Majid Tavakoli

Majid Tavakoli, arrested on May 9, 2007, is a student at Tehran’s Amir Kabir University and a member of the central council of the university’s Islamic Association. After being released in August 2008, Tavakoli was arrested again on 5 February 2009 after attending a ceremony to honor the Islamic Republic’s first prime minister. He is reportedly being held in Evin Prison.

Sanaz Allahyari

Sanaz Allahyari, a student activist, was detained following student protest at Amir Kabir University on 23 February. She is reportedly being held in Evin Prison and is under interrogation.

Young Blogger Dies in Prison

(19 March 2009) The death of an imprisoned blogger inside Evin Prison on 18 March, following the recent death of another prisoner of conscience, demonstrates that Iranian authorities are seriously neglecting the health of prisoners the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said today. The Campaign called on the Iranian Judiciary to immediately investigate and prosecute prison officials for their neglect and responsibility in these deaths.

The Campaign reminds Iranian authorities that under international human rights law, they are held accountable for the health and safety of prisoners.

“Iranian leaders have relegated the administration of the prison system to a group of incompetent and cruel officials,” said Hadi Ghaemi, the Campaign’s spokesperson.

Trade Unionist Held in Unknown Location Should Be Released

(17 March 2009) The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran today called upon the Iranian Judiciary to immediately release Ali Nejati, a trade union leader, and end its persecution and prosecution of labor activists.

Intelligence agents detained Nejati at his home on 8 March. He is currently being held in incommunicado detention at an undisclosed location. The authorities have not provided any information to Nejati’s family about the charges against him or where he is currently detained. The Campaign expressed its serious concerns for Nejati’s health and safety.