Dr. Abraham Mathai, a former Vice-Chairman of Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, has written to the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to intervene and secure the release of jailed Iranian Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Ms. Narges Mohammadi, on humanitarian grounds. Mohammadi, who has been imprisoned by Iran for 10 years, is in a precarious state of health and urgently needs comprehensive medical treatment. Ahead of Iran's review under the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review, Mathai is urging UNHRC to compel the Iranian authorities to release Mohammadi so she can receive proper care for her serious medical conditions.
Iranian Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Narges Mohammadi Languishes in Prison, Faces Grave Health Risks
Dr. Abraham Mathai, a former Vice-Chairman of Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, has penned an urgent letter to the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), appealing for intervention to secure the release of Iranian Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Ms. Narges Mohammadi, on humanitarian grounds.
Background:
Narges Mohammadi, a prominent human rights defender, has been imprisoned in Iran since 2015. She has been subjected to severe torture and ill-treatment during her time behind bars, resulting in serious health issues. In October 2022, she was sentenced to an additional 10 years in prison on charges of "propaganda against the state."
Health Concerns:
Mohammadi is currently in a precarious state of health, suffering from seizures, heart problems, and severe migraines. She desperately requires comprehensive medical treatment that is unavailable in the prison environment. Her condition has deteriorated in recent months, and her family fears for her life.
International Appeal:
Dr. Mathai's letter to the UNHRC highlights the urgency of Mohammadi's situation and urges the Council to intervene to secure her release. He stresses that Iran is violating its obligations under international law by denying Mohammadi adequate medical care and that her continued imprisonment is a violation of human rights.
Ahead of Iran's UNHRC Review:
Mathai's appeal comes ahead of Iran's review under the UNHRC's Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a mechanism that assesses countries' human rights records. He urges the UNHRC to compel Iran to release Mohammadi so that she can receive the medical attention she urgently requires.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. Why is Narges Mohammadi in prison? She is imprisoned on charges of "propaganda against the state" for advocating for human rights and civil liberties.
2. What is the current state of her health? She is suffering from severe seizures, heart problems, and migraines. Her condition has deteriorated significantly in recent months.
3. What is the role of the UNHRC in this case? The UNHRC is being urged to intervene and secure Mohammadi's release on humanitarian grounds.
4. What is the Universal Periodic Review (UPR)? It is a UNHRC mechanism that reviews countries' human rights records.
5. What action is Dr. Abraham Mathai taking? He has written a letter to the President of the UNHRC, appealing for intervention to secure Mohammadi's release.
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