(20 June 2011) Iranian officials should take all steps necessary to safeguard the lives of prisoners of conscience on hunger strike the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said today. The Campaign expressed serious concern for the lives of the prisoners on hunger strike.
Authorities should immediately investigate the recent deaths of political prisoners Hoda Saber andHaleh Sahabi and hold the responsible persons accountable, the Campaign added.
Since 18 June 2011, twelve prominent prisoners of conscience have joined a hunger strike protesting the recent deaths of Saber and Sahabi.
“Iranian officials at the highest level, from Ayatollah Khamenei on down, are responsible for the health and safety of these hunger strikers,” said Hadi Ghaemi, spokesperson for the Campaign. “The concerns of these men are legitimate and authorities should launch a credible investigation into the deaths of Saber and Sahabi to ensure that culprits are held accountable.”