August 30, 2010
Ms Ashtiani’s son, Sajjad Ghaderzadeh (22), at considerable peril to himself, called Ms Mina Ahadi directly in Washington to address those gathered on Aug 28th for the 100 Cities Around the World Against Stoning Protest. Couldn’t get any more direct than if he spoke English.
He, his sister, and his mother’s lawyer have been under increasing duress. He says his home and cell phone are tapped and he was turned away from the prison because because his mother didn’t want to see him. Proven to be a lie when prison officials allowed his mother to call home.
He says his mother is being beaten. (And who else knows what goes on under that shroud) and that her local lawyer, Houtan Kian’s office door was literally knocked down and Iranian officials stole his laptops and all the relevant documents concerning her case. They didn’t like hearing that the case was nonsense.
Mr Kian’s translated letter to Iran’s Supreme Court.
Here is the video in Farsi and the translation of Sajjad’s comments follows.
Video/translation provided by PR for Personal Rights. Video disseminated by Mission Free Iran.
Greetings to everyone who participated in my mom’s demonstration and those who have signs in their hands.
I want to say that I love you very much and I am thankful for your kindness and attention.
The news that sometime ago was put out by the Human Rights Office of the Judiciary is an absolute lie, and we have noticed that my mom’s file has now been lost.
The Islamic Republic has altered the file and they have entered Houtan Kian’s place (my mom’s lawyer) and all of the documents have been taken away, even his laptop and other belongings.
And then they went to my mom and by beating her, forced her to say certain things.
We want from the whole world to help us in this ordeal.
All of those people who are supporting us in Iran, such as Houtan Kian, they are in danger.
And once again, we thank everybody.
He sure is one brave man. I get now why his sister is being shielded from the press. Although her words would mean more in the West than his, he is risking his life to save both his mother and his sister. Iran had better wake up and realize that if sons are this willing to save their mothers accused of adultery and the murders of their own fathers – the end of the absolute oppression and railroading of women in Iran is near.
It’s nice he is able to know – even if he is unable to tell her – that his mother matters and that the world is watching. Even the First Lady of France, Carla Bruni, who Iran called a “prostitute”. (Next post)
