Obada Mzaik, a 21-year-old Ohio-born student, was released to his father on Wednesday by Syrian authorities. On Jan. 3, Mzaik was taken into custody for questioning after flying to Damascus from Detroit. Mzaik, a dual citizen in America and Syria, flew to Syria with his younger brother to visit family and to study civil engineering at a private university in the Syrian capitol. His brother was soon released from authorities, but he remained for further questioning.
Firas Nashef, Mzaik’s uncle, reported that his nephew was arrested in the summer and held for 37 days for advocating for the revolution. The family feared the worst after he was arrested for a second time during the uprising. Nashef said, “We’re grateful that he’s back with his family, and we’re grateful to the community for showing support to the family during difficult days.”
