UNITED NATIONS EXPRESS 'DEEP ALARM' OVER IRANIAN HUNGER STRIKE

A UNITED Nations expert has expressed her concern about the treatment of prisoners who have been on hunger strike for more than a month after being transferred to a high-security section of Rajai-Shahr prison in Karaj, west of the Iranian capital Tehran.

A UNITED Nations expert has expressed her concern about the treatment of prisoners who have been on hunger strike for more than a month after being transferred to a high-security section of Rajai-Shahr prison in Karaj, west of the Iranian capital Tehran.

Asma Jahangir, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran, said:

“I am deeply alarmed by reports about the deteriorating medical conditions of the prisoners on hunger strike, and that their torture and ill-treatment have continued since their transfer.”

More than 50 prisoners have been transferred over the past few weeks without notice and with no reason given. None was allowed to take their personal belongings, including medicines.

They are also reported to have been deprived of hygiene products, adequate clothing, medical care and food they bought with their own money.

Iran’s opposition in exile in Paris, the National Council of Resistance of Iran, has repeatedly called for UN intervention. Demonstrations have been planned for today in London and The Hague.

Jahangir, who is also president of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan and chairperson of the country’s Human Rights Commission, added: “Depriving prisoners of having family contact, lawyers and adequate medical care is contrary to international law.

“I urge the government of Iran to look for a prompt solution to the extreme situation created by the hunger strike through good faith dialogue about the grievances and underlying human rights violations, ensuring full respect for their dignity and autonomy.”

Earlier this week, the inmates called for the international community to support their calls for justice.

The physical condition of many has worsened since they embarked on the hunger strike and some can barely walk.

They have called on their fellow citizens to stand up against alleged abuses in the “religious despotism ruling Iran”.

originally published in the National