Kamangir (Archer)

Kurd Activist in Imminent Danger

Kamangir | June 13, 2008 | Category Human Rights, Iran, Islamic Republic

The Kurd activist Farhad Hadj Mirzaei has been under arrest since last winter.

The Student Committee of Human Rights Reporters reports that the interrogators have applied harsh methods of torture, including electrical shocks and sleep deprivation, on the inmate, in order to take a forced confession out of him [Persian].

A week ago, his father wrote an open letter in which he mentioned that Farhad’s arrest took place when he left home for a dentist appointment. He claimed that his mother has undergone massive trauma after his arrest and that fracture in Farhad’s hands and legs has incurred as a result of the torture methods applied on him. Farhad has reportedly been the only source of financial support for his extended family [Persian].

There are unverified reports that Farhad may have been involved in a political kidnapping and ransom collection assault. While there is no evidence to suggest that this is in fact the case, the increased number of the inmates under torture and fear of execution has made the community unable to show the appropriate reaction.

Earlier today, nine women rights’ activists were arrested only to be released after a few hours [Persian].