control laws, defense of fundamental and human rights, economic sanctions, and related matters such as “traditional” space and NewSpace. He advises companies on setting up compliance programs related to economic sanctions and export controls and represents clients in administrative and other proceedings on sanctions matters.

The International Law Section of The Florida Bar (ILS) was founded in 1981 to provide an organization for members in good standing who are interested in international law. It is also a forum for sharing knowledge, experience, and “best practices” that may improve the administration and application of the statutes, rules, and regulations of international law and enhance the proficiency of practitioners.

As the premiere conference in international law, iLaw is attended by legal practitioners from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Latin America. You can learn more at the Florida Bar website.