United States–Israel vs Iran: LIVE

A+

A-

Iranian Azeri activist on hunger strike at Evin prison hospitalized VIDEO

15 November 2022 12:19

A well-known Iranian Azeri blogger and activist who was hospitalized over the weekend was in stable condition, Iran officials said on November 14, although his family and the international community are concerned, according to the Voice of America.

Hossein Ronaghi, who was arrested September 24, is one of dozens of prominent rights activists, journalists and lawyers who have been arrested amid Iran's crackdown on protests that were ignited by the death of Mahsa Amini.

Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian of Kurdish origin, died September 16 after she had been detained by the country's so-called morality police for not following the nation's strict dress code.

Ronaghi, who was taken to Evin prison after his arrest, has been on a hunger strike for more than 50 days. His family said his health is a concern as he has a kidney condition, and his brother Hassan Ronaghi said on Twitter that both of Hossein Ronaghi's legs had been broken in prison.

However, judiciary news agency Mizan said, "Ronaghi will soon be discharged from his hospital and his health is fine." It said all claims that his legs were broken are false.

On November 14, Hassan Ronaghi tweeted a picture published by the judiciary of Hossein Ronaghi in a hospital bed. He also confirmed that his parents had visited Hossein Ronaghi Monday afternoon and told him Hossein Ronaghi's "general condition is good."

Officials transferred Hossein Ronaghi to Dey Hospital in Tehran on Sunday after he began refusing water on November 12.

Iran's judiciary officials did not provide details about why he was receiving medical care or the charges against him.

Hossein Ronaghi, 37, a Wall Street Journal contributor, has been one of the most fearless critics of the Islamic republic still living in the country, AFP said.

In a video recorded before he was arrested, Hossein Ronaghi said many people were ready to give their life for Iran "and I am one of those people." He also said Iranians want to have an "ordinary" life like other people around the world.

Hossein Ronaghi's family and the international community voiced its concern over social media about his well-being.

On November 14, Hassan Ronaghi on Twitter asked people in Tehran to "please encircle" Dey Hospital "so they cannot transfer Hossein outside the hospital" and harm him.

A total of 341 protesters, including 52 children, were killed so far, since the beginning of the protests, according to the foreign-based Human Rights Activists' News Agency (HRANA). The report added that about 40 members of the police, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and the Basij paramilitary forces were killed since the beginning of the protests.