Reza Alinejad Beaten By Prison Offcials in Iran

Today (April 11, 2007),  Ali Alinejad, Reza 's older brother, contacted Lily Mazahery, the human rights lawyer who initiated an international campaign to save Reza Alinejad from execution and the co-author of the petition demanding a stay of execution in his case, to relay a message from Reza.  According to Ali Alinejad, during a visit by Reza's mother and sister this morning (Shiraz local time) to Reza in prison, they had noticed that Reza was severely bruised and asked him about the marks.  Reza explained that he had been severely beaten by prison officials and that the officials had taken away all of his personal items. 

Expressing his outrage at the situation, Ali Alinejad stated:  "Guantanimo has gotten a bad name, when, in fact, the conditions in Shiraz's prison are far worse than Guanatanimo!"  Reza's brother explained that Reza had specifically requested that Ms. Mazahery be notified of the incident and the conditions within the prison.   Ms. Mazahery assured the Alinejad family that she would contact human rights organizations and related entities both inside and outside Iran about this important matter and to file an objection to the on-going violation of Reza's rights. 

Reza Alinejad is serving time in a prison near Shiraz, for killing a man in self-defense when he was only 17 years old.  Iran is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)  and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) , which prohibit the execution of minors, as well as excessive force and punishments.  An international campaign has been launched to save Reza Alinejad from death, including a world-wide signature drive . 

For information on Reza Alinejad, please visit:  www.HelpReza.com.  Questions may be directed to:  info@HelpReza.com

For additional information about human rights violations in Iran, please visit:  www.SaveDelara.com

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