Zahra Rahnavard's Message to Bahareh Hedayat: 'Religious Despotism' Will Not Last with 'National Cohesion'

In a message from house arrest addressed to Bahareh Hedayat, Zahra Rahnavard called for an end to Hedayat's hunger strike, stating that 'the cohesion of the nation across the country' heralds that 'dictatorship and despotism with a concocted religious flavor will not last.' This political activist, who has been under house arrest since March 2011 alongside Mir Hossein Mousavi, emphasized the 'pioneering' presence of women and youth in 'asserting their right to choose their destiny and human freedom,' noting, 'I am sure that soon the dawn of freedom, justice, equality, development, and innovation will arrive.' In her message to Hedayat, Rahnavard stressed the phrase 'we are all together' and urged her to end her hunger strike 'for the sake of the nation.' On the previous day, during the thirteenth day of Hedayat's hunger strike, the political prisoner held in Evin Prison was transferred to a hospital, where doctors advised her to stop the strike; simultaneously, Mahsa Amini's mother and 21 political prisoners also requested Hedayat to 'break her strike.' On Tuesday, over 200 filmmakers, journalists, families of victims, and civil activists sent a letter to Hedayat urging her to end her hunger strike in Evin Prison. Part of the letter stated: 'We are worried about your dear life and hopeful for the future of Iran.' Earlier, the family of Javad Rouhi, a deceased protester in prison, and several student activists had expressed concern about Hedayat's health and called for her hunger strike to end. Bahareh Hedayat has been on hunger strike since Thursday, September 9, in protest against issues including the 'intensified repression' of protesters by the Islamic Republic and the death of Javad Rouhi, a imprisoned protester. The family of Javad Rouhi has requested Hedayat to end her hunger strike; concerns have been raised regarding the status of 13 prisoners in Qezel Hesar. Hedayat was transferred to prison; the mother of Mahsa Amini and 21 political prisoners requested an end to her hunger strike. Hedayat was transferred to the hospital on the thirteenth day of her hunger strike. She has lost 'eight kilograms' and is suffering from 'severe weakness and heart palpitations.' The announcement of Bahareh Hedayat's hunger strike was in protest against the death of 'Javad Rouhi' in prison.