Blogger Hossein Ronaghi Maleki transferred to hospital

RAHANA, August 16 — Evin prison officials have severely beaten Hossein Ronaghi Maleki following the blogger’s visit with his family.

Hossein Ronaghi, who suffers from kidney disease and has undergone two major operations in the last few months, was transferred to Taleghani hospital due to the serious injuries inflicted on him from the brutal attack.

The blogger’s father Ahmad Ronaghi Maleki told Human Rights House of Iran (RAHANA), “After the beating, Hossein was severely injured and lost consciousness. They transferred him to Taleghani hospital where he was unconscious for hours. At the end of the night, they transferred him back to the prison.”

Ahamad Ronaghi, who was visibly shaken from the attack on his son, also said, “They wanted to drag my son to prison. The person who attacked Hossein was a Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) member. The IRGC has become so powerful that [its members] can do as they please with the prisoners. Hossein’s life is not safe in prison and ours is not safe outside prison. Hossein gets brutally attacked and beaten in prison and we are constantly threatened and harassed.”

He added, “I ask from all human rights institutions to pay attention to my son’s situation. I am desperately worried for my son’s life. His situation is extremely worrisome. His condition is very grim.”

Hossein Ronaghi Maleki had written a letter to the Tehran Prosecutor about the role of outside agencies in exerting added pressures on the prisoners. Regarding his personal situation, Hossein Maleki wrote, “Do you remember that I told you about my lack of access to proper nutrition, medicine, specialized doctors, and a calm environment required for my recovery? Do you remember what your response was? Your response was that, due to the IRGC’s objection, you were unable to grant me furlough. Do you remember that, in our previous meetings, you had said, if the medical examiner’s office agrees that a medical leave is necessary, you would grant me furlough?

I did some research and discovered that the medical examiner’s office had approved my medical furlough three months prior to our talk and had already sent you the letter of approval. I told you at the time of our conversation that it is the security agencies which decide who and how someone receives medical treatment.”

Blogger and human rights activist Hossein Ronaghi Maleki was arrested on December 13, 2009. He is behind bars serving a 15-year prison sentence.