Mysterious death of a bloger in Evin

Omidreza Mir Sayafi, journalist and bloger, has died for unknown reasons in Evin prison.

On 6 March last, another political prisoner called Amir Saran also died under similar circumstances in Rajaii Shahr prison of Karaj. His death had deeply touched other prisoners.

Human Rights activists in Iran had previously reported that Omidreza Mir Sayafi, 28 years old was spending time in prison for "insulting sacred values". It is reported that he had last been removed to prison clinic on the morning of the 8 March this year, while his conditions became critical. It is not clear what had passed in the clinic but inmates have reported that had been suffering a considerable psychological pressure with no medical treatment.


Prison and judicial officials have not commented in this case so far, while his attorney has confirmed the death in prison of his client Mohammad Ali Dadkhah.

Dr.Hessam Firouzi who was Doctor to several political prisoners, has been imprisoned in Evin on charges of attempting against National security. It is said that he has on many instances asked and insisted on the transfer of Mr. Sayafi to hospital but his request was met with reluctance by prison officials, which lead to the death of this prisoner. It is therefore clear that the death of Mr.Mir Sayafi has been due to "incompetence and medical disregard" of Evin prison authorities.

Mr.Firouzi adds; "according to my professional view, Omidreza Mir Sayafi was deeply depressed and prison conditions would have been unbearable for him."

"The prison Doctors were even reluctant to have his blood pressure and primitive medical test done. Every thing was done because of my persistence at every step of the way" explained Dr.Firouzi.

Omidreaza's blogs were mostly on music ands culture, where as he was charged with "Insulting Ayatollah Khomeini and Khamenei" as well as inciting against national security for a 2 year prison term by the 15 Branch of Tehran revolution court.

He also had a second open case in the general prosecutors' office in Tehran for "insulting sacred values", and was supposed to be heard in the month of May to come.

Iran has one of the highest records in arresting blogers for contents of their blogs.