In the Name of Freedom, Everyone has the right either as an individual or as part of a group to work towards human rights within, and for their country as well as internationally. It has been exactly one year since the illegal arrest and imprisonment of Keyvan Rafiee, the National Spokesperson for Human Rights Activists in Iran. However not only has the Islamic Regime prevented Mr. Rafiee's freedom by not allowing him to post bail and by postponing his trial on numerous occasions, but they have also increased pressure both on Mr. Rafiee and his family. Mr. Rafiee was arrested in Tehran last year on the 7th anniversary of July 9th 1999 pro-democracy student demonstrations (18 Tir). Prior to his arrest he had been threatened a number of times by the Intelligence Ministry Officials, both by telephone and in person. Mr. Rafiee has spent more then 200 days in solitary confinement and as a result of this cruel and inhuman punishment went on a hunger strike on three different occasions suffering a number of serious illnesses as a result. Both the United Nations and The European Union have shown concern for his health and well being and have asked for his unconditional freedom in public statements. Yet after one year of imprisonment, there is still no verdict regarding Mr. Rafiee's "crimes". In fact his trial and verdict have been postponed on a number of occasions for unknown reasons. In the past year Mr. Rafiee has not been able to see his lawyer even once, and his lawyer has not been allowed to attend at any court appearances. The Intelligence Ministry and the Revolutionary Courts are planning to convict him for taking part in last years July 9 th student demonstrations as well as taking part in a demonstration on International Workers Day. Most recently he was able to visit with his family for the first time after one year, although Evin Prison Officials did not want this visit to take place and made them wait for almost four (4) hours before they were able to visit for 30 minutes. Human Rights Activists in Iran condemn threats made against Keyvan Rafiee as well as his illegal arrest and d detention and demand his immediate and unconditional release. -- Human Rights Activists in IranEmail : Hra.iran@gmail.comWeb site : www.hra-iran.blogfa.com
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