Iranian of the Day

Kaleme, translated by Persianbanoo: Hunger striker political prisoner Mohamad Reza Motamednia, in a disciplinary action was incarcerated in solitary confinement at Ward 240 of Evin prison since April 15, was transferred back to the general public Ward 350 in Evin prison.

Despite poor and dire health, Motamednia proclaimed that since he was not blessed with martyrdom during the war, sacrificing his life is the only thing he can do now for his nation and country. He vowed to remain on a hunger strike until the war era Prime Minster (Mousavi) is freed.

According to Kalameh reporter, Mohamad Reza Motamednia who had served as a senior advisor to Rejaei, Bahonar and Mousavi, was transferred back to Ward 350 after being incarcerated in solitary confinement in Ward 240 for twenty days.

This political prisoner went on a hunger strike April 9 and despite the fact that he has lost more than 66 lbs, is suffering from severe tremors in his body and worrisome irregular heart beats has vowed to remain on hunger strike until the freedom of the Green leaders, Mir Hossein Mousavi, his wife Zahra Rahnavar and Mehdi Karoubi.

According to this report, Motamednia who is not able to walk by himself without assistance, in response to the other political prisoner’s request to end his hunger strike, repeated that since he was not blessed with martyrdom during the war, sacrificing his life is the only thing he can do now for his nation and country.

Also responding to the many letters he has received from outside the prison requesting he put an end to his hunger strike, he stressed that during these dark days this is the least that he can do.

However, Motamednia has said he will only halt his hunger strike if requested by Mir Hossein Mousavi.

During the twenty days he was in solitary confinement Motamednia was on a dry hunger strike for four days, which resulted in a bleeding ulcer and kidney complications that are still effecting him.

On Friday, Motamednia’s wife in a short note to her husband wrote, "Considering family concerns, the request made by our sisters (Mir Hossein Mousavi and Zahra Rahnavard’s daughters), family and friends worried and concerned, and the need for your Green presence by your family, I urge you to end your hunger strike."

Considering the fact that Mousavi remains incommunicado under incarceration, it remains to be seen whether authorities will allow him to send a message and save this war veteran’s life.