Iran: Political Prisoner Tortured., Life at Risk.

international | rights, freedoms and repression | other press Monday August 28, 2006 19:26 by pat c

Another Political Prisoner in Iran, Ali Khodabakhshi, has been tortured and may killed by his gaolers. You can intervene on his behalf contact the Iranian Embassy to protest. Details below.

pat c

Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran
72 Mount Merrion Avenue
Blackrock
Co. Dublin

Tel: 01 288 0252 /01 288 5881
Fax: 01 283 4246

Web Site: http://www.iranembassy.ie
Email: IranEmbassy@indigo.ie

URGENT ACTION

Iran
PUBLIC AI Index: MDE 13/098/2006
25 August 2006

UA 229/06 Health concern / Torture
Fear for safety

IRAN Ali Khodabakhshi (also known as Elyaz Yekanli) (m), activist, aged about 31

Ali Khodabakhshi (also known as Elyaz Yekanli) is a prominent activist for the cultural, social and political rights of the Azeri Turkish minority in Iran (who also refer to themselves as Iranian Azerbaijanis). He has been detained without charge since his arrest on 8 June. He has been tortured in detention in order to extract a ‘confession.’ He may be detained on account of his peaceful activities on behalf of the rights of the Azeri Turkish minority, in which case Amnesty International would consider him a prisoner of conscience. The Ministry of Intelligence has allegedly been attempting to intimidate Ali Khodabakhshi’s family through phone calls and by visiting their house. There are concerns for their safety.

Ali Khodabakhshi was reportedly subjected to physical and psychological torture while detained in Tabriz Prison. He was badly beaten, and was given electric shocks. He was apparently tortured until he made a forced confession.