Ali Malihi, a detained member of the student organization Advar-e Tahkim-e Vahdat, says recently released political prisoners have in no way recanted their political views, despite statements to the contrary issued by Tehran’s prosecutor.
The Advar News website published Malihi’s letter that he wrote from inside Evin Prison. He says his assertion is based on his nearly two years spent in prison with numerous political prisoners.
“In view of some of the rumours in the media in recent days, I feel it necessary to explain that in my 20 months in prison, I have applied to the judiciary for various legal provisions available to detainees, including the appeal of a preliminary sentence, reduced sentencing,a conditional release and furloughs. But at no time have I ever repented of my beliefs and actions, and I have complete faith that the green path of hope that the Iranian people are following will continue.”
When the recent holy month of Ramadan culminated with the feast of Fetr, Iranian authorities released several political prisoners. Most of them had already served half of their prison terms and, thus, were eligible for conditional release. Many had only weeks left in their prison term.
Iranian authorities, however, told the media that the prisoners’ release stemmed from “the pardon and mercy of the leader”. Tehran prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dowlatabadi claimed the released prisoners had repented of their deeds.
Malihi was arrested in February at his home during the a wave of widespread arrests of political and media activists.
The detained journalist was charged with “assembly and collusion against the regime, propaganda against the regime, participation in illegal gatherings, publishing falsehoods and insulting the president.”
Last August he was sentenced to four years in prison and a cash fine for insulting the president.
Malihi was given a three-day furlough this past May.
