Mohammad Davari Remains In Security Ward; Pressure To Extract Confessions Continues

A source has told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that Mohammad Davari, chief editor of the Saham News website, remains in Evin Prison’s Security Ward after several months. Authorities have avoided transferring him to the General Ward. According to this source, Davari has been under intense pressure during his incarceration for a television interview and false confession.

Davari’s mother, who lives in the city of Birjand, has faced many problems when attempting to visit her son in Tehran and has been deprived visiting rights with her son. During post-election events of last year, Davari helped presidential candidate Mehdi Karroubi in documenting cases of torture and rape. The Iranian authorities have denied torture and rape allegations, but Karroubi has repeatedly emphasized his claims. Pressure on Davari has continued in the past few months to denounce the authenticity of the evidence gathered in prison abuse cases.

Mohammad Davari, member of the Iranian Teachers Organization, head of Karroubi’s office, and chief editor of Saham News website, was arrested on 8 September 2009 after security forces raided the personal office of Mehdi Karroubi and the office of the Etemad-e Melli Party.