Atena Faraghdani's painting by using Petals from Evin Prison's back yard
A Revolutionary Court in Tehran has sentenced artist and civil rights activist Atena Faraghdani to a total of 12.5 years in prison for drawings and content critical of the government that the young activist posted on her Facebook page.
The activist’s charges are “assembly and collusion against national security,” “propaganda against the state,” and “insulting the Supreme Leader, the President, Members of the Parliament, and the IRGC [Revolutionary Guards] Ward 2-A agents” who interrogated her.
Following five months inside Gharchak and Evin Prisons, Faraghdani was tried at Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court under Judge Salavati, a notorious judge who is consistently handpicked to preside over “national security” cases that security and intelligence organizations bring against political and civil activists, because of the harsh and maximum sentences he imposes. Salavati is the judge presiding over the trial of the Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian.
Security agents arrested the painter and civil activist Atena Faraghdani on August 24, 2014, and transferred her to IRGC’s Ward 2-A inside Evin Prison. She was released on bail on November 2, 2014. She published a video of herself, in which she spoke about an incident of aggressive strip search by female prison guards inside a solitary cell at Evin Prison. She said in the video that she had been ordered to take off her clothes, which she had refused. The video was widely viewed and discussed on social networks.
After the video was published, she was summoned to Branch 15 of Tehran Revolutionary Court on January 10, 2015, arrested, and transferred to Gharchak Prison in Varamin, outside Tehran.
Atena Faraghdani embarked on a hunger strike to protest her transfer to the deplorable Gharchak Prison, where political prisoners are not separated from hardened criminals, in violation of the principle of the separation of prisoners.
After her health deteriorated severely and she was transferred to a hospital on February 26, 2015, judicial authorities ordered her transfer back to Evin Prison on March 2, where she has been ever since.
Regarding the trip by Hassan Rouhani, the President of the clerical regime, to Italy and France, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the Iranian Resistance, said:
As a mullah, Rouhani is a defender of the ruling theocracy and has sworn allegiance to the velayat-e faqih (absolute rule of the supreme leader). Rouhani has been among the most senior officials of the religious fascism ruling Iran throughout the past 37 years and has been involved in all its atrocities. He should face justice for crimes against humanity.
His claim to moderation is a big lie meant to attract the West’s assistance in pursuing his mandate to save the crisis-riddled regime, which the overwhelming majority of Iranians seek to overthrow. Yet, he is uninterested and incapable of distancing himself, in practice or in words, from the wave of executions in Iran and Bashar al-Assad's massacre of the Syrian people. That explains why he has expressed unequivocal and explicit support for executions and for Bashar al-Assad.
This reality can be noticed from his record as president, which includes some 2200 executions (the highest number in the past 25 years), all out support for the Assad dictatorship and the slaughter of the Syrian people, the missile attack against Camp Liberty residents, and the official order for the expansion of the ballistic missile program of the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), which is tantamount to proliferation of WMD.
During his tenure, suppression and executions of Sunni Muslims and Christians have been stepped up, and in spite of all his promises Iran’s economic situation has deteriorated since he has committed himself to pay for the expenditure of the wars of the IRGC and the regime’s para-military forces in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq.
His record proves the baseless and absurd nature of the myth of “moderation” in the clerical regime.
Rolling out the red carpet for Rouhani by European governments is to welcome the godfather of terrorism and fundamentalism, to strengthen the regime as a whole and its most repressive factions, and is to the detriment of human rights in Iran.
Welcoming Rouhani will only embolden this regime in the torture and execution of the Iranian people, further warmongering in the region, especially in Syria, and export of Islamic extremism and terrorism.
Relations with the Iranian regime should be contingent upon a halt to executions and an improvement of human rights in Iran. This is the will of the Iranian people and an imperative for peace and fighting terrorism in the region and the world.
Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran
January 28, 2016
In view of the visit to Italy by President Hassan Rouhani, scheduled for the 25th and 26th of January, Hands Off Cain presented the Report on the Death Penalty in Iran entitled “The Smiling Face of the Mullahs”.
The Report lists the executions carried out in Iran in 2015 and in first two weeks of 2016 and provides a comprehensive view of capital punishment under Hassan Rouhani's Presidency.
The report also represents a “reminder” for the Italian State's highest authorities to bring the question of the death penalty and the respect of human rights to the center of every meeting and understanding with the representatives of the regime in Tehran.
According to the report, in 2015 the regime in Tehran carried out at least 980 executions, a 22.5% increase compared to 800 in 2014 and a 42.6% increase compared to 687 in 2013.
This is the number of executions among the highest in the recent history of Iran, which classifies it as the top “Executioner-Country” in the world in relation to population. At least 370 execution cases (37.7%) were reported by official Iranian sources (websites of the Iranian Judiciary, national Iranian broadcasting network, and official or state-run news agencies and newspapers); 610 cases (62.3%) included in the annual numbers were reported by unofficial sources (other human rights NGOs or sources inside Iran).
The actual number of executions is probably much higher than the figures included in the Report of Hands Off Cain.
The Iranian Resistance calls on the international community and human rights defenders to condemn the criminal execution of dervish, political prisoner Fardin Hosseini. His secret execution in Kermanshah’s prison on January 21 as Rouhani, the demagogue president of the Iranian regime, was about to travel to Italy, Vatican and France makes Rouhani’s visit all the more illegitimate and makes holding Rouhani accountable for the severe violation of human rights twofold necessary. The execution of over 2200 prisoners, including followers of various religions and faiths, is part of the infamous dossier of Rouhani’s two and a half years presidency. Rouhani, along with other leaders of this regime, should face justice for all their crimes, particularly for crime against humanity for the execution of 120,000 political prisoners.
Mr. Fardin Hosseini was constantly under torture and interrogations in intelligence ministry cells and medieval prisons in Qom, Dieselabad of Kermanshah, and Gohardasht (Rajai Shahr). The henchmen also arrested his family and harassed them to extract forced confession from him.
He wrote In a letter to Amnesty International and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran in June 2015: I was numerously pressured by my torturers that if I accept the charges brought against me during my interrogation and if I confess and accept the fictitious charges in the courts, they would pay a large sum of money to me and my children and they can relocate me to any place in the world that I want and that I will be protected… all this calamity was solely for my beliefs.
Time and again he asked for an open court with the participation of the media, but the Iranian regime never accepted his request.
Iranian regime’s judiciary had accused Mr. Fardin Hosseini of killing Mullah Sabaei, the former Friday prayer imam of Savejbolaq, in mid June 2007 but he repeatedly denied the allegations. Sabaei working under Mullah Mohammadi Gilani’s supervision was involved in issuing death verdicts and massacring prisoners in executions of political prisoners in 1981.
Sunday, January 24, 2016, a conference was held at the headquarters of the Maryam Rajavi at Auvers-sur-Oise (north of Paris) with political personalities and elected representatives of France participating. The conference was entitled, "Solidarity of France's Elected Representatives with the Iranian Resistance against Extremism under the Banner of Islam."
During the regime's presidential elections, Rouhani promised to promote moderation. However, he is coming to Europe in a few days' time with an ominous record of 2,000 executions
Rouhani is travelling to Europe to cover up the regime's weakness and isolation. He is trying to put up a moderate face to cover up the executions in Iran and the mullahs' role in the massacre of Syrians
Dear friends,
Happy New Year! I hope the New Year would be a year of progress and relief for France, a year of peace and tolerance for the world, and a year of overcoming religious dictatorship for the Middle East and Iran.
In the start of the year, let us remember all those who lost their lives as a result of extremist crimes in 2015, including the political prisoners executed in Iran, Camp Liberty martyrs, and victims of terrorist attacks in January and November in France.
Let us pay tribute to them by observing one minute of silence.
I am very pleased to see you, ladies and gentlemen, the mayors and elected representatives of France, here at the headquarters of the Iranian Resistance. Mayors and elected officials of France are representatives of the most significant institutions of democracy in this country. They have always stood beside the Iranian Resistance and this has been really admirable.
You have protested against violations of human rights and suppression of women in Iran. You have supported Ashraf and Camp Liberty when they were attacked by the Iranian regime's operatives in Iraq. You were at the forefront of the campaign of justice for the Iranian Resistance both in the case of June 17th attack which was terminated last year and the cases of terrorist designations which were reversed in all countries.
The declarations signed by 14,000 mayors and elected representatives of France in support of the Iranian Resistance, are very precious documents. They express the great values of France.
At this point, let us remember the friends who are not among us any more: Adrian Zeller, Mourice Bouscavert and also Abbe Pierre who we commemorate his first anniversary today. They played a valuable role in our struggle.
Also your political stances over the years have been admirable. Time and again, you warned against a number of threats: the mullahs' nuclear weapons; Islamic fundamentalism; violations of human rights in Iran and the mullahs' domination of the region.
The tragedies in January and November but underlined the importance of the French mayors' repeated warnings against the threat of Islamic extremism. On the other hand, the cancerous expansion of Daesh showed how destructive the consequences of the mullahs' hegemonic ambitions in the region have been. When Iran's ruling mullahs helped their puppet governments in Iraq and Syria to suppress the people of these countries, the opportunity emerged for Daesh to grow and spread.
Dear friends,
Last year, in the wake of the November 13th massacre in France the eyes of the world opened to a major challenge: the challenge of mass killings of innocent people in the name of God. Is this Islam? Or it is reversing the message of Islam in the interests of tyrannical governments?
Should Muslims be confronted? Or to the contrary, tolerant and democratic Muslims should be reinforced? In fact, all religions have come to free mankind, not to promote tyranny, terror and misogyny.
The Quran says there is no compulsion in religion. For this reason, we decisively reject the mullahs' Sharia laws that are contrary to Islam. We reject despotic regimes whether they are called Velayat-e Faqih, Islamic Caliphate or Islamic State.
Is it true that watching football and listening to music are considered enmity to God, but killing 300,000 Syrians is not? The genuine Islam advocates freedom. It promotes women's equality. It calls for popular sovereignty. Yes, Islam calls for tolerance.
Fortunately, France is taking steps in this direction.
Actually today, the true values of France are in danger. This is a battle of values. It is our common battle and we stand by you with a 37-year experience of struggle against religious fascism and we can join together to advance this battle.
Dear friends,
In a few days, Rouhani, president of the religious fascism in Iran will come to Paris. Two and a half years ago, when he took office, he claimed to promote moderation. Now, he is coming to Europe with an ominous record. That includes 2000 executions, suppression of religious minorities, consecutive executions of political prisoners, rocket attacks on Camp Liberty, rampant poverty, unemployment, and economic stagnation in Iran, stepped up deadly interventions in Syria and Iraq, warmongering in Yemen, terrorism in Kuwait and Bahrain, testing new missiles.
To justify supporting the mullahs, some claim that Rouhani does not approve of these policies but Rouhani does. He defends the executions. He supports Bashar Assad's dictatorship. He tries to expand the Revolutionary Guards' missile program and he advocates religious tyranny.
Our 30-year experience has proven that no moderate can emerge from a religious fascist regime. Cooperation with impostors such as Khatami and Rouhani and supporting them will practically add fuel to the fire of suppression in Iran and war in Syria and Yemen.
Last week, the implementation of the P5+1 nuclear agreement with Iran began. It was a very important experience because it proved that the Iranian regime is sensitive to pressure.
The Iranian regime had never intended to retreat from its nuclear program. However, the Iranian Resistance's revelations of its secret sites, the Iranian people's opposition to this costly program and the international sanctions brought enough pressure on the regime to force it to the negotiating table.
Now is the time to put pressure on the regime on violations of human rights in Iran. They must be compelled to stop executions, free political prisoners, and stop attacks on Camp Liberty and massacre of the people of Syria. They must be stripped of their missile systems. They must be forced to stop interfering in Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen and other places. This is the road to peace and stability in the region.
The mullahs' apologists and lobbies have repeatedly claimed that in the wake of the nuclear agreement, the Iranian regime would move towards moderation but you can see that they have moved in the other direction. They said that the mullahs would improve Iran's economy but the Iranian economy has ground to a halt because they spend whatever they gain on the wars in Syria, Yemen and Iraq.
Next March, another test would be awaiting the Iranian regime when they are going to hold their sham elections for the parliament and the Assembly of Experts.
Of course this so-called elections are taking place without any genuine opposition. It is in fact a ceremony to distribute shares of power among the regime's factions. If Khamenei is forced to give any share to his rival faction in the parliament and the Assembly of Experts, his own status would be undermined. If he does not give them any share, he would face a terrible crisis. Rouhani is travelling to Europe to cover up the regime's weakness and isolation. He is trying to put up a moderate face to cover up the executions in Iran and the mullahs' role in the massacre of Syrians.
The people of Iran expect that France not to buy the deceptions of Rouhani and stand by the people of Iran. This is the same as defending humanity, and defending the values of France, and it is the right policy.
The Iranian regime is the main cause of instability, war and terrorism in the region, and the tide of refugees. The Iranian people and Resistance, however, hold the key to confronting the regime.
The people of Iran demand that the international community and France in particular stand by the Iranian people's Resistance in their struggle against the epicenter of extremism, namely the Iranian regime, to achieve freedom and human rights.
I thank you all very much.
NCRI - Today, Wednesday January 20, 2016, two prominent leaders of Christian churches in Britain, the Right Reverend John Pritchard, former Bishop of Oxford and the Right Reverend Adrian Newman, the Bishop of Stepney, have met with Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) at her residence in Auvers-sur-Oise, north of Paris, and discussed the events and recent developments in Iran and the region and the right policy approach by the British and US governments as well as the Europe Union. During the meeting, the British religious leaders were warmly welcomed by supporters of the Iranian Resistance.
Maryam Rajavi: Liberation was the message of all prophets and they came to free humanity from shackles of ignorance and injustice
Maryam Rajavi: Iran 's ruling mullahs pretend to defend the Shiite branch of Islam, but more than 90% of their victims are Shiites
Maryam Rajavi: Our relations with followers of other religions are in dire contrast to the extremists who suppress people under the name of Islam
The Right Reverend John Pritchard, former Bishop of Oxford, made a speech in Auvers-sur-Oise, north of Paris on Wednesday January 20, 2016. He along with the Right Reverend Adrian Newman, the Bishop of Stepney, met with Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) at her residence.
In a gathering at Auvers-sur-Oise on January 20, 2016, Maryam Rajavi welcomed two bishops from the UK. The Rt. Revd. John Pritchard, Bishop of the urham, North England, and The Rt. Revd. Adrian Newman, Bishop of Stepney, London, who have supported the Iranian Resistance for years.
The bishops brought with them a declaration by the Archbishop of Wales, Dr. Barry Morgan, on the need for protection of residents of Camp Liberty, Iraq. The declaration has been supported by 52 other church leaders in Britain.
A group of sympathizers of the Iranian Resistance and French supporters of the movement were present in this gathering where theyexpressed their appreciation for the positions andefforts of UK church leaders in defense of Camp Liberty residents and human rights in Iran. Maryam Rajavi said:
You are most welcomed to join us here today. I would like to extend my New Year greetings to you and to all Christians of Britain.
It is a blessing to start the New Year by meeting you distinguished bishops.
The Iranian Resistance feels blessed to have enjoyed the sympathy and support of Church leaders in the U.K., in France, in the U.S. and other countries in Europe/as well as in Iraq and Iran.
The genuine Islam teaches us that human beings are sisters and brothers.
Our relations with Christians and Jews are in dire contrast to how the extremists treat them. Under the name of Islam, extremists oppress followers of other religions just as they suppress the majority of Muslims, who represent the democratic and tolerant values of Islam.
Iran's ruling mullahs pretend to defend the Shiite branch of Islam, but more than ninety-per cent of their victims are Shiites.
Therefore, religion is not at issue here. We are speaking about liberty versus tyranny.
Was liberation from bondage not what all Prophets came to deliver?
Did Moses, Jesus and Mohammad not come to FREE humanity from the shackles of ignorance and injustice?
The Quran repeatedly mentions the Blessed Virgin-Mary as one of the most prominent women and as an exemplary model of piety.
There is a Chapter in the Quran named after Mary.
And for the women of Iranian Resistance, and particularly myself, the Virgin Mary is an eternal example.
Therefore, one should ask what justification is there for the rulers of Iran or any other extremist group to harass and murder Christians?
There is none.
I would like to pay tribute to the memory of three martyred Iranian priests, Bishop Haik Hosepian Mehr, Pastor Mehdi Dibaj and Bishop Tateos Michaelian.
They were brutally murdered by the Iranian regime because they did not submit to the ruling tyranny.
Fortunately, church leaders worldwide have come to our aid.
I greatly appreciate your efforts in defending members of the Iranian Resistance in Camp Liberty.
Whenever they are attacked, you rush to their aid.
This shows that God has blessed them for remaining steadfast.
I would also like to especially thank you for your initiative in issuing a declaration in support of members of the Iranian Resistance in Camp Liberty.
You are certainly aware that Camp Liberty is still exposed to attacks. And a lack of fortified structures in the Camp makes them very vulnerable.
On the other hand, the Iranian regime is in a deadlock/ both at home and region-wide.
It has therefore stepped up its plots against the freedom fighters of Camp Liberty because of their commitments to freedom and democracy in Iran and their belief in a tolerant and democratic Islam as opposed to the mullahs' extremist interpretation of Islam.
If it were not for the absolute repression prevailing in the country, millions would have risen to support these freedom fighters and toppled the ruling mullahs.
But the mullahs have so far maintained their grip on power by resorting to ongoing executions and mass arrests.
In fact, under the pretext of religion they established a fascist regime which inspires Daesh, Boko Haram, and other extremist groups.
This regime has created most of the terrorist groups
in the Middle East such as the Hezbollah of Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and a dozen other groups in Iraq.
Two and a half years ago, Hassan Rouhani became President of this religious dictatorship and deceptively promised to promote moderation in order to mask the regime’s repressive nature.
Rouhani’s record, including 2,000 executions, shows Rouhani's true colors.
At least 52 people were hanged in Iran in the first two weeks of January alone. Executions and arrests have escalated during his term as have poverty and unemployment.
A few days ago, the implementation of the nuclear agreement began.
Of course the mullahs never intended to retreat from their nuclear weapons program. But the Iranian Resistance’s revelations of the secret nuclear sites, the Iranian people’s opposition to this costly program, and the imposition of international sanctions pressured the regime to retreat.
Now, we can see that with any day passing, the regime's crises are being aggravated.
Internal schism at the top ahead of the sham Parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections has deepened.
Now is time to put pressure on the mullahs to stop human rights violations in Iran, the executions, the massacre of the people of Syria, the export of terrorism and fundamentalism, and the attacks on Camp Liberty.
This is the road to peace and stability in the region.
Fortunately in recent months, our compatriots have stepped up their protests all across the country.
In the past week alone, 155 demonstrations, strikes and protests have occurred, which have terrified the regime’s leaders.
Despite the suppression and killings in Iran and attacks on Camp Liberty, we are confident that the people of Iran will definitely achieve freedom.
We are striving for a democratic society based on separation of religion and state, gender equality, and abolition of death penalty.
And in this quest, we will continue to need your assistance.
I thank you very much, indeed.
Rouhani is coming to Paris , but he does not represent the people of Iran. He advocates theocracy. 2000 were executed during his term
Iranian people expect France to take side with human rights in Iran vis-à-vis mullahs' president Rouhani
Maryam Rajavi addresses New Year ceremony at Lepin City Hall, a suburb of Paris. She meets with French citizens at City Hall of Le Pin and Sylvie Fassier, mayor of Lepin, presents the Medal of City to Maryam Rajavi.
Maryam Rajavi presented a copy of the List of martyrs of the Iranian Resistance to Mayor Fassier
Mayor Fassier asked the children of the future city council to present the medal of the city of Le Pinto Mrs. Rajavi and representatives of the Inter-religious Association
The Iranian Resistance's President-elect Maryam Rajavi took part in the New Year's ceremony held at the City Hall of Le Pin, a suburb of Paris, on Saturday, January 16, 2016.
Upon the invitation of Ms. Sylvie Fassier, Mayor of Le Pin, a number of personalities as well as mayors, elected representatives and residents of Le Pin and Seine-et-Marne Province attended the ceremony. They included President of the Intercity Assembly comprised of 27 cities; Mr. Daniel Dometz, Mayor of Saint-Mard; Armand Jacquemin, Mayor of Moussy-le-Vieux; Jean-louSzyszka, Mayor of Messy; Hervé Touguet, Mayor of Villeparisis.
In her opening remarks to the audience, MayorFassiersaid: We have the honor of having the Iranian Resistance's President-elect Maryam Rajavi among us tonight. She is Muslim and a staunch opponent of the extremist religious regime in Iran. She is a dedicatedand devoted woman and I ask you to applaud in her honor.
Subsequently, Maryam Rajavi made brief remarks and appreciated the initiative by Mayor Sylvie Fassier to promote religious tolerance. She asserted: The spirit of Islam calls for compassion and brotherhood and is deeply shocked by terrorist crimes.For 35 years, we have been combating the Iranian theocracy that is the main source of extremism under the banner of Islam.So far, 120,000members of the Iranian Resistance have been slain in this struggle.
Mrs. Rajavi noted: You are aware that a significant characteristic of fundamentalists is their misogyny. In contrast to them, our Resistance is known for women's equality. The women of Iranian Resistance in Camp Liberty, Iraq, are an inspiration to women and youths in Iran. This is why they have been targetsof repeated massacres and rocket attacks.
The Iranian Resistance strives for a democratic society based on separation of religion and state. It also advocates abolition of the death penalty and a non-nuclear Iran which espouses peace, tolerance and friendship all over the world.
Maryam Rajavipointed out: In a few days, the mullahs' President Rouhani is coming to Paris. He does not represent the people of Iran. He defends Iran's religious dictatorship and at least 2,000 people have been executed during his term. The people of Iran expect France to defend human rights in Iranvis-à-vis Rouhani. I am happy that the people of France have come to our aid in this struggle.
Referring to Mrs. Rajavi's remarks, Mr. Lewin said: Your common commitment, Madam Mayor and Mrs. Rajavi, reminds us of a very famous saying by Albert Einstein who said, "The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil but because of the people who don't do anything about it." But you have not remained silent against disasters, ratheryou have gotten involved and this is a cause of pride.
Mr. Armand Jacquemin, Mayor of Moussy-le-Vieux, also noted: I would like to say that it is a great honor to welcome a great lady and an international personality. Mrs. Rajavi has been leading an extraordinary struggle for 30 years. I call on all my colleagues here to join me because our numbers must be larger in defending beautiful goals. If I want to make a wish tonight, it is for your long years of struggle to bear fruit soon and I wish you a happy New Year.
Maryam Rajavipresentedthe book of Fallen for Freedom, The List of Martyrs of the Iranian Resistance and a memorial plate symbolic of the Iranian Resistance to Mayor Sylvie Fassier.
In conclusion, Mayor Fassier asked the children of the future city council to present the medal of the city of Le Pinto Mrs. Rajavi and representatives of the Inter-religious Association.
Iranian blogger and activist Hossein Ronaghi-Maleki has been summoned back to Evin Prison to resume serving his 15-year sentence, despite his critical health condition.
In a message posted on Twitter on January 11, Ronaghi-Maleki wrote: “In seven days I must return to prison, but not with my own feet…”
On June 17, 2015, the young Iranian was temporarily released on a bail of 1.4 billion Tomans (about US$500,000) due to health complications.
“They insist I return to prison although my health is very bad,” the blogger and activist wrote on his Instagram page. “Sending me back to prison is incomprehensible and illegal.”
He also said that doctors have recommended he not return to jail, as it would worsen his condition.
Ronaghi-Maleki and his brother Hassan were arrested in the aftermath of the disputed presidential election of 2009. Both were taken to Evin Prison and put under intense physical and mental pressure in an effort to make them sign confessions. His brother, who was not politically active, was arrested in order to put added pressure on Hossein to confess. Hossein was sentenced to 15 years’imprisonment.
Hossein Ronaghi Maleki has only one functioning kidney and needs constant specialized medical care, which he cannot get in prison. He has told Amnesty International that he and his family are not doing well because of psychological pressure from the authorities, as well as anxiety about his serious health problems.
following he wrote:
I am going through stressful and difficult days. To my friends and acquaintances that ask how I’m doing, I have to say the following: I am going through stressful and difficult days due to unyielding physical and psychological duress.
With my left kidney non-functioning, physicians have stressed that it is imperative for my right kidney to be protected from any further damage by supplying the necessary treatments and medical follow-ups. I have to endure constant kidney pain, burning and frequent urination due to my kidney disease.
My digestive issues (chronic duodenal ulcers and esophageal reflux) continue. According to the results of my latest endoscopy and testing done in the past weeks, with the medication and strict adherence to a special diet, my stomach pylori infection is better and now under control. But my stomach ulcers and digestive issues remain and must be contained with special nourishment and medication that is not available behind bars.
An important aspect of my physical health is that recently doctors diagnosed me with blood and pulmonary problems. Various tests indicate that I must complete a diagnostic process due to both my lungs being injured, causing preliminary asthma. Recently blood was taken out per doctors’ orders so that I don’t encounter further issues caused by high blood concentrations (hypoglycemia).
Other issues that have intensified my health problems are heart mistral valve prolapse; cardiac arrhythmia's associated with rising and dropping of my blood pressure that can be dangerous and amplified with stress; prostate problems; osteoarthritis of the knee and neck, swelling of the spleen caused by high blood concentrations among other issues causing my body to deteriorate.
But why is it that despite all of this – the official forensic report and specialized physicians stating prison conditions are dangerous for me due to my condition – must the Tehran Prosecutor’s office insist on sending me back to prison, sometimes with a tone threatening to put a warrant out and seize my bail.
I object to the fact that Section 52 of the Code of Criminal Procedures is not applied to me; I object to the fact that last year’s Eid-e Fetr amnesty given by the Supreme Leader for ailing prisoners is not applied to me; I object to the fact that in general, no law supports me and no law protects me. Why should a young person be sentenced to 15 years in prison? What unforgiving crime has been
committed and what huge harm has been done to the country?
According to doctors, the prison conditions (food, medicine, medical clinic, stressful environment) are harmful for me and can cause further illnesses and complications, with asthma and blood problems not being the last of them.
Indeed, even if the sufferer is a prisoner, who is responsible for the plunging health and life of a human being?
During the time that I have been out of prison, the pressure I have endured has magnified and worsened the situation for me and my family. The conditions are even more intense than when I was in prison, and this, is a form of imposing a double-penalty
#protection4liberty =replace #CampLiberty management with those not under control of #Iran & #Iraq The whole world should know what is happening to #CampLiberty residents in #Iraq under the watch of #UN and #US as those officers of #Iraq government take order from the fascist regime of Mullahs of #Iran to violate the #HumanRights of the residents. Please share these photos to raise awareness and help with protecting the defenseless and unarmed residents of the camp from further attacks
The text of “defense statement” by Atena Faraghdani was published January 13, 2016. In this statement, Atena harshly criticizes the mullahs’ judiciary and their injustices in Iran.
At the same time, she calls on everyone to speak out against oppression and injustices in the country and think of tomorrow when they will have to answer for maintaining silence against such a situation.
The defense statement addressed to the mullahs’ supreme leader Ali Khamenei and his Revolutionary Guards Corps, reads in part:
“What you call ‘propaganda against the regime’, in my view is sympathizing with women and men whose children were drenched in blood in 2009…
“What you call ‘acting against national security’ and ‘complicity with an outlaw sect’, I call it supporting men and women who are deprived of their basic right to education because of being Baha’ii…
“What you call ‘insulting deputies of Majlis by drawing’, I call an art that has given a deserving treatment to those who have mistreated and abused the House of our Nation…
“My defense is neither courageous, nor foolish… It is just an outburst of honesty that was drenched in blood in the last gaze of Neda (Agha Solatn innocently killed on June 20, 2009, on the street who turned into the symbol of Iranian youths in 2009); it is an out burt of honesty that was ran over by government vehicles in December 2009 and killed in cold blood.
“It is the honesty that we have been holding in for 36 years …. Let us rely on ourselves for tomorrow there will be no one except our own conscience to answer for our deeds and for remaining silent against oppression. This is a great, unforgivable crime that will one day burn our house.”
