جان بکتاش آبتین در خطر است

To: The International President of PEN International

Dear Mr. Burhan Sönmez,

Hereby, we inform you that Baktash Abtin, the imprisoned member of the Iranian Writers’ Association, has contracted COVID-19 in prison for the second time and is transferred to the hospital. The Iranian Evin Prison authorities have intentionally refused to provide him proper medications and treatments, as a means of suppressing him.

Baktash Abtin has been imprisoned in the dreaded Evin Prison on trumped-up charges of "propaganda against the regime" and "conspiracy to act against the security of the country". The ruling Islamic regime of Iran uses violence against Iranian writers and artists with the aims to eliminate thoughts and replace them with prehistoric superstitions. Depriving Baktash Abtin of treatments while he is suffering from COVID-19 is a pre-meditated and maliciously planned.

Thus, we request your action within the possibilities of PEN International to demonstrate your sensitive concern to the art community of the world. We ask your support and help to rescue our fellow imprisoned writer from the mullahs’ prison.

Iranian Writers’ Association (In Exile)
Iranian PEN Association (In exile)
11.12.2021