Mostafa Ramazani Announces Hunger Strike in Protest Against Death Sentence of Shahryar Bayat: We Stand Until the End, Whether on the Gallows or in Prison

A political prisoner held in Qazalhasar Prison, in response to the death sentence issued for Shahryar Bayat, a 64-year-old citizen accused of blasphemy, announced in an audio message received by Voice of America that he will go on a hunger strike. Mostafa Ramazani, a monarchist political prisoner, on Tuesday, April 3, sent a phone message that began 'in the name of the people of Iran,' greeting 'the proud nation of Iran and all the honorable freedom seekers who, both in and out of prison, strive for the glory and greatness of our beloved country.' He announced that he would be on a hunger strike for 10 days. Ramazani emphasized that 'due to my protest against the death sentence of my dear and esteemed former cellmate Shahryar Bayat, who is currently in Evin Prison, I will go on a hunger strike from Wednesday, April 4, to April 25, 2583 of the Imperial Calendar (1403 in the Solar Hijri Calendar).' He also stated that 'a hunger strike is not suicide, but rather the last resort of those who are desperate for freedom.' In the conclusion of his message, this monarchist political prisoner added: 'Whether on the gallows or in prison, we stand until the end; long live the Shah forever, long live proud Iran.' The Human Rights Defenders Center announced on April 1 that Shahryar Bayat, 64, one of the detainees from the nationwide protests of 2022 in Shahriar, has been sentenced to death by Branch 13 of the Tehran Court on the charge of 'blasphemy.' According to Article 262 of the Islamic Penal Code, if someone insults the Prophet of Islam or other great prophets, they are charged with 'blasphemy' and can be sentenced to death. Shahryar Bayat, on September 2, 2023, along with Zartosht Ahmadi Raghb, Mohsen Ghiyasi, and Ali Rezaei, sent a letter from Evin Prison, a copy of which was received by Voice of America, announcing their continued support for the people of Iran and emphasizing the need for national unity, the rule of the people and law, and the holding of free elections until a democratic society is established in Iran. Additionally, see: The Human Rights Defenders Center announced the issuance of a death sentence for another detainee from the 2022 protests. In previous days, Hossein Ahmadi Niaz, a lawyer, told Voice of America that the charge of 'blasphemy' against Shahryar Bayat is 'a Daesh-like excuse' for issuing his death sentence.