CLOSED: Iran: Journalist imprisoned and at risk of torture

Hengameh Shahidi is a journalist and a member of the National Trust Party, an opposition political party headed by reformist cleric Mehdi Karroubi. She was arrested on 30 June and is being held without charge in Evin Prison. It is not clear if she has been detained for her work as a journalist or her political activities but in either case Amnesty considers her a prisoner of conscience.

Hengameh suffers from a heart condition requiring regular medication. She has not been granted access to her lawyer and has only been allowed to meet her family once.

She has been held in solitary confinement for 50 days in the Ministry of Intelligence run wing of Evin Prison. News reports indicate that as of 25 August, Hengameh is on hunger strike to protest against her interrogation. She is said to be facing pressure to admit to 'immoral relations' with men which is a charge carrying the severest penalties.

Background information 

Following the presidential elections on 12 June 2009 that appeared to return President Ahmedinejad with a high majority, thousands of members of Iranian society protested saying they disputed the results.

Hengameh Shahidi is a journalist and a member of the National Trust Party, an opposition political party headed by reformist cleric Mehdi Karroubi. She was arrested on 30 June and is being held without charge in Evin Prison. It is not clear if she has been detained for her work as a journalist or her political activities but in either case Amnesty considers her a prisoner of conscience.

Hengameh suffers from a heart condition requiring regular medication. She has not been granted access to her lawyer and has only been allowed to meet her family once.

She has been held in solitary confinement for 50 days in the Ministry of Intelligence run wing of Evin Prison. News reports indicate that as of 25 August, Hengameh is on hunger strike to protest against her interrogation. She is said to be facing pressure to admit to 'immoral relations' with men which is a charge carrying the severest penalties.

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