International PEN is shocked by the death of Internet writer Omidreza Mirsayafi while detained in Evin Prison, Tehran. He was facing charges of insult and propaganda against the regime for writings posted on his blog. Prison authorities claim that Mirsayafi committed suicide by taking an overdose, but this is questioned by the family and a fellow prison inmate. PEN calls on the Iranian authorities to carry out a full and impartial investigation into Mirsayafi’s death and for the findings to be made public.

Background Information

According to PEN's information, Omidreza Mirsayafi, who was in his mid-20s, died on March 18, 2009, after falling ill in detention. He had been sentenced to two and a half years' imprisonment on charges of insulting Ayatollahs Khomeini and Khamanei, and propaganda against the regime. He had been free on bail pending appeal until February 7, 2009, when he was summoned again for questioning and remanded to Evin prison. Mirsayafi was reportedly suffering from depression and was taking medication. Prison authorities claim that Mirsayafi committed suicide by taking an overdose, but his family maintains that he would not have had enough medication in his possession to kill himself.

Mirsayafi’s health is said to have significantly deteriorated since his recent imprisonment. Prior to his death, Mirsayafi was reportedly in need of medical attention but prison authorities did not provide it.

Omidreza Mirsayafi was originally arrested on April 22, 2008, when his home was searched and his computer seized. He spent 40 days in detention and was released on bail. He was tried on November 2, 2008.

Mirsayafi denied the charges, and in a letter sent to Reporters Without Borders, he stated the following:

"I am a cultural and not a political blogger. Of all the articles I have posted online, only two or three were satirical. I did not mean to insult anyone."

Write A Letter

  • Expressing shock over the death of Internet writer Omidreza Mirsayafi;
  • Calling the Iranian authorities to carry out a full and impartial investigation into Mirsayafi’s death and for the findings to be made public.

Send Your Letter To

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic
His Excellency Ayatollah Sayed ‘Ali Khamenei
The Office of the Supreme Leader
Shoahada Street
Qom, Islamic Republic of Iran
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
 
Head of the Judiciary
His Excellency
Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi
Ministry of Justice, Park-e Shahr
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran

WITH COPIES TO...
President H.E. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
The Presidency
Palestine Avenue,
Azerbaijan Intersection
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
Fax: Via Foreign Ministry: +98 21 6 674 790
(mark: "Please forward to H.E. President Ahmadinejad")
Email: [email protected]

Please copy appeals to the diplomatic representative for Iran in your country if possible.

Please check with PEN if sending appeals after April 23, 2009: ftw [at] pen.org