English PEN joins PEN International in welcoming the release of Iranian journalist and writer Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand, a member of Iran’s Kurdish minority, on a four-day furlough.

On 8 May 2016, Kabudvand began a hunger strike in protest at his continued imprisonment and the possibility of new charges being brought against him. Kabudvand ended his hunger strike after the authorities decided not to pursue the new charges. He was released on a four-day furlough on 13 June 2016. PEN considers Kabudvand to be imprisoned for his peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression, and continues to call for his immediate and unconditional release, in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a state party.

For further information on Kabudvand’s case, please visit the PEN International website.

TAKE ACTION

Social media

Join PEN in calling for Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand’s immediate release on Facebook, Twitter and other social media, using the hashtag #MohammadSadiqKabudvand

Send letters of appeal:

• Welcoming the Iranian authorities’ decision not to bring new charges against journalist and writer Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand and his release on a four-day furlough;
• Expressing grave concern for the health and welfare of Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand, and seeking assurances that he will not be returned to prison but will be allowed to remain free to receive all necessary medical treatment;
• Calling on the Iranian authorities to quash all convictions against Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand and release him immediately and unconditionally, as he is imprisoned for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression;
• Urging the Iranian authorities to ensure that the right to freedom of expression in Iran is fully respected in law and practice as provided for under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a state party.

Leader of the Islamic Republic
Ayatollah Sayed ‘Ali Khamenei
The Office of the Supreme Leader
Shoahada Street, Qom, Islamic Republic of Iran
Salutation: Your Excellency
Email: info_leader@leader.ir
Twitter: @khamenei_ir

Head of the Judiciary Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani
c/o Public Relations Office Number 4, Deadend of 1 Azizi Above Pasteur Intersection Vali Asr Street Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
Salutation: Your Excellency

And copies to:

Secretary General, High Council for Human Rights
Mohammed Javad Larijani c/o Office of the Head of the Judiciary
Pasteur St, Vali Asr Ave
South of Serah-e Jomhouri, Tehran,
Islamic Republic of Iran
Email: larijani@ipm.ir (Subject line: FAO Mohammad Javad Larijani)