Prominent Iranian human rights activist dies

Turkish Police have announced that they will release the results of an autopsy on prominent Iranian human rights activist Seyed Jamal Hosseini (Esfandiar Baharmas), who died on 4 August, within six months. His death comes amidst reports from Iranian human rights activists in the diaspora of a surge in threats and attempted intimidation by Iranian security agents.

Thirty four year-old Mr Hosseini, co-founder, editor and coordinator of the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), died in suspicious circumstances on the evening of 4 August. He had been a refugee in Turkey for ten years and was due to resettle in Canada in two months’ time. According HRANA, Mr Housseini’s body was discovered on 5 August in the office of his home in Nevşehir, and there were drops of blood on his face, as well in other parts of his home.

HRANA also reports that political prisoners in Evin, Rajai Shahr and Urumieh prisons held memorial services for Mr. Hosseini, where tributes were paid to his character and profound influence on human rights activism in Iran.

Mervyn Thomas, Chief Executive of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), said: “CSW is saddened by the death of Seyed Hosseini and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and to all those working at HRANA. He has clearly left a remarkable legacy, and the fact that memorial services were held for him in at least four prisons is a testament to his contribution to the cause of human rights in Iran. The circumstances surrounding his death are worrying, and we await with keen interest the outcome of investigations by the Turkish authorities. Also worrying are increasing reports from Iranian diaspora activists of intimidation and direct threats, allegedly by Iranian security agents. Nations hosting or receiving Iranian refugees must ensure their safety by sending a clear message to Iran that such behaviour is wholly unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated.”

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organisation working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.