Sunday, February 21, 2010

A Plea for Help from Dr. Maleki’s Family: “Take Urgent Action”

A Plea for Help from Dr. Maleki’s Family: “Take Urgent Action”


Seven months after the arrest and imprisonment of Dr. Mohammad Maleki (76-year old Iranian scholar and former chancellor of the University of Tehran), his health is reportedly still in critical condition. Based on reports received from released prisoners, despite Mr. Maleki’s high spirits, he is unable to walk on his own and without the help of other prisoners.

Moreover, in recent days, prison officials have contacted his home asking for new medications. His family today took the chemotherapy medication (for Maleki’s prostate cancer) as well as other medicines to the prison.

The constant transfer of Dr. Maleki within the prison has created more suspicion and concern amongst his family. Since his imprisonment, every time that his family attempted to visit Mr. Maleki, they have been informed that the visiting schedule has changed.

It has been 20 days today that the visits have been postponed, each time with a new excuse. It is believed that the prison officials are impeding visitations because they are worried that Maleki’s family will see his deteriorating health condition.

Meanwhile, none of the ruling establishment officials are taking responsibility for the imprisonment, and apparently Islamic Republic officials have aimed to take Mr. Maleki’s life this time. It is not clear which official insists on holding Dr. Maleki in prison without even agreeing to supervised hospitalization.

Dr. Maleki’s family has stressed that the injection of chemotherapy medications for prostate cancer requires Maleki to be relaxed and well-rested. They have expressed concern over the injections taking place in a prison environment.

We plead for help and ask all people who value freedom, and all human rights activists and organizations to take urgent action for saving Dr. Maleki’s life.

Dr. Mohammad Maleki’s family
February 20, 2010

Translation by: Siavosh J.
Persian2English.com

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