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Nasrin Sotoudeh’s Cellmates Appeal to Judiciary to Save Her Life

September 21, 2020
IranWire
1 min read
Imprisoned lawyer and human rights activist Nasrin Sotoudeh has been on a hunger strike since August 11. She is calling for political prisoners to be released
Imprisoned lawyer and human rights activist Nasrin Sotoudeh has been on a hunger strike since August 11. She is calling for political prisoners to be released
Mojgan Kavousi and Rezvaneh Khanbeigi, two of Nasrin Sotoudeh's cellmates, have urged the head of the judiciary to help save her life
Mojgan Kavousi and Rezvaneh Khanbeigi, two of Nasrin Sotoudeh's cellmates, have urged the head of the judiciary to help save her life

Two prisoners have appealed to the head of Iran’s judiciary to save the life of jailed activist and lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, whose physical health continues to deteriorate. 

Sotoudeh's cellmates Mojgan Kavousi and Rezvaneh Khanbeigi have written an open letter to Chief Justice Ebrahim Raeesi, urging him to intervene and to meet Sotoudeh’s demands. 

Sotoudeh has been on a hunger strike since August 11, demanding the release of political prisoners and in protest against what she has described as the "extrajudicial treatment" they have been forced to endure. Kavousi and Khanbeigi are also currently on hunger strike. 

Sotoudeh's husband Reza Khandan posted on his wife's Twitter account on Saturday, September 19 that she had been transferred from prison to Taleghani Hospital due to heart problems, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, and severe fatigue and weakness. She was taken to the hospital’s coronary care unit.

Mojgan Kavousi and Rezvaneh Khanbeigi’s letter to Ebrahim Raeesi follows:

 

Mr. Raeesi, Head of the Judiciary

Greetings,

We, the cellmates of Ms. Nasrin Sotoudeh, on the 40th day of her hunger strike, consider it necessary to inform you about her condition, as eyewitnesses, and in an effort to save the life of a human being.

Given the duration of her strike, Sotoudeh’s physical condition is deteriorating minute by minute. Her vital signs are low, and her life is in danger. Her demand is nothing more than the implementation of a recently-passed law on the commuting of sentences. We therefore ask you to end Ms. Sotoudeh's hunger strike as soon as possible by addressing her legitimate request.

We have sent several letters to Your Excellency, but unfortunately they have failed to reach you due to obstruction by the relevant authorities, so we have had no option but to address you in an open letter.

Thank you,

Mojgan Kavousi, Rezvaneh Khanbeigi

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