Three days ago, Rahim Rashi was transferred from the IRGC Intelligence detention centre in Orumiyeh to the Mahabad general prison. Rashi is still on a hunger strike he began 24 days ago. On the day of his transfer, Rahim Rashi’s son was able to meet with his father for a short visit. Rashi’s son reported today that his father’s health is in critical condition and the prison doctor was forced to visit him.
Rashi’s son expressed extreme worry and concern over his father’s health. He explains that his father is known to not break a hunger strike until he is granted release.
The previous time that Rahim Rashi was arrested, he was on a hunger strike then too. When the prison doctor declared that he would be dead in three days if he continued with the strike, authorities released Rahim Rashi from prison.
57 year old political prisoner Rahim Rashi is from Mahabad [a city in West Azerbaijan province). When Rashi was detained in the Orumiyeh IRGC Intelligence prison, he was subjected to heavy pressures and his family was not permitted to visit him.
The following is an English translation of a recent letter written by Soran Rashi, Rahim Rashi's son:
We Are the Families of Political Prisoners Campaign (I am the brother of Rahim Rashi)
Because of my personal love and feelings for Abdollah Momeni who was on hunger strike for 17 days, I would like to refer to myself as his little brother. I have noticed that names are mistakenly forgotten. To strengthen the memory and fight against oblivion, I sincerely and with respect declare my brothership with all political prisoners. I write this so my brother Rahim does not think he is alone, and so his family, especially his son, does not feel lonely. I am Rahim's youngest brother. My brother is Kurd and he is 57 years old. He has been on hunger strike for seventeen days [editor's note: this letter was originally published on August 5, 2010. Rahim Rashi's son has now confirmed the hunger strike continues on its 24th day]. His crime is defending the rights of humans. He is not permitted to see his family and his health is in critical condition. Please do not forget my brother.
My dear brother Rahim, I have great respect for your determination. I wish to inform you that your other brothers are also on hunger strike.
Rahim does not have access to the media. My brother does not have journalist or human rights activist friends. Do not forget my brother. Please, be his voice. Speaking from the depth of my heart, I would love it if one of you would become the brother of Rahim. I am [also] the brother of Abdollah Momeni. His only son is denied by interrogators to speak with his father in his sweet native Lori dialect.
Source:Persian2English
