Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand is serving a 10-year sentence for “acting against state security by establishing an illegal group, [the Human Rights Organization of Kurdistan (HROK)]” which was upheld by Branch 54 of the Appeal Court in Tehran on 28 September 2008. Amnesty International considers Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand to be a prisoner of conscience, held solely on account of his peaceful exercise of his rights to freedom of expression and association in relation to his position as chair of the HROK and his activities as a journalist.
The HROK was founded by Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand in April 2005 and has between 100 and 200 members. The authorities have never granted it official recognition as a non-governmental body, despite a longstanding request. The objectives of the HROK include the protection of fundamental rights such as those set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international conventions; the teaching, dissemination and encouragement of respect for human rights; and the development of friendly relations between the peoples of Iran based on the principle of equality before the law.
Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand has been in poor health for some time. Earlier in December 2008, he was examined by a prison doctor who noted that he was suffering from dizziness and unstable blood pressure, and that existing problems with his kidneys and prostate were worsening. In May 2008, he collapsed in prison and was unconscious for about 30 minutes.
In recent months, doctors at the Evin Prison requested that Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand be granted specialist treatment. It is believed that he was seen by a heart specialist and an urologist while in prison. However, the prison authorities have not permitted him to receive medical care outside prison. According to Article 229 of the Prison Regulations, a prisoner suffering from a serious medical condition whose condition cannot be treated inside prison, or whose condition will worsen if they stay in prison, should be released by the prison authorities for one month’s medical leave, renewable, on the recommendation of a doctor and with the agreement of the Prison Director. Amnesty International continues to be concerned that Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand is not receiving adequate medical care for his serious health condition.
