[Reader-list] URGENT!!: Free Kian Petition

[Bina Sarkar]

Friends,

My friend Kian Tajbakhsh has been arrested in Tehran and taken to an  
undisclosed prison. He is a social scientist and scholar of repute and  
returned to his country,  his country that he loves very much,  from  
the US so he may serve in its progress and development. His arrest is  
to be resoundingly condemned.  His wife and little daughter cannot  
reach him. Please join me in a petition at http://www. FreeKian09.org  
for his immediate release.

Please spread the message...       and thank you for your support,

Bina


Dear Friends,
The AP article on the latest family statement on Kian's detention was  
evidently covered widely in the Persian media. The issue of Kian's  
detention, torture, and the regular practice by Iranian security  
forces of extracting forced statements from political prisoners for  
the sole purpose of staging televised show trials was publicly  
discussed. The family of a well-known Iranian politician who had been  
arrested on her way to prayers last Friday also issued a statement  
expressing their concern that she may be under pressure to make false  
statements. Some Persian media outlets combined this news with reports  
of the AP article about Kian.

Most importantly, although the sensitivity of the information does not  
allow for further elaboration, I can report that for the first time in  
many days we have evidence that Kian is okay, and that his treatment  
in prison may have improved. Those most familiar with the case of Kian  
and other political prisoners are convinced that this relatively  
'kind' treatment is a direct reaction to the AP article criticizing  
the regime's use of torture and show trials with political prisoners.  
Incidentally Iranian intelligence appears to be actively  
monitoringwww.FreeKian09.org, according to our webmaster.

Thanks again so much for your support and concern.

Yours,
Pam

-- 
Bina Sarkar Ellias
Editor/publisher
––
Gallerie Publishers
208 Om Chambers
Kemps Corner
Mumbai 400036
India

Tel: 91 22 23673366
Fax: 91 22 2363 3928
http://www.gallerie.net