(WiPC/IFEX) – International PEN is deeply disturbed by reports that Siamak Pourzand, a journalist and film critic who is serving 11 years in prison, had confessed to “treason” before Iranian news agencies in recent days. It fears that he may have been ill-treated or otherwise coerced into making the “confession” and fears for his well-being. […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – International PEN is deeply disturbed by reports that Siamak Pourzand, a journalist and film critic who is serving 11 years in prison, had confessed to “treason” before Iranian news agencies in recent days. It fears that he may have been ill-treated or otherwise coerced into making the “confession” and fears for his well-being. International PEN considers Pourzand to be detained in violation of his right to freedom of expression and is calling for his release.
The Iranian diaspora has reported in recent days that Pourzand appeared before government news agencies in Tehran. They report that during a TV broadcast, Pourzand was seen to have accepted all charges of treason and implicated other intellectuals of “anti-establishment” activities. He is said to have been in apparent distress as he asked for a pardon. Sources claim that this is part of a series of televised exposés where dissidents are forced to publicly confess to anti-government activities.
Background Information
On 3 May 2002, the Tehran Press Court sentenced veteran journalist and film critic Pourzand, aged 72, to 11 years’ imprisonment on charges of “undermining state security through his links with monarchists and counter-revolutionaries”. It is widely believed that the charges against him are based on “confessions” which are thought to have been exacted under duress.
On 6 March, the Iranian authorities began closed and unannounced proceedings against Pourzand, who has been held incommunicado by the Iranian intelligence services since 24 November 2001. It is thought that Pourzand’s arrest 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 critical of the Islamic regime, and is said to have been recently working with Iranian foreign-based media prior to his detention.
In May, Pourzand’s family reported that he had suffered a heart attack in prison. Pourzand has been dependent on medication for a serious heart complaint and has reportedly not been allowed to receive this medication from his family throughout his imprisonment.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– expressing alarm at the reported televised confessions made by Pourzand, and concern that they may have been extracted under pressure
– expressing concern that Pourzand may be detained solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression
– protesting the 11-year prison sentence against Pourzand, in violation of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a signatory
– expressing serious concerns about reports that Pourzand is in ill-health, following reports that he has suffered a heart attack in prison, and requesting that he receive all necessary medical treatment immediately
– calling for his immediate and unconditional release on humanitarian grounds, in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a signatory
Appeals To
His Excellency Hojjatoleslam val Moslemin Sayed Mohammad Khatami
President
The Presidency
Palestine Avenue
Azerbaijan Intersection
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
His 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 the source, if possible.
