IRAN: Detained internet writer dies in suspicious circumstances

24 March 2009

RAN 17/09

The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN is shocked by the death of Internet writer Omidreza Mirsayafi while in detention in Evin prison, Tehran. He was facing charges of insult and propaganda against the regime, in writings posted on his blog. Prison authorities claim that Mirsayafi committed suicide by taking an overdose; however this is questioned by the family and a prison inmate. International PEN calls on the Iranian authorities to carry out a full and impartial investigation into Mirsayafi's death and for the findings to be made public.

According to International PEN, Omidreza Mirsayafi, who was in his mid twenties, died on 18 March 2009 after being taken ill in detention. He had been sentenced to two and a half years imprisonment on charges of insulting Ayatollahs Khomeini and Khamanei, and propaganda against the regime. He had been free on bail pending appeal until 7 February 2009 when he was summoned again for questioning. Since then, he had remained in Evin prison. Mirsayafi was reportedly suffering from depression and was taking medication. Prison authorities claim that Mirsayafi committed suicide by taking an overdose; but his family maintains that he would not have had enough medication in his possession to kill himself.

Mirsayafi's health is said to have significantly deteriorated since his recent imprisonment. Prior to his death, Mirsayafi was reportedly in need of medical attention but this was not provided by the prison authorities.

Omidreza Mirsayafi was originally arrested on 22 April 2008, his home was searched and his computer seized. He spent forty days in detention and was released on bail. He was tried on 2 November 2008.

Mirsayafi denied the charges, and in a letter sent to Reporters Sans Frontiers, he stated the following:

"I am a cultural and not a political blogger. Of all the articles I have posted online, only two or three were satirical. I did not mean to insult anyone."

Useful links:

Reporters Sans Frontiers: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=30622

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty:
http://www.rferl.org/content/Suspicion_Cast_On_Iranian_Bloggers_Death/1513351.html