2009: Iran: Omidreza Mirsayafi
March 24th 2009
Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran
His Excellency Ayatollah Sayed Ali Khamenei
Your Excellency,
Internet writer Omidreza Mirsayafi
PEN International is deeply shocked to learn of the death while in detention of Internet writer Omidreza Mirsayafi in Evin Prison.
Prison authorities claim that he committed suicide, but this is questioned by his family and fellow prisoners.
It is reported that his health deteriorated significantly during his time in detention, and that he was not given adequate medical attention.
Mirsayafi denied charges of insult and propaganda, and in a statement confirmed that he was a cultural and not a political blogger.
We call upon the Iranian authorities to carry out a full and impartial investigation into Mirsayafi’s death and for the findings to be made public.
Urging Your Excellency to take immediate action in this matter
I am
Yours Sincerely
Aase Gjerdrum
Member of Norwegian PEN, WiPC
