Scholars at Risk expresses grave concern about Mr. Emadeddin Baghi’s re-imprisonment

Date: December 6, 2010
 
Scholars at Risk (SAR) is gravely concerned about Mr. Emadeddin Baghi, a scholar, writer, investigative journalist and recent recipient of the prestigious Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders, who was most recently imprisoned on December 5th on charges seemingly based on his exercise of fundamental rights of free inquiry and free expression, conduct protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is signatory. 
 
SAR previously wrote to authorities on behalf of Mr. Baghi on April 19th, June 25th and September 27th, 2010.  In a letter dated December 6th, SAR again respectfully urges Iranian authorities to intervene to ensure his well-being pending his earliest release, including ensuring regular access to legal counsel of his choosing, to family and to medical treatment.  SAR is concerned by reports that Mr. Baghi is currently being held without access to family, and that he continues to suffer from respiratory and heart conditions exacerbated by his repeated imprisonment and prosecution.  SAR therefore further urges authorities to ensure that Mr. Baghi’s case is addressed quickly and in a manner consistent with internationally recognized standards of due process and fair trial, in accordance with Iran’s obligations under international law.
 
Scholars at Risk will continue to monitor Mr. Baghi’s case, and we will continue to keep our network informed of his situation.
 
To view a copy of SAR’s December 6th letter, please visit:
http://www.scholarsatrisk.nyu.edu/Documents/LOA_Baghi_12-06-2010.pdf.