Hossein Ronaghi Maleki Sends Message from Prison on His Birthday

Persian2English – July 5 is Hossein Ronaghi Maleki’s 28th birthday. He is an activist and blogger who was arrested on May 18, 2013 and has been imprisoned in Evin since then.

A close source has released an open letter Hossein has written from prison on the occasion of his birthday. Rasa News has published the message online.

By Hossein Ronaghi Maleki
Translation by Persian2English

Unfortunately, because I didn’t want my mind and thoughts to be held captive while my physical being was free, I had to return to prison. Even though I had chosen to turn myself in [as per the summons order], it was still a difficult [decision]. I returned to prison, even though I knew that I would not be released any time soon. I’m spending my birthday in prison. It’s hard, not because I’m imprisoned, but because I’m envisioning my family (with their hearts full of sadness) holding a small celebration for me in my absence. They want me to know that they’re thinking of me, and that hurts me. The thought of my mother’s tears extinguishing the flames of my birthday candles makes my heart hurt. What a painful and depressing image.

Don’t wish me a happy birthday; instead, please send your greetings to my mother, the person who gave birth to me and raised me. Send her greetings for the way she is steadfast, like a mountain in the face of adversity and hardship, in order to raise me as a good person.

Respect for the tears my mother has shed for me and others like me [the political prisoners] on the path to freedom. Respect for my mother’s big heart, which hears my cries and is my haven, and can turn fear and anxiety into courage. Respect to her motherhood and womanhood, and for her unconditional and unwavering love. She is a person who doesn’t yield in the battle with darkness.

Please send your greetings to my mother. [Be with her]. Don’t allow my absence to cause her pain. And, don’t forget, there are no real birthdays in prison.