Ganji's Wife Complains to Head of Judiciary

Rooz Online:

In a letter to Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi, head of Iran's Judiciary, Masoumeh Shafiee, the wife of imprisoned journalist and writer Akbar Ganji's protested the mistreatment of Tehran prosecutor's team in dealing with her husband. According to Rooz news website, Mrs Shafiee has complained about beatings her husband has been subjected to by the members of Tehran prosecutor. Fifty seven days ago, ailing Akbar Ganji was transferred to a solitary confinement in Evin prison from Milad hospital where he had been hospitalized because of his hunger strike. Ganji is kept in a special intelligence section of the prison that is under the exclusive supervision of Saeed Mortazavi, Tehran's notorious prosecutor. Fourteen days ago, Ganji's wife and lawyer witnessed his deplorable situation in prison and since then they have not heard any news from him.

The following letter is Mrs. Shafiee's complaint to the head of Judiciary:

In the name of God

On Sunday October 30, 2005, I sent a letter addressed to Mr. Hashemi Shahroudi, the respected head of the Judiciary and complained about the beating of my husband, Akbar Ganji. He has been denied access to medical treatment despite his urgent need, and was beaten by the prosecutor's team members when he was transferred to solitary confinement.

In my complaint, I demanded the immediate investigation into the matter and a response regarding the above-mentioned illegal behavior, and asked him to name the agents who were involved in these tortures.

Ganji's appalling physical condition, following the torture and absence him from public view, and the denial of providing him his needed medical treatment requires immediate action. I am hopeful that Mr. Shahroudi takes note of this sensitive issue and acts on his legal and religious responsibility.

Masoumeh Shafiee
October 31, 2005 READ MORE