Free Iranian Childrens Rights Activist Saeed Shirzad, Held Incommunicado 65+ Days After Arrest

UPDATE: August 9, 2014--Following 2 months since his arrest, Saeed Shirzad, children’s rights and human rights activist was transferred to the quarantine ward of Evin prison.

According to CHRR after being held in Ward 209 of Evin prison during interrogations for 2 months, Saeed Shirzad’s temporary detention was extended for another 2 months and he was subsequently transferred to the quarantine ward of the prison facility.

Saeed Shirzad was detained on June 2nd 2014 at his place of work in a Tabriz refinery. The reason for his arrest was not disclosed and he was transferred to the solitary unit of Evin prison for questioning and interrogations. During this time, Shirzad has not been permitted any visitation with his family despite their efforts.

Branch 16 of the Revolutionary Court is handling his case and even though no formal charges have been filed, Saeed Shirzad has been accused of allegedly partaking in human rights activities and collaborating with Ahmed Shaheed, UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran.

Saeed Shirzad had a prior arrest on August 21, 2012 after the Azerbaijan earthquake when security agents raided his volunteer campsite in the earthquake-stricken Ahar area in East Azerbaijan province. Shirzad was detained along with a few others as they were administering aid to victims and their families. The others were later released but Shirzad was held in Ahar prison where he embarked on a hunger strike in protest of his illegal arrest. He was released on bail pending his trial after 19 days of detention.

On January 9, 2013, Saeed Shirzad was sentenced to a one-year suspended term and 5 years probation. Judge Pir Abassi presiding over Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court handed down the sentence stemming from the charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “activities in opposition groups.”
http://chrr.biz/spip.php?article21714

UPDATE: August 5, 2014-- After 64 days in detention, the temporary detention order has been extended for another 20 days for Iranian children's rights activist Saeed Shirzad. He is being held in Tehran's infamous Evin Prison. He continues to be held incommunicado and his family have no idea as to his current condition.

July 7, 2014-- 37 Days after he was arrested in Tabriz, there is no information about the whereabouts and condition Saeed Shirzad, an Iranian children’s rights activist.

According to the report of Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Saeed Shirzad was arrested at his workplace, in a Tabriz refinery on June 2nd.

“Two weeks ago the security forces informed his family that he had been transferred to Tehran. But Saeed did not have any contact with his family yet and we do not know anything about his status, ” reported a close source to him

He also added, “We do not know about the probable charges against him or the allegations upon which they are based.”

Saeed Shirzad was arrested previously on August 22, 2013, when he went to Ahar for the purpose of providing aid to residents there in the aftermath of a disastrous earthquake. He was released after 19 days on bail.

He was sentenced to one year in prison which was suspended by branch number 26 of the revolutionary court.