Washington D.C. – March 20, 2025 – Hostage Aid Worldwide gladly welcomes the release of American citizen George Glezmann who has been freed after more than two years in Taliban detention in Afghanistan. Glezmann, 66, was declared wrongfully detained by the U.S. Government in September 2023 after his arrest in December 2022 while visiting Afghanistan on a cultural trip. Glezmann endured severe conditions during his captivity, including prolonged solitary confinement, a lack of consular access, and limited communication with his family.

His release follows weeks of negotiations led by Qatari and U.S. mediators, with a breakthrough after a recent Qatar-Taliban meeting. U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler and former Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad played key roles in securing Glezmann’s release.

“The release of George Glezmann is a great relief, but his unjust detention highlights the ongoing dangers of hostage diplomacy,” said Nizar Zakka, President of Hostage Aid Worldwide. “During his captivity, George faced serious health issues, and we are glad that he will now receive the medical care he urgently needs. However, there are still Americans in Taliban custody including Paul Overby, whose fate remains unknown. We call on the current administration to take decisive action to bring closure to this case and others.”

Hostage Aid Worldwide applauds the diplomatic efforts of the Trump administration to bring home Americans unlawfully detained abroad. We urge the U.S. government to continue prioritizing the release of all hostages and wrongfully detained citizens and to take a stronger, unified stance against hostage diplomacy.