Yaser Goli

UPDATE: (31 October 2008) Yaser Goli is an Economic Development graduate from Azad University in Sanandaj who was barred from finishing his Master’s Degree studies. He was also a member and the secretary of the Kurdish Democratic Society. He was arrested on 17 October 2007, in front of Azad University in Sanandaj. Following his arrest, intelligence forces went to his home and after searching it took his computer case and private diary with them. Goli suffers from a heart condition and according to his mother Fatemeh Goftari, was admitted to the hospital on several occasions for treatment. It is suspected that Goli is suffering from tuberculosis in prison as well.

After being in custody for three months in the Intelligence Office of Sanandaj, on 16 January 2008, Goli was transferred to the Central Prison of Sanandaj. At this point, the opportunity for Goli to meet with his family was made available. Because of Goli’s distressed and unsafe state his mother doubted that she would ever have the opportunity to see him in prison. Goli’s family has advocated on behalf of their son and protested to the judiciary in Sanandaj to better his conditions. The letters they wrote to raise awareness about his plight were torn up in front of them multiple times by the lead prosecutor. Goli’s father, Saleh Goli, was arrested while on his way to submit a reduction of sentence letter for his son’s lawyer on 31 October 2007. On 5 November 2007, he posted approximately $10,000 (100 million Rial) in bail after being charged with “acting against national security,” simply for trying to pursue his son’s case. Since then, Goli’s family has been barred from entering the Revolutionary Court.

Goli’s mother was arrested in the street based on a directive by the 4th Branch of the Revolutionary Court of Sanandaj on 14 January 2008. She was freed after posting approximately $15,000 (150 million Rial) in bail on 20 February 2008. She is currently serving a three-month sentence in Central Prison of Sanandaj. Amar, Goli’s brother, has been summoned by intelligence officers several times who demanded information regarding the activities of his brother and family.

Goli, whose case has been postponed multiple times, was formally charged with “actions against national security” on 28 May 2008 in the Islamic Revolutionary Court of Sanandaj. Goli denied all charges. Ahmadi, Goli’s lawyer, said that there are technical and procedural problems with his case and he would include it in his defense.

Yaser Goli, an Economic Development graduate from Azad University who became a member of the Democratic Society while a student, was arrested on 9 October 2007 in front of Azad University. Intelligence officers also went to Yaser’s home and confiscated his computer case and his diary. Yaser Goli suffers from a heart ailment and has been admitted to the hospital numerous times for treatment. After being in prison for 3 months, Yaser was transferred to the Central Prison of Sanandaj on 16 January 2008.

Until then, Yaser was not allowed to meet with his family. Fatemeh Goftari, Yaser’s mother, and the rest of Yaser’s family have fought on his behalf to shed light on his condition and plight. Yaser’s father, Saleh Goli, was targeted by the authorities and was arrested on 31 October 2007, in connection with his son’s case. His bail was set at 10 million Tomans (104 USD) but he was subsequently released. Because of the family’s actions in supporting Yaser, they have been banned from entering the Revolutionary Courthouse. Yaser’s mother has also been arrested in connection with his case and has been sentenced to prison. Yaser’s brother, Amar, has been summoned by intelligence officers several times who demanded information regarding the activities of his brother and family, and was interrogated in the Islamic Court on 28 May 2008.

The relentless harassment of Yaser Goli’s family and his wrongful imprisonment are in clear violation of the entire family’s rights.