July 11, 2024
Taher Naghavi, a distinguished Azerbaijani defense attorney, was violently and unlawfully detained by the Islamic Republic of Iran’s security forces on February 6, 2024, in Karaj, Alborz Province. He was subsequently transferred to Evin Prison in Tehran.
Mr. Naghavi initiated a hunger strike on June 12, 2024, to protest his illegal detention. On the second day of his strike, he was unjustly assaulted by prison officer Reza Asadi, a subordinate of the prison head, Mr. Farzadi. He was subsequently beaten and transferred to the prison quarantine. He was denied access to essential hygiene, sports, and library facilities.
On June 19, 2024, following a severe decline in his health, Mr. Naghavi was moved to the Evin prison infirmary. His refusal to take his thyroid and blood pressure medications during the hunger strike led to further health complications, with the prison doctor warning of an imminent risk of a heart attack. At the behest of his family, he ended his hunger strike after 21 days. Mr. Naghavi requires immediate medical attention due to his thyroid condition and high blood pressure.
On July 3, 2024, Mr. Naghavi was moved from quarantine to Ward 6 of Evin Prison. In a further act of retribution, prison authorities filed new charges against him, including “insulting and disobeying officers” and “disrupting public order and security.” They denied him access to witnesses for his defense.
Despite ongoing interference from security agencies and judicial authorities, Mr. Naghavi has been consistently denied access to legal representation and temporary release on bail. He remains unjustly detained. We, the undersigned, call for the immediate release of Taher Naghavi, a dedicated defense attorney. His continued detention is a grave injustice, and we demand urgent action to ensure his freedom and access to necessary medical care.
بازداشت طاهر نقوی غیرقانونی است.