July 20, 2016
Ayatollah Sayed ‘Ali Khamenei
Leader of the Islamic Republic
The Office of the Supreme Leader
Islamic Republic Street –
End of Shahid Keshvar Doust Street
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
Your Excellency:
We are writing on behalf of the Committee of Concerned Scientists, an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers and scholars devoted to the protection and advancement of human rights and scientific freedom for colleagues all over the world.
We write out of concern for Hamid Babaei, a doctoral student currently serving a 6-year sentence at Evin Prison whose health is deteriorating. Mr. Babaei, a finance student at the University of Liege in Belgium, was sentenced in December 2013 for “acting against national security by communicating with a hostile government”, a charge based on the sources of his scholarship funding. We would ask that you review this case to determine if Mr. Babaei’s case can be reconsidered and he be released.
Mr. Babaei is, also, suffering from deteriorating health problems. Iran is required by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), of which they are a signatory, to provide adequate medical care for those in its prisons. Prior to and during his imprisonment, Hamid Babaei has suffered from panic attacks. Additionally, he has contracted major dental problems, including severe gum disease – but has been prohibited from seeing a dentist.
We write today to urge you to ensure that this unacceptable situation does not continue, and that Mr. Babaei is afforded the adequate medical care that is his right. We suggest that you reconsider and reduce Mr. Babaei’s sentence on humanitarian grounds and release him immediately. If he is to remain in custody he must still be given access to appropriate medical treatment.
We appreciate your immediate attention to this important matter and look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Joel L. Lebowitz, Paul H. Plotz, Walter Reich, Eugene M. Chudnovsky, Alexander Greer
Co-Chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists
Cc:
Hassan Rouhani
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
The Presidency
Pasteur Street, Pasteur Square
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
Ayatollah Sadeq Larijani
Head of the Judiciary
c/o Public Relations Office
Number 4, Deadend of 1 Azizi
Above Pasteur Intersection
Vali Asr Street
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of
Iran to the United Nations
622 Third Avenue
34th Floor
New York, NY 10017