Images of Iranian prisoner on hunger strike prompt outrage
Farhad Meysami, 53, has been in jail since 2018 for supporting women activists
Social media images purported to be of an emaciated jailed Iranian physician who went on hunger strike in support of demonstrations against the compulsory wearing of the hijab have caused outrage and warnings that he risks death.
Farhad Meysami, 53, who has been in jail since 2018 for supporting women activists protesting against the headscarf policy, began his hunger strike on October 7 to protest recent government killings of demonstrators, his lawyer said.
But the Iranian judiciary denied the hunger strike claim and said the photos that have gone viral on social media were from four years ago.
Amini was arrested by morality police for flouting the hijab policy, which requires women to dress modestly and wear headscarfs. Women have played a prominent role in the protests, many of them waving or burning their headscarfs.
Rights groups say more than 500 protesters have been killed and nearly 20,000 arrested. At least four people have been hanged, according to the Iranian judiciary.
“My client Farhad Meysami’s life is in danger” tweeted lawyer Mohammad Moghimi. “He went on hunger strike to protest the recent government killings in the streets.” He said Meysami had lost 52kg.
Images of Meysami show him curled up on what looks like a hospital bed, and another standing, his ribs protruding. “Shocking images of Dr. Farhad Meysami, a brave advocate for women’s rights who has been on hunger strike in prison” tweeted Robert Malley, US special envoy for Iran.
“Iran’s regime has unjustly denied him and thousands of other political prisoners their rights and their freedom. Now it unjustly threatens his life.”
In a letter published by BBC’s Persian Service, Meysami made three demands: An end to executions, release of political-civil prisoners, and an end to forced-hijab harassment. “I will continue my impossible mission in the hope that it may become possible later on with a collective effort” he wrote.
On Thursday, the activist HRANA news agency reported that Iranian film director Jafar Panahi had started a hunger strike in prison in protest.
Shocking images of Dr Farhad Meysami. Iran’s regime has unjustly denied him and thousands of political prisoners their rights and freedom. Now it threatens his life.”
Robert Malley | US special envoy for Iran