Two Iranian political prisoners in critical condition after hunger strike
Two Iranian political prisoners are said to be in critical condition after going on a hunger strike protesting illegal detention and jail conditions: Majid Tavakkoli, reformist and activist university student, and Koohyar Goudarzi, student and reporter for Human Rights Reporters Committee in Iran.
Majid Tavakkoli is said to be a graduate of Iran's "super talents" high school (Teez Hooshan) which admits only the most accomplished Iranian students. His brother has told reporters that his parents were allowed two 10-minute visitations with Majid since he was arrested six months ago during a peaceful rally on "student Day" in Iran. It is reported by HRANA that his mother has also gone on a hunger strike in solidarity with her son in jail.
Shirin Ebadi, Iranian Nobel Peace Laureate has called for investigating treatment of Tavakkoli in prison. She indicates Tavakkoli has developed pulmonary diseases after being in solitary confinement for four months and deprived of fresh air. Ebadi also indicates Tavakkoli was removed from the solitary cell after four months but returned after he complained about the inhumane treatment during Tehran's Attorney General's visit to the prison. Tavakkoli has gone on a hunger strike to protest his return to solitary confinement.
