Release Arzhang Davoodi

We wish to express our deep concern for Arzhang Davoodi, an author, poet, and former Director of the Parto-e-Hekmat Cultural Educational Centre in Teheran. Mr. Davoodi was arrested without a warrant on November 9, 2003, for his involvement in the production of a TV documentary called "Forbidden Iran" in which he spoke out about human rights violations in Iran. After a trial behind closed doors that lasted less than an hour, and without the presence of a lawyer, he was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. He is now being held at RejaI Shah prison, where he has been tortured and beaten. As a result of beatings, he has a broken shoulder blade, broken jaw, and broken teeth. He has been denied medical attention, as well as family visits. Earlier this year, Mr. Davoodis treatment was reported by the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment or punishment and delivered by the Human Rights Council to the General Assembly of the United Nations.

As Rhode Island film makers, we are especially concerned about Mr. Davoodi being subjected to seven years of harsh, brutal treatment simply for making a film. Amnesty International considers Arzhang Davoodi a prisoner of conscience, imprisoned solely for peacefully expressing his beliefs. I urge you to use your authority to grant him immediate and unconditional release, as well as to see that he receives needed medical treatment.