Iran - Ayatollah Khalaji
Cleric detained for criticizing violations in Iran
26 January 2010
Ayatollah Sayed ‘Ali Khamenei
The Office of the Supreme Leader
Islamic Republic Street – End of Shahid Keshvar Doust Street,
Tehran, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
Your Excellency:
I am writing today out of concern for the well-being of Ayatollah Mohammad Taghi
Khalaji, who was detained on 12 January 2010. He is being held without access to
legal counsel or his family. I urge you to ensure that while he remains in custody
he is not subjected to illl-treatment or torture and that he be given access to his
family, a lawyer of his own choosing and any medical treatment that he may require.
Furthermore, I believe that Ayatollah Khalaji is a prisoner of conscience, held
only for his peaceful expression of his view that the violent suppression of recent
peaceful student protests have become too severe. As such, I call upon you to
release Ayatollah Khalaji immediately and without condition.
Finally, I call on you to remember Iran's obligations as state party to the
International Convent on Civil and Political Rights and do all that you can to uphold
the rights of freedom of expression, assembly and association in your country.
Thank you very much for your time on this urgent issue.
Yours Sincerely,
Shawn Nock
Letter sent to the above and copied to:
His Excellency Mohammad Javad Larijani Bureau of International Affairs Office of the Head of the Judiciary Pasteur St., Vali Asr Ave. south of Serah-e Jomhouri, Tehran 1316814737 ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
Comments