EU decries Iran’s treatment of dissidents

Iran Focus: London, Aug. 25 – The European Union expressed “grave concern” about the situation of dissidents in Iran, highlighting the recent death of a political prisoner. Iran Focus

London, Aug. 25 – The European Union expressed “grave concern” about the situation of dissidents in Iran, highlighting the recent death of a political prisoner.

“The European Union is gravely concerned about the situation of the Iranian human rights defenders after the reported death on 31 July of a student activist Mr. Akbar Mohammadi”, the EU’s Finnish Presidency said in a statement on Thursday.

“The circumstances concerning the death of Mr. Mohammadi are also unclear. The EU questions whether Mr. Mohammadi was provided with proper medical care while in hunger strike”, it said.

The 25-nation block said that it had received information implying that Mohammadi’s trial was characterised by “severe deficiencies”. There have also been allegations concerning his “inappropriate treatment” while in custody, it said.

“The EU expresses grave concern regarding the harsh treatment of dissidents, opposition leaders, student activists and all human rights defenders in Iranian prisons”, the statement said.

It called on the Iranian government to “respect its obligations under all its international commitments”.

Student activist Akbar Mohammadi died in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison on July 30 on the ninth day of his hunger strike. A week after beginning the protest, he refused to take liquids.

In an open letter to international human rights organisations, Mohammadi’s parents blamed “merciless” and “brutal” prison officials as well as Iran’s Judiciary for the death of their son.

They also denounced Iran’s Majlis (Parliament) deputies for refusing to take action on the matter despite being aware of Mohammadi’s frail condition.

They accused prison officials of taping their son’s mouth, tying his hands, and chaining him to a bed after the fifth day of his hunger strike.

Mohammadi was arrested and given 15 years in prison in the course of nationwide student-led protests against the government in July 1999.