UNICEF Expresses Concern Over Baqer Namazi's Condition in Evin Prison

The United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, issued a statement expressing concern over the condition of Baqer Namazi, a former employee who is imprisoned in Iran. Baqer Namazi is 80 years old and holds dual Iranian-American citizenship. He was arrested by the security forces of the Islamic Republic on February 21 last year and has been in Evin Prison since then. In its statement released on Tuesday, September 6, UNICEF wrote that Baqer Namazi's former colleagues at the organization are deeply concerned about his health status, and these concerns have increased given that six months have passed since his arrest. Baqer Namazi's family has also previously expressed concern about his condition, stating that he has heart problems and needs medical care. UNICEF has expressed hope that Baqer Namazi receives necessary medical treatment in prison and that Iranian authorities release him as soon as possible for 'humanitarian' reasons. UNICEF emphasized that Baqer Namazi had no political activities during his employment with the organization and deserves to spend his retirement in peace and tranquility. This UN-affiliated organization has previously expressed concern about Baqer Namazi's situation. Baqer Namazi was the governor of Khuzestan during Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's reign and later served as a UNICEF representative in Somalia, Egypt, and Kenya until 1996. Siamak Namazi, Baqer Namazi's son and former director of strategic planning at Crescent Petroleum, was arrested by Iranian security forces last October. Siamak Namazi was born in Tehran and educated in the United States, and like his father, he holds dual Iranian-American citizenship. John Kirby, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, also called for the immediate release of Siamak and Baqer Namazi last February. No news has been published regarding the charges against Siamak and Baqer Namazi. However, Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi, the public prosecutor and revolutionary prosecutor of Tehran, announced on July 12 that an indictment had been issued for Siamak Namazi's case and some other dual nationals in Iran, and that their case had been sent to court. The U.S. State Department warned citizens again in early September about traveling to Iran, stating that dual Iranian-American citizens face the risk of arrest or being barred from leaving the country if they travel to Iran.