Kaveh Kermanshahi under pressure and torture to confess to espionage

Since February 3, 2010, human rights activist Kaveh Ghasem Kermanshahi, who has been detained in a centre run by the office of the Kermanshah Ministry of Intelligence (in western Iran), is under “pressure and [endures] physical and mental torture” to confess to the charge of “espionage.”

Kermanshahi’s mother Farangis Davoodi was able to visit her son briefly on April 8, 2010, with the presence of the interrogator. After the visit, Farangis Davoodi described her son’s physical and psychological condition as “very unfavourable.” Kaveh informed his mother that he is under “the most severe pressure to confess to the charge of espionage.” Kaveh stated that he “has repeatedly denied the charge and considers all his activities civil, peaceful, and legal.”

Shirzadi, the magistrate of the case, has announced that the charge against Kermanshahi is “propaganda against the regime.” Sources close to Kermanshahi have stated they believe the serious charge of espionage has surfaced as a way to “further increase pressures on Kaveh.”

Farangis Davoodi has expressed grave concern over son’s health and has stressed that he requires to see a specialist physician. In the past [prior to his arrest], Kermanshahi had several surgical procedures performed on his mouth and teeth, and therefore, he requires the constant supervision of a doctor.

Earlier, the case judge issued two letters to Kermanshah’s Intelligence Office to grant permission for an in-person visit [between Kaveh and his mother] before the New Year (March 21, 2010]. However, the visit did not occur until April 8, 2010, and only after the detention sentence was extended.

Kaveh Ghasemi Kermanshahi has been detained in solitary confinement for the past 66 days. He is a member of One Million Signatures Campaign, member of the Kurdistan Human Rights Organization, and member of the Office of Tahkim Vahdat student organization.

Translation by: Siavosh J. | Persian2English.com