(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is seriously concerned about the whereabouts and safety of journalist and film critic Siamak Pourzand, who has been missing since 24 November 2001. According to the WiPC’s information, veteran journalist and film critic Pourzand went missing on 24 November, and there are unconfirmed reports that he has been […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is seriously concerned about the whereabouts and safety of journalist and film critic Siamak Pourzand, who has been missing since 24 November 2001.
According to the WiPC’s information, veteran journalist and film critic Pourzand went missing on 24 November, and there are unconfirmed reports that he has been arrested by the Iranian intelligence services. It is thought that his disappearance may be connected to his position as manager of the Majmue-ye Farrhangi-ye Honari-ye Tehran, a cultural centre for writers, artists and intellectuals. Pourzand is also known for his articles that are critical of the Islamic regime, and is said to have been recently working with Iranian foreign-based media. Pourzand, aged 70, suffers from diabetes and a heart complaint.
Pourzand is the husband of writer and lawyer Mehrangiz Kar, who was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for her participation at the Berlin conference held in April 2000. She is currently free on bail and is in the United States receiving medical treatment for cancer. PEN considers Kar to be sentenced in violation of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a signatory, and is calling for the charges against her to be quashed on appeal.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– expressing serious concern about the whereabouts of journalist and film critic Pourzand, who has been missing since 24 November
– seeking confirmation of reports that he has been arrested, and if this is the case, urging that any charges against him are made public immediately
– asking for him to be released immediately and unconditionally unless he is to be charged with a recognisably criminal offence
– calling upon the authorities to allow him access to relatives, lawyers and any medical attention he may need, and to ensure that he is treated humanely
Appeals To
His Excellency Ayatollah Sayed Ali Khamenei
Leader of the Islamic Republic
The Presidency
Palestine Avenue
Azerbaijan Intersection
Tehran, Islamic Republic of IranHis Excellency Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi-Shahrudi
Head of Judiciary
Ministry of Justice
Park-e Shahr,
Tehran
Islamic Republic of Iran.Please note that there are no fax numbers available for the Iranian authorities, so you may wish to ask the diplomatic representative for Iran in your country to forward your appeals.
Please copy appeals to the diplomatic representative for Iran in your country and to the source, if possible.
