Arrest of government critics ‘routine’ in Iran

Peaceful campaigners, independent journalists and anyone who is critical of the government is at risk of arrest under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s government, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported Monday. The last month has seen several more names added to the list of those imprisoned for voicing dissent.

Just after the publication of this article, Agence France-Presse reported that Emadeddin Baghi – an award-winning journalist and rights activist – has been returned to jail after being treated in the hospital. According to his lawyer, Baghi’s cardiac and nervous condition, which has not been cured, is a result of his imprisonment.

Among the most recent arrests is that of Abbas Khorsandi, leader of the unregistered Democratic Party of Iran, who was sentenced last week to eight years in prison. He was found guilty of threatening state security by setting up “an illegal political group.”

“He got this sentence only for holding opposing views,” says Khorsandi’s wife, Forozandeh Seylespour. “He hasn’t done anything to justify getting such a sentence. He was only involved in writing. He has acted – iin a totally peaceful manner – as a writer and human rights activist. He has voiced his views only through the pen and in speeches.”

For the full article from RFE/RL, click here.

For the full article from AFP, click here.