URGENT ACTION | Arzhang Davoudi: Hunger Strike Surpasses Two Months, Health Critical, Writes Letter of Grievance
Who is Arzhang Davoudi?
He is the director of a school, a teacher, and a self-identified secular. His hunger strike continues in Rajai Shahr prison after two months.
Arzhang Davoudi: “Iran never dies. Long live freedom. Viva democracy. Freedom lovers of the world unite. Democracy should prevail. Democracy should and will flourish the globe.”
LATEST UPDATE ON ARZHANG DAVOUDI
September 15, 2010: Arzhang Davoudi has entered his 64th day of hunger strike. His health is severely critical. It is reported that the risk of death for this educator is high.
Arzhang Davoudi is hardly able to speak or open his eyes. He was transferred to the clinic at Rajai Shahr prison on September 14, 2010. He was also transferred on numerous other occasions, but each time, he was not provided with proper medical care.
Despite Arzhang Davoudi’s extremely severe condition, at the clinic he was placed under pressure to sign a form which would assign him all responsibilities for the consequences of his hunger strike. He refused to sign the form while insisting to continue his hunger strike until all his demands are met.
On the morning of September 9th, Arzhang Davoudi was able to meet with his wife Nazanin Davoudi. One prison official [first] extensively searched Nazanin Davoudi using various scanning devices.
Arzhang Davoudi was brought into the visitation room in a wheelchair. His appearance was pale and thin. He is reported to be extremely weak and experiencing blurred vision. Azrhand Davoudi announced to his wife that he will continue his hunger strike until all his demands are met.
Arzhang Davoudi’s house was confiscated and sold based on an order by judge Haddad. Recently Nazanin Davoudi was interviewed by Radio Farda regarding the situation. She said, “Our house was both residential and also used as a school. The school’s name is Parto-e Hekmat Cultural Education Center [located in Tehran]. Many students studied there [and Arzhang Davoudi is the director of the school]. Our home was sealed off and parts of it were dug out for investigation purposes. At first we were told that our home would only be sealed off for a few days, but they sealed off the house for three years, and then we were told that, unfortunately, they sold our home. Whenever we inquire about the reasons why [our house was sold], we receive no response.”
Arzhang Davoudi was arrested in October 2002 on charges of “acting against national security” and “writing a secular manifesto for Iran.” He has been imprisoned ever since.
[Thanks to Tour Irani for translation]
NEW PETITION FOR ARZHANG DAVOUDI.YOUR SIGNATURE IS NEEDED!