Rounaghi Maleki a 25 year old Iranian blogger, human rights activist and political dissident was arrested on 13th December 2009 for his role on the post election riots that erupted in Iran. He also wrote under the pen name Babak Khorramdin. According to several human rights reports he has been through severest psychological and physical tortures since his arrest. He has been charged with acting against national security, treason and espionage. He is currently sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.
Hossein Ronaghi’s health has been constantly deteriorating due to severe kidney infections and inappropriate medical treatment. Doctors have consistently stated that he needs to be at least temporarily released for medical care and recovery. Even though last week the Tehran prosecutor ordered medical furlough for him, judge Pir-Abassi and the head of his office opposed this order and blocked the action.
Hussein Ronaghi Maleki, whose legal right to furlough since his incarceration has always been denied, has been told that his temporary release is subject to his willingness to make a false confession. Hossein has endured relentless intimidation and abuse as means to coerce him into making a confession during the televised trials.
During his 3 years in prision Hossein has been transferred to the hospital four times. On his last visit to the hospital on April 9th 2012, he was again told, that he was in need of an operation. However he had to refuse the treatment since he would not be given a medical leave for recovery after the operation.
The only way that he might get his medical leave is through an international pressure on the judiciary system of Iran. We urge all human rights activists to do whatever they can to help this young man get the medical care that he needs.
