Concerns grow over deteriorating condition of two political prisoners following hunger strike

As the rights of prisoners in Iran continue to be violated, concerns have grown about the health status of Zaratosht Ahmadi Ragheb and Vahid Bagheri, two political prisoners on hunger strike.

According to reports received by the Voice of America Persian Service from Rajai Shahr Prison, Zartasht Ahmadi Ragheb, a civil activist imprisoned in Rajai Shahr Prison, has entered a dry hunger strike since Saturday, June 27, after a 30-day wet hunger strike.

Mr. Ahmadi Ragheb has announced that he will go on an absolute hunger strike, declaring that "my life is the smallest gift to humanity and the people of my country."

According to the report, security officials have prevented the political prisoner from being issued a phone card, and the judiciary has opened a new case against him due to voice messages he previously sent to the outside world via the prison phone.

Also, on Sunday, June 28, the Iranian Human Rights Campaign announced that "20 nights have passed since Vahid Bagheri's hunger strike," calling on its audience to be the voice of his protest for freedom.