2007: Iran: Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand
15th November 2007
International Writers in Prison Day
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic
His Excellency Ayatollah Sayed ‘Ali Khameney
Qom
Islamic Republic of Iran
Your Excellency;
Re Journalist Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand
It appears that Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand, who was arrested on July 1st 2007, for reasons which remain unclear, is being ill-treated in detention, and at risk of torture. International PEN is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand, who seems to be detained in violation of Article 19 of the United Nations International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights.
The detainee suffers from poor health; high blood pressure, a skin and a kidney condition, and has been told by prison guards that every time he wants to go to the toilet he must write a letter to the intelligence officials running Section 209 of Evin Prison and seek formal permission to do so!
International PEN seeks assurances of his well being, guarantees that his basic rights are being respected and that he is given full access to all necessary medical care as a matter of urgency.
Your Excellency, we urge you to look into this case immediately, and see to it that Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand’s case is reconsidered in view of international standards for fair treatment and fair trials, and that special attention is given to his obvious need for medical treatment.
Yours sincerely
Aase Gjerdrum
Writers in Prison Committee of Norwegian PEN
e-mail copies to His Excellency Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and to Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejeie
