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In an interview with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, Nahid Kouhshekaf, the wife of journalist Ehsan Houshmand who has been in prison for more than two months, said that she has not had any visits with her husband since his arrest and that he has been subjected to physical abuse in prison. “He has asked to go to the infirmary several times, but he has received no attention,” Kouhshekaf told the Campaign.

Ehsan Houshmand, a journalist who covers social issues and a researcher in ethnic issues, is a political activist with the Nationalist-Religious group. He worked withCheshmandaz and Goftogoo magazines, primarily non-political publications. He was arrested on the evening of 7 January 2012 at his home. His family has not had any visits with him since his arrest and has not been informed about his charges.

International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran: Have you had any contact with your husband since his arrest? How is he doing?

Nahid Kouhshekaf: During the first contact he made 22 days after his arrest, Ehsan was in poor psychological shape and it was quite clear that he was under a lot of pressure. His interrogator’s voice could be heard clearly and even when Ehsan said that he is inside [the Intelligence Ministry’s] Ward 209, it was emphasized to him that he was not supposed to talk about this subject. During the first two calls Ehsan did not say anything about ... >>>