Your Excellency,
I am writing to you to express my concern about the arrest of prominent human rights activist Emadeddin Baghi on 28 December 2009, following protests in Tehran and other cities marking 'Ashura.
I am particularly concerned because Mr Baghi suffers from poor health and he could be subjected to ill-treatment and medical neglect while in detention. During his previous imprisonment from October 2007 to October 2008, he suffered seizures and a heart attack and was denied access to the toilet, leading to kidney problems. He did not receive adequate medical treatment.
He has been repeatedly persecuted by the Iranian authorities for his peaceful advocacy for human rights; his Association for the Defense of Prisoners' Rights was shut down in September 2009 and he was prevented from receiving the prestigious Martin Ennals award for human rights activists in November 2009.
I urge that while in detention, Emadeddin Baghi be given access to his family, to his lawyer, and to any necessary medical attention. I also urge you to ensure that he is not subjected to torture or other ill-treatment. Finally, Emadeddin Baghi is a prisoner of conscience, and I therefore call for his immediate and unconditional release.
Thank you for your attention.
Yours sincerely
carlo taglietti
