Deep Regret Expressed by the President of Voice of America Over the Death of Kianoush Sanjari, Former Colleague of the Persian Section

Warning: Contains content related to suicide. Nothing is more important than human life. If you are thinking about suicide, please contact the following special numbers: In Iran: Social Emergency 123, Advisor Voice 1480, or Tehran Psychiatric Emergency 44508200. In the USA: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 18002738255, or National Crisis and Suicide Prevention Line 988. In Canada: 911 or 18334564566. In the UK: 116123 and in Afghanistan: 119. Michael Abramowitz, the President of Voice of America, expressed deep regret in a message to the employees of the Persian section of this media outlet over the death of Kianoush Sanjari, a former colleague, journalist, and human rights activist. He wrote in this message: "I was very saddened to hear the news of the passing of our former colleague, Kianoush Sanjari." Abramowitz also expressed sympathy with the people of Iran, adding: "Brave Iranians, despite unimaginable repression, continue to risk their lives to have their voices heard. I have great respect for those who use their voices to bring the truth to the people of Iran. This includes many of you and certainly Kianoush as well." He concluded with another condolence: "May his memory be eternal." Kianoush Sanjari, born in 1982 in Tehran, began his social and political activities during his student years. He was active in the United Student Front and the Committee of Human Rights Reporters, and was arrested multiple times for exposing the conditions of political prisoners and human rights violations, spending some time in prison. After enduring severe security pressures, he left Iran in 2006, initially going to Iraqi Kurdistan, then to Norway, and finally to the USA, where he continued his media activities and collaborated with Voice of America and organizations like the Boroumand Foundation and Iran Human Rights Organization. In October 2016, after several years in exile, he decided to return to Iran due to his mother's illness, and despite potential threats, he was arrested and sentenced to 11 years in prison. During his imprisonment, he faced severe pressures and was transferred to Aminabad Psychiatric Hospital, where he revealed the psychological torture he experienced during that time. His voluntary death on November 14, 2024, which he stated was in protest against "Khamenei's dictatorship," quickly became a topic in Persian media and social networks. The news of his death was initially published by several prominent users on the social network X and later confirmed by media sources including Voice of America. A day before his death, he had called for the release of several political prisoners on X and threatened to end his life if this demand was not met. Forough Kaniani expressed deep sorrow over Kianoush Sanjari's death, discussing the importance of "life and struggle." Ahmad Batebi expressed grief recalling the difficult memories of prison with Kianoush Sanjari. Roya Boroumand stated: "Without a doubt, the Islamic Republic is responsible for Kianoush Sanjari's death." Prince Reza Pahlavi remarked: "In the face of a regime of death and execution, our struggle is for life." Suicide; a heavy price imposed by the Islamic Republic on the former colleague of Voice of America.