(4 August 2010) The Iranian Judiciary should immediately release seventeen prisoners of conscience who have been on hunger strike for the past ten days and whose health is deteriorating daily, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said today.
The seventeen prisoners include prominent student leaders, journalists, and human rights activists.
“These prisoners have committed no crimes and are in prison solely because of their opinions and beliefs. Iran should release them immediately,” said Hadi Ghaemi, the Campaign’s spokesperson.
According to information received by the Campaign, the seventeen prisoners are being held in solitary confinement in ward 350 of Evin Prison and communications with their families have been suspended.
The Campaign is seriously concerned about the health and safety of the prisoners of conscience. Three of the prisoners, Bahman Ahmadi Amouie, Keyvan Samimi, and Majid Tavakoli, started a “dry” hunger strike as of today, refusing even drinking water.
