There are growing fears today for the well-being of Moahmmad Seddigh Kaboodvand, the Iranian-Kurdish human rights activist who has been on a hunger strike in Evin Prison since Sunday.
Kaboodvand’s spouse, Parinaz Hassany, told Zamaneh that her husband began his hunger strike because he has been denied visits with his severely ill son.
She added: “My husband has heart problems, and his hunger strike makes us very worried for him.”
Kaboodvand was transferred to the hospital last month due to health complications.
Kaboodvand, who was arrested over four years ago, is serving a 10-year sentence for “acting against national security and propaganda against the regime” in connection with his role in founding and running the Defence of Human Rights Organization of Kurdistan.
Kaboodvand has notified the Tehran Prosecutor by letter that he went on a hunger strike because he is not allowed to visit his son, who has been diagnosed with cancer and may be at death’s door. He also cites the lack of appropriate medical treatment, the severity of his sentence and the denial of his most basic human rights.
In the past year, many political prisoners have resorted to a hunger strike as the only means of strongly denouncing their mistreatment in Iran’s prisons. Most recently, political prisoner Mehdi Khazali was reportedly transferred to the prison infirmary on the 36th day of his hunger strike.
The preliminary court had sentenced Khazali to 14 years in prison, 10 years in exile and 90 lashes.
