Amnesty International Concerned About Atena Daemi’s Health After 31 Days of Hunger Strike

Amnesty International says that after 31 days of hunger strike by Atena Daemi, a human rights activist in Evin Prison, her health is in danger and she must receive immediate medical care. According to the organization, Ms. Daemi is detained “unjustly” and solely because of her human rights activities.

Atena Daemi has been on hunger strike since April 9; along with Hengameh Shahidi, a journalist, and Ismail Abdi, secretary-general of the Iranian Teachers’ Trade Association, who began hunger strikes from late February and March of this year.

Atena Daemi said she started the hunger strike in protest against the conviction of her two sisters, Ansieh and Hanieh Daemi.

Amnesty International, referring to the beginning of Atena Daemi’s hunger strike and citing statements from her relatives, said “Atena’s health condition has deteriorated.” She was reported to have “lost 21 kilograms and suffered complications including vomiting, high blood pressure, and severe kidney pain.”

The human rights organization said in its April 10 report that Ms. Daemi lost consciousness a week earlier and on Monday was transferred to a hospital outside the prison; however, after undergoing some tests and before the results were determined, she was returned to prison.

Amnesty International emphasized that doctors warned that Atena Daemi’s kidney condition is in critical danger and she must be hospitalized and treated.

The organization added that prison officials have not provided Ms. Daemi with necessary medical assistance. Iranian officials have not yet responded to the Amnesty International report.

Atena Daemi was convicted in a court presided over by Judge Moghisseh on charges of “assembly and conspiracy and propaganda activities against the state,” “insulting sacred values and the supreme leader,” and “concealment of evidence of crime” to seven years in prison. However, international human rights organizations say the reason for her conviction is “posting on Facebook criticizing executions, wall graffiti criticizing executions, attending the graves of those killed in the 2009 election protests, and reporting on political prisoners.”

Source: Voice of America