Opinions adopted by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention at its sixty-fifth session, 14-23 November 2012; No. 48/2012 (Islamic Republic of Iran)

In the following opinion adopted by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which will be reflected in the Working Group’s annual report to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2013, concerns were raised to the Islamic Republic of Iran about the case of Mohammad Seddigh Kaboudvand – a Kurdish journalist who has been held in prison in Iran since July 1, 2007.  In its opinion, the Working Group expressed its concern at the “excessive length” of Kaboudvand’s prison sentence, its “serious concerns at the disregard of minimum standards at all stages in the handling of this case”, as well as concerns about the appeals process, Kaboudvand’s failing health and the excessive bail set for his release.  In conclusion, the Working Group held that Kaboudvand’s detention is “arbitrary” and that he should be immediately released and given appropriate medical care.