URGENT ACTION

HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYER RISKS TORTURE

Human rights lawyer Mohammad Mostafaei was arrested on 25 June, probably in relation to his human rights activities and his peaceful exercise of the right to freedom of expression and association after the disputed re-election of President Ahmadinejad. Mohammad Mostafaei is a prisoner of conscience. He is at risk of torture.

Mohammad Mostafaei was arrested in Tehran on 25 June by plainclothes officials, while he was away from his home with his wife and daughter. The officials searched the family home and Mohammad Mostafaei’s office, and then took him away. His whereabouts remain unknown since his arrest.

Mohammad Mostafaei is a human rights lawyer who is best known for his campaigning against the execution in Iran of people convicted of crimes committed when they were under the age of 18. He is representing at least 25 juveniles sentenced to death for such crimes.

PLEASE WRITE IMMEDIATELY in Persian, Arabic, English, French or your own language:

n  calling on the authorities to release Mohammad Mostafaei immediately and unconditionally, if he has been arrested solely for his human rights activities and the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression and  association, and is therefore a prisoner of conscience;

n  urging them to allow him immediate access to his family, a lawyer of his choice and any medical treatment he may require, and ensure that he is protected from all forms of torture or other ill-treatment;

n  calling on the authorities to allow peaceful demonstrations by those who wish to express their opinions on the elections to take place.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 10 August 2009 TO:

Title   

Leader of the Islamic Republic

Ayatollah Sayed ‘Ali Khamenei

The Office of the Supreme Leader

Islamic Republic Street – End of Shahid Keshvar Doust Street, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran

Email:                info_leader@leader.ir

via website: http://www.leader.ir/langs/en/index.php?p=letter (English)

http://www.leader.ir/langs/fa/index.php?p=letter

(Persian)

Salutation: Your Excellency

Title   

Head of the Judiciary

Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi

Howzeh Riyasat-e Qoveh Qazaiyeh (Office of the Head of the Judiciary)

Pasteur St., Vali Asr Ave., south of Serah-e Jomhouri, Tehran 1316814737, Islamic Republic of Iran

Email:              shahroudi@dadgostary-tehran.ir

(In the subject line write: FAO Ayatollah Shahroudi)

Salutation: Your Excellency

Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country.

Please check with your section office if sending appeals after the above date.