Families of Iranian detainees to go on hunger strike

Families of political detainees of the post-election events in Iran, in their thirteenth public statement announced that they will start a “political hunger strike” tomorrow, October 30, to protest the imprisonment of their loved ones.

Yesterday, a group of detainee families, rallied in front of the judiciary building in Tehran to protest the conditions of the prisoners and demand their release.

According to Norooz website, Islamic Iran Participation Front’s news outlet, the statement pointed out the silence of state media about their rally and announced that until the release of their loved ones they will make their demands “louder and louder.”

In their statement the families remark that Tehran Prosecutor has assured them that the release of several political prisoners is imminent and that all violations concerning access to lawyers and right to regular visits will be rectified.

Headquarters of Youth in support of Mousavi and Khatami, the two Iranian opposition leaders, have announced that they too are going to go on a hunger strike starting tomorrow, until the “government risen from a coup” releases all political prisoners. The Youth Headquarters has called on the public to join their efforts.

A reformist weblog reports that Fariba Pajouh, a detained journalist, has gone on a hunger strike in Evin prison since 48 hours ago. She has announced until her case is processed, she will continue her hunger strike.

Reportedly the 29-year-old journalist, who has collaborated with a number of reformist newspapers, is in an unfavourable physical and mental condition.

Hengameh Shahidi is another detained journalist that has gone on hunger strike in the past few days.