53-year-old Farhad Meisami, who has been in prison since 2018 for supporting women activists against the mandatory use of the hijab, began his hunger strike on October 7
Public outrage and global outcry have been sparked by photos of a decapitated Iranian doctor on hunger strike in support of protests against Iran’s compulsory hijab for women that have gone viral on the internet.
Farhad Meisami, 53, who has been in prison since 2018 for supporting female activists protesting against the mandatory wearing of the hijab, began his hunger strike on October 7 to protest recent government killings of protesters, his lawyer said.
Meisami is pictured in photos curled up on what looks like a hospital bed. In another he is standing with his ribs jutting out.
#Farhad_Meysami, a medical doctor and a civil rights activist was detained in 2018 for supporting a campaign against Iran’s laws imposing forced hijab on women. He has been on hunger strike for weeks and his health has deteriorated drastically. Shocking photos of him: pic.twitter.com/j6BDMakhyF
— Niusha Saremi | Newsha Saremi (@NewshaSaremi) February 2, 2023
“My client Farhad Meisami’s life is in danger,” lawyer Mohammad Mogimi wrote on Twitter, saying Meisami had lost 52 kilograms.
“Shocking images of Dr. Farhad Meisami, a brave women’s rights activist on hunger strike in prison,” tweeted Robert Maley, Washington’s special envoy for Iran.
In a letter published by the BBC’s Persian service, Meisami made three demands: an end to executions, the release of political prisoners and an end to the harassment of women based on their obligation to wear the hijab.
“I will continue my impossible mission with the hope that it will become possible later with collective effort,” he wrote.
Shocking images of Dr. Farhad Meisami, a brave advocate for women’s rights who has been on hunger strike in prison. Iran’s regime has unjustly denied him and thousands of other political prisoners their rights and their freedom. Now it unjustly threatens his life. #فرهاد_ميثمي https://t.co/WIBEy73otc
— Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley (@USEnvoyIran) February 2, 2023
Iran denies the grandson – “Old” photos
Iranian justice has denied that Meisami is on hunger strike and argued that the photos, widely circulated on social media, date from four years ago, when Meisami had actually gone on hunger strike.
As proof, Iran’s semi-official Young Journalists Club (YJC) news agency has posted what it claims is Meisami’s most recent photo, in which he does not appear emaciated and is pictured sitting on the floor of his cell with what appears to be a bag next to him with chips.
Reuters could not confirm when the photos were taken.
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
