Jailed Iranian Activist Meysami Rejects Calls To End Hunger Strike

Imprisoned Iranian civil rights activist Farhad Meysami vowed to continue his hunger strike, a fellow activist says, days after pictures emerged on social media showing him emaciated, with his ribs protruding.

The shocking photos triggered outrage and warnings that Meysami risks death.

"In a phone call, he thanked those expressing concerns and urging him to end his strike and said that he promises to take care of his health as much as he can," activist Zia Nabavi tweeted on February 6.

Meysami says he will continue his protest action launched nearly four months ago until his demands are met, including an end to the execution of protesters, the release of six political prisoners and a halt to the harassment of women over the compulsory headscarf.

The activist launched his hunger strike after the eruption of nationwide protests triggered by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in custody for allegedly violating the Islamic Republic’s headscarf law.

Meysami, a medical doctor, has been in prison since August 2018 after being sentenced to six years for supporting women protesting the strict dress code that forces them to cover their hair and bodies in public.

The activist was charged with “spreading propaganda" against the Islamic Republic, “gathering and colluding to commit crimes against national security,” and "insulting the sacred things."

Before his arrest, he participated in rallies in support of prisoners’ rights and in protest at the Islamic Republic’s rules on mandatory hijab.