The Iranian had been detained by the PJAK since the end of September in Northern Iraq. Prior to his release, ICRC staff, including a nurse, talked to him in private to ensure that he was able and willing to return home. ICRC staff then accompanied him to the Haji Omeran crossing, on Iraq's north-eastern border with Iran, where they handed him over to the Iranian authorities.

The ICRC acted as a neutral intermediary with the agreement of all involved parties.