Mehdi Saharkhiz

I sense an inevitable conflict in this moving letter.

On the one hand it laments the plight of one of many hundreds if not thousands of prisoners of conscience in the infamous jail cells, and interrogation halls, of the Islamic Republic who remain incarcerated with trumped up or vague national security and social agitation charges, or no charges at all.  The vast majority are either deprived of legal representation or are subjected to a due process that fails the scrutiny of Iranians themselves and which, more times than not, leads to summary judgments that are primarily focused on setting an example for others rather than exemplifying judicial fidelity.

On the other hand, it references the association of Mr. Saharkhiz with the IRI and extols his exemplary contributions to the IRI, and implies that if the IRI recognized this record, his plight would be different or would have been avoided altogether.

The conflict is noted in that the letter has elements of a testimony.  A testimony that is obtusely directed at those responsible for the plight of Mr. Saharkhiz.  No effort should be spared from obtaining his early release, however, let's not forget those that have refused such an appeasement and have paid the ultimate price, life itself.

I lament the plight of all those that over the past 30 years have been targeted and deprived of rights under whatever guise the IRI has contrived.  I even lament the plight of those that for 30 years remained silent when the rights of others were trampled and now themselves are the victims of this silence.

There is now recognition that our prolonged silence on the plight of a few not only makes us complicit in the unfolding tragedy in Iran, but that we may overnight become subject to it.

My prayers are with all those that languish in this decrepit system either inside or outside of its jail cells.

Alborz

Eesa Saharkhiz

Eesa Saharkhiz has been one of the most vocal critics of the recent events.  His fearless criticism of Ali Khamenei's actions during the recent presidential elections has made him a target for this wave of arrests. 

Along with Ahmad Boureghani, his performance as Deputy Minister of Information and Guidance, where he oversaw media affairs in Mohammad Khatami's cabinet was responsible for the revival of Iranian journalism and publishing, leading to the birth of hundreds of new publications, publication of excellent literature, and considerable ease in censorship policies.  Eesa Saharkhiz and a few other men like him are a testament to there being a difference who is Iran's president and who his cabinet members are.  I wish him good health and a speedy release. 

Good man

Dear Mehdi,

As you know your father was my boss when he headed the IRNA office at the United Nations in New York around 1994-95. We became friends very soon after he arrived from Tehran. I was very impressed by his open mind, kindness and humanity. I have good memories of him and your family.

In recent years Isa has been an outspoken critic of human rights abuses in Iran. His arrest after the June elections and lack of any news about his whereabouts or condition is extremely worrisome.

I hope and pray for his early and safe release. Be strong.