18 May, 2008
 
Leader of the Islamic Republic
His Excellency Ayatollah Sayed ‘Ali Khamenei
The Office of the Supreme Leader
Islamic Republic
                                    Street-Shahid Keshvar Doust Street
Tehran, Islamic Republic
                                    of Iran
 
Your Excellency:
 
I am writing to urge the authorities
                                    to release all students detained since December, 2007, in connection with National Students’ Day.  These students are being held solely for the peaceful exercise of their rights.  They should be promptly charged with recognizable criminal offences if they are not released.
 
Please inform me of the charges
                                    that have been brought against Peyman Piran, Behrouz Karimizadeh and Ali Kantouri.  I
                                    call for an urgent independent investigation into their alleged torture.  The
                                    perpetrators must be brought to justice.  I strongly urge that the authorities
                                    protect Peyman Piran, Behrouz Karimizadeh, and Ali Kantouri from further torture and ill treatment.  They should have access to their families, legal representation and any medical attention they may require.
                                     I am particularly concerned about Ali Kansouri who suffers from asthma.
 
According to my information,
                                    the above-named prisoners have all been tortured while in detention. I must remind you that confessions extracted under torture
                                    are prohibited by Article 38 0f the constitution of Iran.
 
Thank you for your attention
                                    to my concerns.
 
Very truly yours,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cc:  Iranian Interests Section
       Embassy of Pakistan
      
                                    2209 Wisconsin Ave. NW
      
                                    Washington DC 20007