{"id":3122921,"date":"2008-05-17T04:31:45","date_gmt":"2008-05-16T21:31:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stopchildexecutions.com\/scenewsarchive\/?p=3122921"},"modified":"2023-04-13T05:17:52","modified_gmt":"2023-04-13T05:17:52","slug":"urgent-call-imprisoned-iranian-activists-life-is-in-danger","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stopchildexecutions.com\/scenewsarchive\/2008\/05\/17\/urgent-call-imprisoned-iranian-activists-life-is-in-danger\/","title":{"rendered":"URGENT CALL: Imprisoned Iranian activist’s life is in danger"},"content":{"rendered":"
Following is a new urgent action call by Amnesty about Emadeddin Baghi<\/a>, the Iranian human and children rights activist who is currently imprisoned in Iran. <\/p>\n

In July 2007, Mr. Baghi published the first comprehensive report about child executions in Iran<\/a>. It was after Mr. Baghi’s report that the recorded number of the children facing execution rose drastically. Shortly after the report Mr. Baghi was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment with the alleged charges of  “assembly” and “conspiracy for crimes against country’s security” and  “propaganda against regime of Islamic Republic of Iran for benefit of foreign and opposition forces”.  <\/p>\n

Regardless, Mr.  Baghi continued his human rights efforts. He and his wife were also present on the scheduled day of execution of Sina Paymard<\/a>, the young flute player who was scheduled to be taken to the execution pole for the second time but was saved in July 2007 by mediations and offering blood money to the family of the alleged victim. SCE issued its first urgent call in October 2007<\/a>. Mr. Baghi maintains a website at www.emadbaghi.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL<\/strong>
<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

PUBLIC AI Index: MDE 13\/069\/2008<\/font><\/b>
\n16 May 2008<\/font><\/b><\/p>\n

UA 130\/08<\/font><\/b> Prisoner of conscience\/Medical concern<\/font><\/u><\/b><\/p>\n

IRAN Emadeddin Baghi (m), aged 46, human rights defender<\/font><\/b><\/p>\n

Journalist and human rights defender Emadeddin Baghi suffered a seizure on 7 May in Tehran’s Evin prison; he was treated in the prison hospital and sent back to his cell the same day. Amnesty International is concerned that Emadeddin Baghi is not receiving adequate medical treatment, putting his life in danger.<\/font><\/p>\n

Emadeddin Baghi was arrested on 14 October 2007 when he responded to a summons to appear before Branch 14 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran. He was questioned about his activities as head of an NGO, the Association for the Defence of Prisoners\u2019 Rights. He was accused of \u201cpublishing secret government documents\u201d. Court officials set bail at 500 million Rials (approx. US$54,000). While his family were in the process of delivering the money, they were told that instead of being released on bail, he must serve a suspended sentence of one year’s imprisonment, which had been imposed after an unfair trial in 2003, during which he had no access to a lawyer. The court authorities revoked the bail, and Emaddedin Baghi was immediately returned to prison. Amnesty International considers him a prisoner of conscience, held solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression.<\/font><\/p>\n

On 26 December 2007, while in solitary confinement in Evin prison in Tehran, Emadeddin Baghi suffered the first of two seizures. He was taken to hospital, where he had a second seizure. Despite this, he was returned to prison the following day. On 17 January 2008 he was moved to hospital and granted bail for one month\u2019s treatment, until 26 February. This was extended, and he returned to prison on 16 April, although his doctors insisted that he should convalesce in a calm, quiet environment with no stressful conditions or situations. Emadeddin Baghi was brought before Branch 12 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran for further interrogation on 7 May. That day he suffered a heart attack: he was treated at the prison\u2019s medical facility, and sent back to his cell that evening. He found that his cell had been ransacked: his books, his writings and the file he was preparing for his defence had been taken. His family were allowed to visit him on 13 May, and found him to be very weak and pale.<\/font><\/p>\n

On 29 April, Emaddedin Baghi had been acquitted by Branch 44 of the Appeal Court of “activities against national security” and “publicity in favour of the regime\u2019s opponents,” for which he could have received three years\u2019 imprisonment. However, new charges have been brought against him. These relate to his use of the media to criticize the behaviour of the prison authorities in 2006 when they tried to stop Sayed Ali Akbar Mousavi-Kho\u2019ini from attending his father\u2019s funeral while he was detained there. See UA 181\/06 (MDE 13\/075\/2006, 30 June 2006) and follow ups (MDE 13\/109\/2006, 26 September 2006; MDE 13\/003\/2007, 17 January 2007).<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

BACKGROUND INFORMATION<\/font><\/b>
\nIranian legislation severely restricts freedom of expression and association, and human rights defenders often face harassment, imprisonment and torture.<\/font><\/p>\n

The Iranian Constitution protects freedom of expression and belief: Article 23 states that \u201cThe investigation of individuals\u2019 beliefs is forbidden\u201d and that \u201cNo one may be molested or taken to task simply for holding a certain belief.\u201d Article 24 provides for freedom of expression in press and publications. Iran is a state party to international human rights treaties that enshrine these rights, notably the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.<\/font><\/p>\n

The Penal Code contains a number of vaguely worded provisions relating to association and “national security” which prohibit a range of activities, many of them connected with journalism or public discourse, which are permitted under international human rights law. Human rights defenders are often imprisoned on politically motivated criminal charges. Many are subject to travel bans that prevent them from leaving the country.<\/font><\/p>\n

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in Persian, Arabic, English, French or your own language:<\/font><\/b>
\n– expressing concern that Emadeddin Baghi, who suffered two seizures on 7 May, is not receiving adequate medical treatment;<\/font>
\n– urging the authorities to grant him immediate and unconditional access to the medical treatment that he needs;<\/font>
\n– calling on them to release Emadeddin Baghi immediately and unconditionally, as he is a prisoner of conscience, held solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression.<\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

APPEALS TO:<\/font><\/b>
\nLeader of the Islamic Republic<\/font><\/u>
\nHis Excellency Ayatollah Sayed \u2018Ali Khamenei<\/font>
\nThe Office of the Supreme Leader, Islamic Republic Street – Shahid Keshvar Doust Street<\/font>
\nTehran, Islamic Republic of Iran<\/font>
\nEmail: info@leader.ir<\/font><\/b>
\nSalutation: Your Excellency<\/font><\/b><\/p>\n

Head of the Judiciary<\/font><\/u>
\nAyatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi<\/font>
\nHowzeh Riyasat-e Qoveh Qazaiyeh \/ Office of the Head of the Judiciary<\/font>
\nPasteur St., Vali Asr Ave., south of Serah-e Jomhouri, Tehran 1316814737, Islamic Republic of Iran<\/font>
\nEmail: info@dadgostary-tehran.ir (In subject line write: FAO Ayatollah Shahroudi)<\/font><\/b>
\nSalutation: Your Excellency<\/font><\/b><\/p>\n

Minister of Intelligence<\/font><\/u>
\nGholam Hossein Mohseni Ejeie<\/font>
\nMinistry of Intelligence, Second Negarestan Street, Pasdaran Avenue, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran<\/font>
\nSalutation: Your Excellency<\/font><\/b><\/p>\n

COPIES TO:<\/font><\/b>
\nPresident<\/font><\/u>
\nHis Excellency Mahmoud Ahmadinejad<\/font>
\nThe Presidency, Palestine Avenue, Azerbaijan Intersection<\/font>
\nTehran, Islamic Republic of Iran<\/font>
\nFax: + 98 21 6 649 5880<\/font><\/b>
\nEmail: dr-ahmadinejad@president.ir<\/font><\/b><\/font><\/p>\n