Kurdish Human Rights Project

Telephone Walter Jayawardene, Resources and Communications Coordinator or Rachel Bernu Deputy Director at +44 (0) 207 405 3835

22 August 2007
Press Release: For immediate release

Condemned Iranian Kurdish Activists on Hunger Strike: KHRP Appeals to UN Secretary General

KHRP wishes to express its continued concern regarding the welfare of the two Kurdish journalists, Hiwa Butimar and Adnan Hassanpur, who are facing execution in Iran. Despite pressure by the European Union, Italy and numerous NGOs, the Iranian Ministry of Justice has confirmed the death sentences.

Both men have been on a hunger strike for 38 days in protest against their arbitrary arrest, unfair trial, sentencing and the appalling conditions of their detention. KHRP has appealed to the United Nations Secretary General to take immediate action to encourage Iran to comply with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The lives of these two men are seriously at risk unless immediate action is taken.

KHRP Executive Director Kerim Yildiz today stated: “Between their hunger strike and the looming threat of execution, the lives of Mr Hassanpur and Mr Butimar are in the balance. KHRP urges the international community, and in particular Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, to redouble its efforts on their behalf. We further call on Iran to fall into line with both Iranian and international law by immediately releasing these men back to their families”.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Rachel Bernu / Walter Jayawardene

Kurdish Human Rights Project,
11 Guilford Street,
London, WC1N 1DH
Tel: +44 20 7405 3835   / khrp@khrp.org

Kurdish Human Rights Project is an independent, non-political human rights organisation dedicated to the promotion and protection of the human rights of all people in the Kurdish regions. It is a registered charity, founded and based in London

To subscribe email wjayawardene@khrp.org with ‘subscribe’ in subject line.
To unsubscribe email wjayawardene@khrp.org with ‘unsubscribe’ in subject line