2017: Iran: Mohammad Sadigh Kaboudvand
The Iranian journalist and writer Mohammad Sadigh Kabudvand was finally released, but Norwegian PEN PEN continues to call on the Iranian authorities to unconditionally release all writers, journalists and publishers who are held in violation of their right to freedom of expression and opinion.
Leader of the Islamic Republic
Grand Ayatollah Sayed ‘Ali Khamenei
The Office of the Supreme Leader
Islamic Republic Street — End of Shahid Keshvar Doust Street,
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
Oslo, 21.05.2017
Dear Excellences,
Almost a year ago I wrote to you on behalf of Norwegian PEN to express our concerns for the health and welfare of the prominent journalist and writer Mohammad Sadigh Kabudvand. We just got the news that he is now released, and we hope that this is good news also for the other writers who are unfairly imprisoned in Iran.
PEN continues to call on the Iranian authorities to unconditionally release all writers, journalists and publishers who are held in violation of their right to freedom of expression and opinion. Sadly, we find many Iranian colleagues on PEN’s case list.
The WiPC and Norwegian PEN urge the Iranian authorities to ensure that the right to freedom of expression in Iran is fully respected in law and practice as provided for under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a state party.
Yours sincerely,
Ms Brit Bildøen
Chair of Writers in Prison Committee
Norwegian PEN
COPY: The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Oslo, Head of the Judiciary in Iran, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
