- Target:
- UN, UNHCHR, US State Department, EU, Navi Pillay, Ban Ki-Moon, European Parliament, AI, HRW
- Region:
- GLOBAL
- Website:
- www.en-hrana.org
Saman Ostevar, a Baha'i citizen and children’s rights activist, who was arrested on March 2, 2011 in the city of Kerman, still remains in Bam’s Prison, and uncertainty surrounds his future.
According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Saman Ostevar is a Baha'i citizen who resided in Kerman. He was arrested on March 2, 2011 and transferred to Bam’s prison. For a period of 48 days, Saman Ostevar was locked up in solitary confinement and placed under horrific psychological pressure. During this time, he was cut off from the world without being able to see or contact anyone.
Judicial authorities refuse to tell his family what charges have been filed against him. Saman Ostevar’s arraignment was held on April 17, 2011 in one of the courts in the city of Bam. Although Saman Ostevar’s wife has repeatedly visited judicial authorities to inquire about his case, they have refused to answer any of her questions.
It has been reported that on the morning of March 2, 2011, five security officers raided Saman Ostevar’s house and after searching the property, they seized his PC, laptop, books and CDs containing Baha'i teachings and cell phone. Saman Ostevar’s wife had no news of him and didn’t know his whereabouts for 48 days following the arrest.
Saman Ostevar was a member of a charity organization dedicated to help children orphaned after the 2003 earthquake in Bam. Currently, there are 100-120 children sponsored by this organization.
Following the court session, Saman Ostevar’s family asked the prosecutor to release him on bail. However, the prosecutor opposed the bail sighting new evidence against the defender.
WHEREAS:
1. Saman Ostevar is clearly a prisoner of conscience guilty of nothing but pursuing peaceful charity work in accordance with his religious convictions;
2. The uncertainty of his condition since being arrested in early March, his virtual disappearance for 48 days and the lack of transparency as to what charges he faces, all point to gross miscarriages of justice and acts of flagrant illegality on the part of the Islamic Republic of Iran's judiciary officials and security agents;
THEREFORE: We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Saman Ostevar from prison and the end to all forms of persecution against him and all other practitioners of the Baha'i fath.
You can further help this campaign by sponsoring it
The Free Saman Ostevar, Baha'i Faith Prisoner In Iran petition to UN, UNHCHR, US State Department, EU, Navi Pillay, Ban Ki-Moon, European Parliament, AI, HRW was written by John S. Burke and is in the category Human Rights at GoPetition.