prepared and translated by:
Nariman Barami
Saman Sharifi
Mohammad Seddigh Kaboudvand is an Iranian Kurdish activist and journalist. He was the editor of Payam-e Mardom (the message of people). He is also the founder of Kurdistan Human Rights Organization (Rêxistina Mafê Mirovan li Kurdistanê). Founded in 2005, the organization is a politically and religiously independent body. It has offices in Tehran and Sanandaj province. According to International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, he has been in custody since June 2007, and is serving an 11-year prison term.
Kaboudvand was kept in solitary confinement for 5 months in Evin Prison’s Sections 209 and 240. The Kurdish Human Rights Project has reported that he is being held “without adequate medical care despite reportedly suffering from serious health problems.” In April 2008, he suffered a stroke and was taken to a specialist to receive treatment. In October, 2008, his 11-year prison sentence was upheld by an Iranian appeals court.
Kaboudavand documented and reported on human rights violations in Iranian Kurdistan, from April 9, 2005, when he established HROK, until the time of his arrest. Charges he was convicted of are “acting against national security through founding of HROK, widespread propaganda against the state by disseminating news, opposing Islamic penal laws by publicizing punishments such as stoning and executions, and advocating on behalf of political prisoners.”
Kaboudavand was a highlighted writer for the 2008 observances of the Day of the Imprisoned Writer. Amnesty International designated him a prisoner of conscience, “held solely for his human rights work and the peaceful expression of his views.
Human Rights Watch awards for Hammett writers of abuse in 2009 went to this author. In press Great Britain 2009 awards ceremony, Kaboudavand as “International Journalist of the Year” was chosen, recent awarded the prize to his as “a journalist and prominent human rights defender” have introduced that his journalistic and human rights activities in the civil network of activists and youth Kurds have been effective.
Now Kaboudvand and all Kaboundavands need a worldwide humanitarian support to save him from claw of non-justice and inequality.
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