We Are Concerned About Mehdi Hashemi

In an interview with Rooz, Yasser Hashemi said that legal procedure is not followed in Mehdi Hashemi’s case and that his brother lacks the basic rights of a detainee.

Mr. Hashemi also said that his brother has not yet been formally charged and they remain unaware of the formal charges in the case.

According to special reports received by Rooz, several individuals, including Hamzeh Karami, Mehdi Hosseinzadeh, Ali Aghayari and Arab Qobadi, who were detained following the 2009 Green Movement uprising have been summoned and interrogated over the past few days and pressured to provide statements against Mehdi Hashemi.

One day prior to Mehdi’s arrest, his sister Faezeh Hashemi was also arrested and sent to the Evin Prison to begin serving her sentence. She was sentenced to 6-months imprisonment and 5 years ban from journalism and political activities. Faezeh Hashemi was convicted of propaganda against the regime after she said in an interview that the country is being run by thugs and gangsters.

Previously, Fatemeh Hashemi, Hashemi-Rafsanjani’s elder daughter, had told Rooz, “They plan to eliminate Mr. Hashemi with these acts.”

I ask Yasser about Faezeh’s situation, and reports that her direct visitation rights continue to be violated. Yasser says, “Like other political prisoners, we meet with Faezeh once a week on Sundays from behind glass separators. We have never had direct visitation. We have heard that under the law we can request direct visitation once a month, but we haven’t requested it.”

He adds, “Our concern right now is not direct visitation with Faezeh. Faezeh is serving her sentence and has no problems with the prison either. She has refused to ask for a pardon or probation either.”

I ask Yasser Hashemi what his family’s main concern then is at the moment. He responds, “Our main concern right now is Mehdi’s situation. We feel that the legal procedure is not being followed in his case.”

Yasser explains, “His detention order is for a month. But one time they tell us it’s for a month, and another time they say it’s for two months. Every time they say something different. In addition, his lawyer must legally be allowed to communicate with him, but they do not allow it.”

It is said that Mehdi Hashemi is under pressure to write a letter to the Islamic Republic supreme leader asking for forgiveness. I ask Yasser about that. He says, “Mehdi is currently serving his detention order. There has been no court session and no hearing, and we have no idea what his formal charges are. This is also the first time I hear about this from you. I know nothing about it.”