Document - Iran: Iranian student leader at risk of torture

URGENT ACTION

Iranian STUDENT LEADER at RISK of TORTURE

Student leader Majid Tavakkoli was arrested on 7 December after a demonstration. His whereabouts are unknown and he is at risk of torture or other ill-treatment. Amnesty International considers that he is a prisoner of conscience, held solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression, association and assembly.

Majid Tavakkoli was arrested as he left Amir Kabir University of Technology in Tehran, where he had given a speech at a student demonstration marking Student Day in Iran, held on the Persian date of 16 Azar, the anniversary of the killing of three students by security forces in 1953.

The following day, Fars News Agency, which is close to the Revolutionary Guards and the judiciary, published pictures of Majid Tavakkoli wearing women's clothing, and said he had been wearing them at the time of his arrest in order to escape detection. Student websites and others, which have claimed that Majid Tavakkoli was beaten at the time of his arrest, have denied that he was wearing the clothes at the time, but suggested he was forced to wear them afterwards to humiliate him.

Dozens of students and others were arrested around the time of the 7 December protests, which took place in cities across the country. Many have been released, but an unknown number remain in detention.

PLEASE WRITE IMMEDIATELY in Persian, Arabic, English, French or your own language:

• Calling on the Iranian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Majid Tavakkoli, and any others detained around the 7 December demonstrations who are held solely for the peaceful exercise of their rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly,

• Expressing deep concern that Majid Tavakkoli has been subjected to an enforced disappearance and urging the authorities to disclose his whereabouts immediately,

• Calling on the authorities to ensure that he is protected from torture and other ill-treatment, and grant him immediate and regular access to his family, a lawyer of his choice and any medical treatment he may require;

• Asking them to investigate promptly and impartially the reports that Majid Tavakolli was beaten during his arrest.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 29 January 2010 TO:

Head of the Provincial Judiciary in Tehran

Ali Reza Avaei

Karimkhan Zand Avenue

Sana’i Avenue, Corner of Alley 17, No. 152

Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran

Email: avaei@Dadgostary-tehran.ir

Salutation: Dear Mr Avaei

Head of the Judiciary

Ayatollah Sadeqh Larijani

Howzeh Riyasat-e Qoveh Qazaiyeh (Office of the Head of the Judiciary)

Pasteur St., Vali Asr Ave., south of Serah-e Jomhouri, Tehran, 1316814737

Islamic Republic of Iran

Email: Via website: http://www.dadiran.ir/tabid/75/Default.aspxFirst starred box: your given name; second starred box: your family name; third: your email address

Salutation: Your Excellency

And copies to:

Director, Human Rights Headquarters

Mohammad Javad Larijani

Howzeh Riassat-e Ghoveh Ghazaiyeh

Pasteur St, Vali Asr Ave., south of Serah-e Jomhuri

Tehran 1316814737

Islamic Republic of Iran

Fax: +98 21 3390 4986

Email: bia.judi@yahoo.com (In subject line: FAO Mohammad Javad Larijani)

Salutation: Dear Mr Larijan

Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country. Please check with your section office if sending appeals after the above date.