Amnesty International is concerned about Atena Daemi's health after 31 days of hunger strike
Amnesty International says that human rights activist Atena Daemi’s health is at risk after 31 days of hunger strike in Evin Prison and that she needs immediate medical attention. Ms. Daemi is being held “unfairly” and solely for her human rights work, the organization said.
Atena Daemi has been on a hunger strike since April 9, alongside journalist Hengameh Shahidi and Esmaeil Abdi, Secretary General of the Iranian Teachers' Union, who have been on hunger strike since March of last year and May of this year.
Athena Daemi has said that she has gone on a hunger strike to protest the sentencing of her two sisters, Ansiya and Haniya Daemi.
Amnesty International, referring to the start of Atena Daemi's hunger strike and citing statements from her relatives, says that "Atena's health condition has deteriorated." She is said to have "lost 21 kilos and is suffering from complications such as vomiting, high blood pressure and severe kidney pain."
In its May 9 report, the human rights organization says that Ms. Daemi fell unconscious a week ago and was transferred to a hospital outside the prison on Monday; but after undergoing several tests and before the results were known, she was returned to prison.
Amnesty International has emphasized that doctors have warned that Atena Daemi's kidneys are in a critical condition and that she needs to be hospitalized and treated.
The organization also added that prison authorities have not provided Ms. Daemi with the necessary medical assistance. Officials in the Islamic Republic have not yet responded to Amnesty International's report.
Atena Daemi was sentenced to seven years in prison in a court presided over by Judge Moghiseh on charges of “gathering, colluding, and propaganda against the country,” “insulting the sacred and the leadership,” and “concealing evidence of a crime.” However, international human rights organizations say that the reason for her conviction is “publishing posts on Facebook criticizing executions, painting murals criticizing executions, attending the tombs of those killed in the 2009 election, and providing information about political prisoners.”
Source: Voice of America
