Families of Political Prisoners in Iran Welcome Meeting with Human Rights Commission Reporter

While Mr. Ambeyi Ligabo, the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Opinion, arrived in Tehran on November 4 for a four-day visit, families of political prisoners have expressed their desire to meet with him in interviews with the Iranian Labor News Agency (ILNA). Maryam Abdi, daughter of Abbas Abdi, a member of the Central Council of the Participation Front who has been in prison since November 13 last year, stated: "If the opportunity arises to meet with the group of freedom of expression and opinion reporters, we will definitely meet with them. However, I do not think this group has the duty to meet with the families of prisoners, but we will request a meeting with this group." Parvin Bakhtiarnejad, wife of political prisoner Reza Alijani, also noted: "Our meeting with these individuals depends on their request and willingness to meet with the families of political prisoners. If these reporters meet with my husband, I hope they will learn about his situation and follow up on this matter, and I think this will have a positive impact on the case process." Narges Mohammadi, wife of another national-religious prisoner, Taghi Rahmani, said: "If such a meeting is requested, we will meet with these reporters and welcome it." Farideh Jamshidi, wife of Hadi Saber, a third national-religious prisoner, emphasized: "If this reporter requests a meeting with the families of prisoners, we will accept, as I think this is beneficial." On the other hand, Zahra Behnoud, wife of Hashem Aghajari, a history professor at Tarbiat Modares University who was sentenced to death about a year ago, reported that the special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression will meet with Hashem Aghajari. She also stressed that as a family that has been wronged, we will definitely meet with this group and share our issues and problems with them.