Increased Pressure by Security Organizations on Followers and Family of Ayatollah Boroujerdi

A source close to Ayatollah Boroujerdi told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that since March, security forces affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have intensified pressure on followers of Ayatollah Boroujerdi in different regions of the country. According to the source, during Iranian New Year holidays in late March, forces stormed the home of Samaneh Khodadi, broke the entrance door to her building and apartment, and performed a body search on her.

Arrests and Abuse Ayatollah Kazemeini Boroujerdi’s Followers in Mashad

An informed source told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that in the past weeks, supporters of Ayatollah Kazemini Boroujerdi have been subjected to abuse and mistreatment by security authorities in Mashad, and some have been arrested and detained inside Mashad’s Intelligence Office Detention Center. “Starting in mid-March, with the attack of security forces on the residence of the Khodadai family and the arrest of their son, Iman Khodadai, the abuse and mistreatment of the followers of Ayatollah Boroujerdi entered a new phase. After Iman Khodadai’s release, purple bruises were quite visible on his body,” a human rights activist who requested anonymity told the Campaign.

Two Followers of Ayatollah Boroujerdi Detained Incommunicado

(12 February 2009) Iranian authorities should immediately release Maryam Ghasemi and Zahra Abdollahvand, two followers of Ayatollah Boroujerdi who were arrested by order of the Special Court for Clergy in Tehran on 28 January 2009, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said today.

Relatives of the detainees informed the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that Ghasemi (32), Abdollahvand (31), each of whom is a mother of two, and Zahra Sharifi went to the Special Court for Clergy in Tehran along with other followers of Ayatollah Boroujerdi on 28 January 2009.

Release Imprisoned Ayatollah for Urgent Medical Care

(5 September 2008) Iranian authorities should immediately release Ayatollah Kazemini Boroujerdi to receive urgently needed medical care, theInternational Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said today. According to Ayatollah Boroujerdi’s physician, his condition has considerably deteriorated in prison and requires specialist care.

On 2 September 2008, Human Rights Activists in Iran released a letter by Ayatollah Boroujerdi’s physician, Dr. Hesam Firoozi, addressed to the head of the Judiciary, Ayatollah Mahmoud Shahroudi. Dr. Firoozi reports that Ayatollah Boroujerdi is suffering from multiple health complications, including: heart and respiratory problems, kidney stone complications, as well as loss of 80 percent of his vision due to cataracts. Dr. Firoozi also reports that Ayatollah Boroujerdi has lost as much as 80 pounds during his imprisonment.

Imprisoned Cleric’s Life in Danger

(1 June 2008) The Iranian Judiciary should immediately release Ayatollah Boroujerdi, an imprisoned cleric, so he may receive urgently needed specialist medical care, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said today. Boroujerdi has been in prison since 2006, yet judicial authorities have released no information concerning his prosecution.

Ayatollah Kazemini Boroujerdi

Ayatollah Seyd Hossein Kazemini Boroujerdi (49), arrested on October 8, 2006, is a Shia cleric who advocates separation of religion and politics. He is reportedly suffering from several serious illnesses.