Behind Bars for the Holidays: 11 Political Prisoners We Want to See Free In 2015

The Daily Beast  From a children’s-book author languishing in an Egyptian prison to an early critic of the Assad regime, these jailed dissidents deserve our attention in the new year.

Before we party 2014 away and usher in a new year, we hope readers take a few moments to remember those brave activists languishing behind bars for advocating basic freedoms. The Daily Beast recently partnered with Advancing Human Rights to continue putting a spotlight on dissidents from dictatorships around the world.

The full text of the encyclopedia of emergence was written by Seyyed Hossein Boroujerdi

This book is a series of scientific and religious research which lead to teachings outside of the theology and its yield - the publication of the encyclopedia of emergence. 

As the result of publication of this book, Mr. Kazemeini Boroujerdi was considered as an apostate by the Special Clerical prosecutors. Then, Mr. Boroujerdi spent 44 consecutive days in quarantine of executions.

The full text of this book is available here.

Mr. Kazemeini Boroujerdi who is under secretive and Successive torture "white torture,"

Mr. Kazemeini Boroujerdi is in critical condition due to lack of medical attention to him.   According to the information received on Friday, December 19, 2014, this prisoner of conscience, who deprived of medication and treatment, has lost the ability to move due to severe pain in his back and legs.  Eventually, he was transferred by ambulance to the prison clinic.

Mr. Kazemeini Boroujerdi is in Urgent Need of Medical Treatment

According to the recent news about Mr. Kazemeini Boroujerdi  on Wednesday December 17, 2014, despite the statements by the UN and Amnesty international, which emphasis on his critical condition and medical care requirement, he has been denying needed  treatment. As a result of preventing this prisoner of conscience from receiving proper medical treatment, implemented by the criminal agents of the regime at the Evin Prison, recently his injured toe has turned black and it is feared that will lead to irreparable consequences.

Urgent call from the organizers of the Canadian Human Rights resolution against Iran

To the attention of the respectful Canadian government authorities and those in charge of the compilation of resolution number A/C.3/69.1.33

While thanking you for the particular attention you are paying to the human rights catastrophe taking place in Iran, the following distinct criticism is being presented with regards to the content of the said resolution:

In the draft of this resolution which was approved in November by the third committee of the General Assembly of the United Nations organization, and will be presented for voting to the General Assembly of the United Nations organization in December, profound concerns have been expressed regarding serious and continuous violations of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, in which torture, violent punishments and actions, and since the presidential elections of 2009, widespread and serious restrictions with regards to the freedom of peaceful assembly and gathering, freedom of speech and thought, the continuation of constant house arrests of leading opposition figures - despite serious concerns with regards to their health, as well as other stated issues, showing that in the preparation of the draft, all published reports in international organizations and Iranian institutions in defense of Human Rights have been investigated and taken into account, and hence this action should be commended; however a very important issue has remained absent, and that is the fundamental issue of interference of religion and politics, which was not mentioned at all!

Different stripes, same sense of injustice

5 December - As a long and nasty House of Commons sitting comes to a close, members of Parliament showed a bit of holiday spirit on the Hill on Thursday that would hearten even the most jaded of politicos.

MPs whose parties are normally duking it out in question period held a joint press conference to advocate for three people locked in jail abroad.

On the eve of the first anniversary of South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela’s death, Justice Minister Peter MacKay joined Liberal MP Irwin Cotler (a former justice minister himself), Green Party Leader Elizabeth May and Conservative MP Scott Reid (chair of the House foreign affairs subcommittee on international human rights) to call for the release of three people they called political prisoners and “Mandelas” of their countries.

Announcement No. 10 by the Followers of Mr. Kazemeini Boroujerdi

Since, September 24^th , Mr.  Kazemeini Boroujerdi, libertarian prisoner was encountered with backlash of the Special Clerical prosecutors. The most important reason was because of his teaching and dissemination of knowledge from inside of prison which are inconsistent with political Islam. So that, he was in quarantine of executions for 44 consecutive days and he passed   onerousness hours there.

Announcement No. 9 by the Followers of Mr. Kazemeini Boroujerdi

On Saturday November 22,  Mr.Kazemeini Boroujerdi 's family visited him while he is still in critical condition in Evin prison. Due to a hunger strike in recent days, he lost a significant amount of weight as well as suffered from severe tremors in his body. 

Schaake's questions on the case of Ayatollah Boroujerdi in Iran

On October 9, Member of the European Parliament Marietje Schaake (D66/ALDE) submitted questions to High Representative Ashton on the case of Ayatollah Boroujerdi in Iran. Please find a plain text version and the official document below.

 The case of Ayatollah Boroujerdi in Iran
According to recent reports in Iranian media, Ayatollah Boroujerdi faces eminent threats in Iran, although these reports are difficult to verify given the lack of (media) freedom in Iran. [1]

The Shia cleric has called for a separation of religion and state.

Mr. Kazemeini Boroujerdi have been transferred in the clinic of Evin prison

Today Sunday, November 16th, Mr. Kazemeini Boroujerdi was admitted to the prison clinic due to physical deterioration, while he was at the 16 th- day of his hunger strike, but he was soon sent back to the special clerical ward without receiving adequate medical treatment.  

In meanwhile, one day ago, his family met Mr. Boroujerdi for a few minutes; they expressed their concerns for his physical and health conditions in Evin Prison.

Mr. Kazemeini Boroujerdi was transferred to the Special Clerical ward

According to received reports, today, Friday, Nov. 14, 2014, Mr. Seyed Hossein Kazemeini Boroujerdi was transferred from quarantine cell to the Special Clerical ward due to serious health conditions caused by continuing of his hunger strike.

Announcement No. 8 by the Followers of Mr. Kazemeini Boroujerdi

On Saturday, 8 November 2014, Mr. Kazemeyni Boroujerdi's family had a short visit with him. His family stated that Mr. Boroujerdi’s health situation has  been terribly deteriorating, while he almost has lost his vision.

In view of sympathizing with my compatriots who are entangled in violence, I have started a hunger strike

I am writing this aggressive note against the political Islam, from my individual cell, which has inhuman conditions, and I am presenting it to the realm of contemporary history, through a nationalistic member of the military, who is God loving and is sensitive towards people.   

In order to sympathize with my oppressed compatriots who under the banner of “enjoin good and forbid evil”, are caught in a circle of violence by the government pressure apparatus, I am starting a hunger strike. 

Should Be the Interpretation of Religion Contrary to the Thinking of Political Islam Punished by Death?

I am writing this letter from my quarantined cell, which will be sent to the outside of my horrible jail by those entangled in a religious dictatorship: I do not know who will read these painful lines, but I know that he/she has delicate feelings and divine nerves. My fellowmen, under the auspices of a tyrannical regime, one cannot expect anything but distress, sorrow and grief –was the oppressed Iranian nation granted anything else other than this during the past thirty-five years? What were the initial promises of the revolution, and in what direction are we headed now – whatever they said, they proved the contrary with their actions. Those who one day in the future will look at the present history of Iran will be amazed to see this kind of dishonesty and will be even more surprised to see this kind of politics! They talk about Iran – so am I not an Iranian? For what kind of a crime am I being tortured? In the name of Islam they interfere in the affairs of all countries, and they allow themselves to export the massive capitals of this country to be used for violence and cruelties – am I not a Muslim, who since nine years is going through the persecution and torture of those claiming the rule of Islam?

Mr. Kazemeyni Boroujerdi on Hunger Strike

On Saturday, November 1, 2014 (10th Aban 1393 in Persian date), Mr. Kazemeini Boroujerdi's family was allowed to meet with him for just five minutes .

Mr.Kazemeini Boroujerdi's letter addressed to Mr.David Cameron

Your Excellency Mr. David Cameron

 Prime Minister of Great Britain

Greetings to you from the Political Prisoners of Belief 

This divine leader, who for nine years has been continuously captured in the hands of those who claim to religion and spirituality, deprived of medicine and treatment and without access to an attorney, his only sin is that of being against Political Islam, and due to this reason, has constantly been under psychological, physical and family torture.

Sayed Boroujerdi may be in imminent risk of execution

Amnesty -The Iranian authorities may be planning to use the noise of nearby political upheaval to rid themselves of him. Significantly, they appear to have moved him to an isolation cell, a strong signal that they are planning to execute him. Please write immediately. A sample letter is here.

Ayatollah Hossein Kazameini Boroujerdi has been held in Evin prison since his arrest in 2006. He is 56 years old.

Unveil the Faces of the Shrewd Ruling Players

On the anniversary of the raid on Mr. Kazemini Broojerdi’s house on October 2006, he had written an article in prison by the following entire text before being transferred to solitary ward to be quarantined prior to execution,:

In the anniversary of the Mongol-like invasion of the fascistic regime of Velayat-e Faqih [the Absolute Guardianship of the Jurisprudent], I would like to express my pure respects to my innocent and unprotected compatriots.

Announcement No. 4 by the Followers of Mr. Kazemeini Boroujerdi

On Saturday 11 October 2014 Morning, Mr. Kazemeini Boroujerdi's family referred to Evin prison, Tehran requesting to visit this prisoner. After about 2 hours waiting, the regime agents finally refused to answer and never informed them about the last situation of Mr. Boroujerdi.

Iranian Consulate-General wants to prohibit cartoon

Alleged “defamation” of Head of State – police had to call for support -  IGFM appeals to artistic freedom 

IGFM - Frankfurt am Main (Oct 8^th 2014)-This Wednesday the Frankfurt activists of the International Society for Human Rights (IGFM) encountered aggression and hostility in front of the Iranian Consulate-General in Raimundstreet. The Human Rights Organization wants to focus the attention on the impending execution of a highly esteemed and regime critical Ajatollah and so they showed a cartoon of the Iranian “Chief” Ajatollah Ali Khamenei. The Consulate understood this protest as “defamation” of the Head of State and tried to force the human rights activists to stop the campaign.

Iran and Prisoners of Conscience

Reflecting the Views of the U.S. Government as Broadcast on The Voice of America :Prominent dissident Shiite cleric Ayatollah Hossein-Kazamani Boroujerdi, who is serving an 11 year sentence and is gravely ill, was recently threatened with execution by Iran’s Prosecutor of the Special Clerical Court.  

Mr.Kazemeini Boroujerdi Is Jailed in Quarantine Cell before Execution

On Saturday 4 October, the Family of Mr. Kazemeini Boroujerdi went to Evin Prison and requested to visit Mr Boroujerdi while they were deeply concerned about his situation. they sit-in and declared  that we never leave the prison without meeting him. In consequence, the prison authorities allowed them to have just 15  minutes visit after their protestation for several hours.

Iran's "Political Prisoner Cleansing"

Reyhaneh Jabbari's Execution postponed, Pour Shajari re-arrested,Sadeghi missing in custody, Boroujerdi to be hanged

by Shadi Paveh
October 3, 2014 at 6:15 am

Prison authorities ordered the crowd to leave and assured Jabbari's family that she was not to be hanged -- a statement the authorities commonly make before an execution so it can be carried out quietly, without incident.

Meanwhile, Ayatollah Boroujerdi has been taken from his prison cell in Evin to be executed and is being held incommunicado at an undisclosed location. Also "missing" is dissident blogger Mohammad Reza Pour Shajari and prominent student activist Arash Sadeghi, both presumed to have been re-arrested according to friends and family.

The Latest News about Mr. Boroujerdi

October 2, 2014 - The latest  and only news which have received from Iran about the status  of  Mr Boroujerdi  is this morning October 2th, his family went to both Tehran Even Prison and special court for clergy in Moghaddas  Ardebili St, but his family  encountered with offensive manners  and intimidating of Security Guard .

Mr.Boroujerdi was transferred to an unknown location for execution

Wednesday 1 October 2014

Based on last reports from Evin Prison in Tehran, this morning the agents of Iranian security guard have transferred Mr. Kazemeini Boroujerdi to an unknown place in order to execute him soon.

The cellmate prisoners have called his family immediately and informed that Mr. Kazemeini Boroujerdi would be banned from any phone call or visit until the time of planned execution.

Iran, Life of Prisoner of Conscious Mr Boroujerdi at Risk

Amnesty International UK Days before Iran's President Hassan Rohani addresses United Nations General Assembly, Ayatollah Hossein Kazemeyni Boroujerdi, the prominent dissident clergy was informed that he will be executed for "anti-government views" -- that is if Iran, by again withholding repeatedly-requested medical attention, does not passively execute him first.

Iran Executing "Iran's Mandela," Dissident Hero Ayatollah Boroujerdi

Shadi Paveh- Gatestone institut

Now that the world's headlines are dominated by ISIS, and while Iran's President Hassan Rouhani is at the UN, the Iran is using these distractions to step up its executions, its mass-arrests of minorities, and now its execution of Ayatollah Boroujerdi -- that is if Iran, by again withholding crucial medical attention, does not passively execute him first.

Threats to Ayatollah Boroujerdi Death Penalty

Mohammad Movahedi

According to the report of  "Human Rights and Democracy in Iran," the prosecutor of the Special Clerical who is named Movahedi went to the Special Clerical ward of Evin Prison , then he  threatened and harassed Mr.Boroujerdi.

On the first Tuesday of Meher ( in persian), Mohammad Movahedi, the prosecutor of the Special Clerical ,went to the Special Clerical ward, and brought along the new book of Mr.Boroujerdi for which he has been collecting and teaching from inside prison. Mr Movahedi stated that the convictions and views of Mr. Boroujerdi are heretical. Particularly, to the interpretation and comments of leadership. Mr Khamenei was opposed. Movahedi said that for Mr. Boroujerdi, the writer of this book and all those who had proceeded to publish and disseminate  this book will be sentenced  for apostasy and executed.

A call to support for international gathering

I Implore You to Sympathize with Our Plight

Your Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations:

Greetings to the respected United Nations General Assembly.  I am writing you as a political prisoner from the dreaded Evin Prison. I have been imprisoned and tortured for the past eight years for simply speaking out against political Islam and the cruel crimes committed by the government of Iran against its citizens due to implementation of religious laws.

Ayatollah Boroujerdi Persecuted: Iran Deals with anti-Shia Nations and is a US/UK Mirror

Murad Makhmudov and Lee Jay Walker 

Modern Tokyo Times

Iran is an anomaly because while Ayatollah Hossein-Kazamani Boroujerdi languishes in prison for holding his Shia beliefs, the theocratic leadership in this nation doesn’t mind trading with anti-Shia nation states. At the same time, the Shia community suffers enormous persecution in nations like Bahrain, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia; but Iran’s actions appear to be minimal. Likewise, in Syria major Gulf and Western powers along with Turkey are supporting fanatical Takfiri sectarians. Therefore, while it is true that Iran is helping Syria; it is equally strange that Iran continues to open its door to Turkey because this nation is laying the foundation for the persecution of minority Muslim groups in Syria.

A call to support for international gathering

Violations of human rights in Iran is continuously happening. Prisons in Iran are full of individuals who have dared to express their thoughts and beliefs.
Together we show our support for prisoner of conscious Mr. Kazemeini Boroujerdi. October 8th 2014 is coincides with ninth anniversary of the raid of Mr. Kazemeini Boroujerdi’s house by the security forces of dictator regime in Iran. On the above date Mr Boroujerdi was arrested along with around 1000 of his supporters. 

Ban Ki Moon: NO Progress in Situation of Human Rights and Freedom in Iran

Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Report of the Secretary-General

According to the recent Report of the UN Secretary-General after Sixty-ninth session of General Assembly, concerning the Situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, there was not any progress in Iran under President Rouhani despite his first promises for more improvement of Human Rights and freedom.

The Secretary-General remains deeply troubled by reports of increasing numbers of executions, including of political prisoners, and reiterates his call on the Government to introduce a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, and to prohibit executions of juvenile offenders in all circumstances. 

Political Religion is the Roots of all Crises, Atrocities and Crimes

 Political Religion is an incurable pain which in every age is like a cancerous tumor which makes Sickness’ of Monotheism and also embarrasses the faithful people. Materialistic religion has always sought to exploit the optimistic believers which under the rule of religion and spirituality seek out the illegitimate domination and unfairly targets those that are illegal. Human history indicates that the violence of the religious has put the creator under accusation and has developed their materialistic greed and sensuality.

A Letter from Prison to Catherine Ashton

Greetings from the prisoners of the Fascist regime in Iran,

Those who publish content in defense of human rights and justice, stand against the ruling bullies and unscrupulous grabbers in our country, are moved by their superlative commitment. This defenseless nation, who for the last thirty five years has been deceived by the false slogans of the God-hating, materialist Mullahs is a noble and decent historical country whose national wealth they have now squandered in order to keep the likes of Asad, Hamas, Hassan Nasrallah and Maliki's longevity financed, and they run a muck in Bahrain, Gaza, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. 

Severe Violations of Religious Freedom in Iran

Aug 22, 2014

The U.S. State Department has once again designated Iran a country of particular concern, noting that nearly all non-Shia religious communities in Iran, as well as some dissident Shia Iranians, are subject to persecution, ranging from discrimination and harassment to arrest, torture and execution.

Severe Violations of Religious Liberty in Iran

Nearly all non-Shia religious groups in Iran are subject to persecution -- from government-sanctioned discrimination in employment, education and housing, to arrest, imprisonment, and torture.

In its annual report on religious freedom world-wide, the U.S. State Department has once again designated Iran a country of particular concern because of the government’s severe violations of religious liberty.

Mr.Boroujerdi's Serious Health Condition

On Saturday, August 16th, Mrs. Kazemeini-Boroujerdi who went to Evin prison for a visit with her husband, was confronted with her husband’s truly heartrending condition. Mr. Kazemeini-Boroujerdi was in such a dire physical condition that he could not walk and was brought in to the visiting room with the aid of two of the prisoners, and who held him upright by his arms. Mrs.

Kazemeini-Boroujerdi's Call for Legal and International Authorities Intervention

To the Attention of the Esteemed President of the International Criminal, Chief Prosecutor and the Supreme Judge, and the Honorable Secretary General of the United Nations Human Rights Council, 

Greetings from this Pastor and prisoner, defender of humanity and protector of the oppressed whose rights have been trampled and looted. From within my prison cell I echo to you the cries of a desperate and captive nation.

A Bleak Human Rights Picture

The Chairman of the Commission on Religious Freedom  expressed concern about  deteriorating Ayatollah Boroujerdi situation.

It’s been more than a year since the election of President Hassan Rouhani in Iran and despite his campaign promises; Iran’s human rights situation has not improved .

Hundreds of political prisoners remain incarcerated, executions after dubious trials continue, the internet is still censored, and ethnic and religious minorities are persecuted.

Request an Independent Physician to Examine and Treat Mr.Boroujerdi's Serious Health Condition

On Wednesday, August 7th at 8 a.m. fainted as he was walking and came to, after 45 minutes at the prison infirmary. Five physicians, including the head of the infirmary and the internist were present.

When Mr. Boroujerdi inquired about his condition, the only response he got was that he must be checked out by a specialist, after which time, he was returned to his cell without any treatment or medications.

Mr.Boroujerdi's Request to the Human Rights High commissioner

To the attention of Dr. Navi Pillay

The United Nations human rights High Commissioner

Greetings from the seekers of freedom and justice, wishing you peace on you defender of humanity and dignity.

I offer my esteem from within my horrific prison cell and ask for your human and divine assistance.

Another Fetr Along with Sweet Torment and Dictatorship Taste

This Ramadan which passed in Iran, is the most deplorable which have been fortune for this history of faith of this land.

 Is it truly the Eid of Fetr?

Is this the Eid of desperate Muslims?

Is it an Eid which is accompanied with torture and dictatorship, rather than sweets and celebratory food? Do these Eids actually convey a message?

Dissident Iranian Ayatollah Again Denounces Tehran from Prison

by Stephen Schwartz

Ayatollah Seyed Hossein Kazemeyni Boroujerdi has been incarcerated, mainly in Tehran's ignominious Evin Prison, since 2006. He is accused of "combat against God" for his criticisms of the Iranian clerical dictatorship, and is serving an 11-year sentence. Now kept in the "special clerical ward," he has suffered numerous ailments, has accused his jailers of torture, and is among the most famous Iranian prisoners of conscience.

Boroujerdi was born in 1958, an heir to a distinguished Shia clerical family prominent before the Khomeini revolution of 1979. He studied at the theological center in Qom but rejected the ideology of Khomeini. He was arrested in 1995 and 2001 because of his popularity with Iranian believers. His father, Ayatollah Seyed Mohammad Ali Kazemeyni Boroujerdi, was executed by the regime in 2002.

Mr. Boroujerdi Transferred to a Desolate Dungeon in the Special Clerical Ward

On Wednesday, July 23rd, Mr. Kazemeini-Boroujerdi and other prisoners in the Special Clerical ward were transferred to a desolate dungeon in this ward.

The July 1st fire that broke out in this ward saw slow but steady collapse of the roof and ceiling of the ward, which had already been in disrepair and had been neglected by the prison officials. 

International Campaign to Demand the Release of Ayatollah Boroujerdi from Prison in Iran

 Date: 24 July 2014

His Excellency Ban-Ki Moon

Secretary General of United Nations

The United Nations

New York, NY 10017

Re: International Campaign to Demand the Release of Ayatollah Boroujerdi from Prison in Iran

Your Excellency,

I join my fellow compatriots in urging the international community to support our campaign for the immediate release of Ayatollah Seyed Hossein Kazemeiny Boroujerdi, a well-respected clergyman and a long time vocal advocate of secularism, from prison in Iran. We beseech you to intervene without hesitation, as Ayatollah Boroujerdi’s life has been under threat since his imprisonment in October 2006, and his health has been deteriorating under poor conditions due to physical and psychological torture as well as poor medical treatment.

Mr. Kazemeini-Boroujerdi threatened with torture and being transferred to IRGC ward

On Tuesday, July 1st a fire broke out in the Special Clerical ward of Evin Prison, where Mr. Kazemeini-Boroujerdi is detained. Two days later, on Thursday, he was visited by agents of the regime; Mohammad Movahedi and Morteza Bakhtiari who appeared at Mr. Kazemeini-Boroujerdi’s cell demanded that he cease his opposition to the regime and told him that he must participate in a television interview where he openly supports the regime and apologizes to the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. He was also told that he must sign an affidavit agreeing not to meet with anyone or have any contact with supporters. The agents said that if he agrees to said conditions, he would be released from prison. But when they were confronted with Mr. Boroujerdi’s refusal, they threatened his life and began to give him ultimatums.

I continue to stand in order to echo for the cries of my fellow compatriots

I offer my heartiest greeting to the great and dear people of Iran, 

This prisoner of conscience has never once forgotten your righteousness and these eight years of my captivity in the claws of political Islam, has not stopped me from expressing my respect for the deprived and forsaken. The hostility of the bullying ruling elite, with me who is in agony, are as a result of my extensive and infrastructural opposition to the co-mingling of politics with religion. As a result, during the last twenty plus years, due to my ideological contentions with the nature of the Governance of the Islamic Guardianship, my family and I have been continually abused and violated.

Outright and unmitigated human rights violations of the Islamic regime in Iran

Südwind , 26th Session of HRC , "Maryam Moazenzadeh"

Greetings, one and all,

I would like to briefly cover the outright and unmitigated human rights violations of the Islamic regime in Iran. This has been one of the regime’s most visible methodologies since it’s inception. Out of all the various conventions that the Islamic regime has joined, out of the twenty five countries related to the human rights issues, Iran has only signed ten of those conventions and of those ten, two have been signed conditionally.

Fire in the Special Clerical ward of Evin Prison

On Tuesday morning, July 1st, the Special Clerical ward (ward 325) in Evin caught fire, during which the belongings of many of the prisoners were destroyed or damaged. The prisoners also suffered respiratory distress due to the inhalation of smoke.  

Another Ramadan in the clutches of the bloodthirsty monsters in religious frock.

Once again, Ramadan is here

Once again, Ramadan is here and I remain a captive of the false claimants of faith who are the representatives of savagery, transmitters of hooliganism and mischief and deniers of truth. Based on such ‘faith’, the orders for the execution of the innocents are continually issued, and the command for the looting and pillaging of the national wealth is handed down. Truly, Ramadan in the realm of politicized religion embodied in the form of a government is nothing more than the enmity against spirituality, the flight of monotheism and the corruption of Islam.