The U.S. Calls for the Release of Kaboudvand and Imprisoned Journalists in Iran

On Thursday, April 9, the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department called for the release of Mohammad Sadiq Kaboudvand, a journalist and human rights activist, along with all imprisoned journalists in Iran. John Kirby specifically mentioned Kaboudvand during his press conference, stating that he has spent 9 years in prison and is now eligible to apply for a sentence reduction. According to the U.S. State Department spokesperson, reports indicate that the head of Evin prison has also suggested his early release. Kirby urged the Iranian government to free him and called for the release of all Iranian journalists and citizen-journalists currently in prison. Mohammad Sadiq Kaboudvand is the Secretary-General of the 'Kurdistan Human Rights Organization' and was the editor-in-chief of the banned newspaper 'Payam-e Mardom.' He has been incarcerated since July 2007 and spent nearly 6 months in solitary confinement in Ward 209 of Evin prison. The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 10 years in prison for 'acting against national security' through the establishment and management of the 'Kurdistan Human Rights Organization' and to 1 year for 'propaganda against the regime.' Jalal Aghdamani, the spokesperson for this organization, previously emphasized in an interview with Radio Farda that the 'Kurdistan Human Rights Organization' does not engage in political activities, operates under a specific title, and does not have either 'subversive' or 'clandestine' actions. Kaboudvand was awarded the British Press Award in 2009 while in prison, recognized for his journalistic and human rights activities, which played a significant role in creating a civil society network for Kurdish youth and activists. Over the years, various concerns have been raised regarding Kaboudvand's health. The recent response from the U.S. State Department regarding his situation comes as various groups of university professors, political and civil activists have sent letters to Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, and Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, requesting the release and hospitalization of sick political prisoners in Iran. These letters were published following the news that Omid Kokabi, a distinguished physicist, developed kidney cancer while in prison.