Baktash Abtin

Baktash Abtin is a poet, filmmaker, and member of the Iranian Writers' Association. He was sentenced to prison for "Assembly and collusion against national security.” Baktash Abtin died on January 8, 2022. His death was due to coronavirus in prison and the deliberate negligence of the authorities.

• <coverage-outsourcing id='22784'> Intelligence service agents searched his home. </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='22785'> He was summoned to the Ministry of Intelligence for several days and interrogated there. The 2009 protests and the publication of an "illegal" publication were among the subjects of these interrogations. He was accused of "propaganda against the regime" and "publishing an illegal publication." </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='22787'> He was briefly detained with several others after security forces raided the memorial to Mohammad Mokhtari and Mohammad Jafar Pooyandeh, two of The Chain Murders of Iran. After posting a photo of Mazdak Zarafshan's injured face on social media, a lawsuit on charges of "propaganda against the regime" was filed for him in Karaj. </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='22783'> It is reported that he was briefly detained along with several others at the Shamloo memorial service. </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='22786'> It was reported that the second branch of the Revolutionary Court of Karaj charged him with “propaganda against the system.” Instead of a one-year prison, he was sentenced to a fine of IRR50 million and three months of mandatory work for the national welfare organization. </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='23022'> Several civil and political activists called for his sentence to be overturned. </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='24866'> Keyvan Bazhan and Reza Khandan Mahabadi were summoned to Evin Prison Courts. After that, Baktash Abtin had to appear before Evin Courts too. All three have been charged with "propaganda against the regime." </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='24864'> Branch seven of the Evin Prosecutor’s Office charged them with “propaganda against the regime, assembly, and collusion against national security and inciting women to corruption and prostitution.” Previously, the first charge was the only one in their case. The bail order was also increased from 500 million Iranian Rials to IRR 1000 million. Five days later, the IWA condemned the “fabrication of charges and cases against [our] members.” </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='24873'> Reza Khandan Mahabadi and Keyvan Bazhan (Bajan), two members of the Iranian Writers' Association (IWA) board of directors, and Baktash Abtin, one of the association's inspectors, were summoned to Branch two of Revolutionary Court of Iran. Judge Moghiseh increased the IRR 1 billion Toman bail of Reza Khandan, Baktash Abtin, and Keyvan Bazhan to IRR 10 billion. Three members of the association were arrested and sent to Evin Prison due to their impossibility of providing bail. A few days later, all three were released on bail. </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='33850'> Judge Moghiseh tried Reza Khandan, Baktash Abtin, and Keyvan Bazhan. Several members of the Writers' Association appeared in court to support the three authors. </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='24872'> The International Pen Association issued a statement expressing concern over the trials of Bektash Abtin, Reza Khandan Mahabadi, and Keyvan Bazhan. </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='24852'> Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, headed by Judge Moghiseh, sentenced three writers and members of the Writers' Association of Iran, Reza Khandan, Baktash Abtin, and Keyvan Bazhan, to prison for the 2015/2016 case. All three were sentenced to six years in jail for "propaganda against the regime" and "conspiracy to act against national security." Based on Article 134, this sentence will be executed for five years of prison. Evidence against them includes membership in the Writer’s Association, collaborating in publishing the association's books, including the book "Fifty Years of the Iranian Writers' Association," publishing an internal journal, visiting the graves of Shamloo, Mokhtari, and Pooyandeh, and signing statements against censorship and execution. </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='24851'> The Iranian Writers' Association (IWA) issued a statement in which they announced the sentence of Reza Khandan, Baktash Abtin, and Keyvan Bazhan to prison, condemning the sentence: > .. they have been tried and sentenced to prison because of their work in promoting freedom of expression and opposition to censorship. </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='28172'> <reference source='https://www.hra-news.org/2019/hranews/a-23199/?tg_rhash=22a41dd9689763'> Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals sentenced three Iranian Writers' Association members to imprisonment. Baktash Abtin and Reza Khandan were each sentenced to six years in prison. Keyvan Bazhan has also been reduced to three years and six months in jail. Under Article 134, Bektash Abtin and Reza Khandan can be sentenced to five years. It is unknown how Article 134 will affect Mr. Bazhan's sentence. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='31250'> <reference source='https://ifj-farsi.org/?p=5699'> Three members of the Writers' Association's prison sentence have been postponed. They attended the Judgment Enforcement Office and their lawyers, but the prison sentence was postponed to another time by order of the branch's officials. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='32850'> <reference source='https://ifj-farsi.org/?p=6255'> Baktash Abtin and Reza Khandan Mahabadi, members of the Iranian Writers' Association board of directors, and Keyvan Bazhan, a former member of the association's board of directors, were transferred to Evin Prison to serve their sentence. Recently, the execution of their punishment had been postponed. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='32853'> <reference source='https://t.me/kanoon_nevisandegane_iran/449'> The Iranian Writers' Association issued a statement calling for the release of three association members. The statement called the charges against Reza Khandan, Baktash Abtin, and Keyvan Bazhan "baseless" and described the Islamic Republic's behavior as "criminal" and contrary to human rights standards. The statement called on human rights organizations to respond. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='33107'> <reference source='https://www.hra-news.org/statements/a-537/'> Pen Australia has issued a statement protesting the sentencing of three Iranian Writers' Association members, Reza Khandan Mahabadi, Baktash Abtin, and Keyvan Bazhan, to three years in prison for "protesting against censorship" and "defending the freedom of expression." It stated in its call that it is the responsibility of all organizations, writers, and advocates of freedom of expression to support them and has called for their immediate release. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='33317'> <reference source='https://www.hra-news.org/statements/a-541/'> According to reports received by HRANA, several prominent Iranian university professors and writers signed a joint letter to PEN international and human rights organizations, expressing concern over the health of prisoners of conscience and referring to the detention of Baktash Abtin, Keyvan Bazhan, Reza Khandan Mahabadi, and Khosrow Sadeghi Borujeni called on these institutions to "make the voices of these people heard by the people of the world and demand their immediate release with all their means." </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='33848'> <reference source='https://t.me/kanoon_nevisandegane_iran/528'> More than 1,300 writers, poets, artists, and civil and political activists issued a statement protesting the imprisonment of Baktash Abtin, Reza Khandan Mahabadi, and Keyvan Bazhan, demanding their release. "What these authors have done is oppose censorship and defend freedom of expression for all and without any exception. The imprisonment of these free-thinking writers, especially in the escalation of the Covid-19 pandemic, is a continuation of the same process of political chain assassinations of writers and free-thinkers to stifle any voice of protest against oppression and opposition to repression." </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='34817'> <reference source='https://t.me/kanoon_nevisandegane_iran/569'> The Iranian Writers' Association issued a statement condemning the execution of Alireza Nouri's prison sentence and called for him and all political and ideological prisoners to be released. The statement points out that in recent years, systematic repression and maximum pressure on activists in the field of thought and expression of growth and intensity has reached a record low, including "threats and prosecution based on false accusations and ultimately the issuance of prison sentences. They add, " We refer to the long prison sentences of poets and writers, including members of the Iranian Writers' Association, Reza Khandan (Mahabadi), Baktash Abtin, Keyvan Bazhan (Bajan), Giti Pourfazl, and now Alireza Nouri." </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='35153'> <reference source='https://www.zeitoons.com/85773'> According to Zaytoun, Baktash Abtin and Amirsalar Davoodi issued a statement protesting against exiling of political prisoners and announcing that they would go on strike in support of Ismail Abdi. The statement issued from Ward 8 of Evin Prison reads: > In the face of this oppression, we are forced to take action. Considering that the judicial authorities and prison officials have refused to respond to our request to clarify the situation of Ismail Abdi, we, two of his inmates, Baktash Abtin and Amirsalar Davoodi, have been on a hunger strike since 6 pm on March 17, 2021. This is a warning start, and every day a prisoner will join the hunger strike until our demand is met.” </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='38011'> <reference source='https://bit.ly/3zyxUSN'> The American Pen Association campaign for releasing three imprisoned members of the Iranian Writers' Association, Reza Khandan (Mahabadi), Baktash Abtin, and Keyvan Bazhan (Bajan), has begun. In a petition signed by 60 writers, journalists, and artists, the association called on the Iranian government to release the three writers who recently won the Freedom to Write Award. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='37076'> <reference source='https://t.me/kanoon_nevisandegane_iran/680'> Reza Khandan (Mahabadi), Baktash Abtin, and Keyvan Bazhan (Bajan) were awarded the American Pen Association's 2021 Pen/Barbey Freedom to Write Award. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='37814'> <reference source='https://t.me/kanoon_nevisandegane_iran/719'> He was transferred from prison to Taleghani Hospital due to fever and high blood pressure. Despite the family’s follow-up and presence at Taleghani Hospital, they have not received a definite answer so far. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='37903'> <reference source='https://t.me/kanoon_nevisandegane_iran/726'> The security situation at Taleghani Hospital and the chaining of a prisoner to bed added to Baktash Abtin's deteriorating condition. Eventually, his family and lawyer could obtain sick leave for him from prison. Baktash Abtin was transferred to another hospital, allowing his family to monitor his treatment. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='37905'> <reference source='https://telegra.ph/%DA%AF%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B4-12-19'> The Iranian Writers' Association reported that despite the efforts of the hospital's medical staff, Baktash Abtin's condition had not improved so far. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='38008'> <reference source='https://telegra.ph/%DA%AF%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B4-01-02'> According to the Iranian Writers' Association, due to the worsening condition of Baktash Abtin, doctors placed him in an artificial coma to continue his treatment. The delay in sending him to the hospital and the deliberate negligence of the government have led to no improvement in Baktash Abtin's condition, despite the efforts of the medical staff. He was taken to a prison hospital when he had already developed Covid-19 symptoms and a lung infection. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='38012'> <reference source='https://bit.ly/3qU6DGK'> In a letter to the judiciary, 19 political prisoners in ward 8 of Evin Prison stated that if Baktash Abtin dies, they will not attribute it to Covid 19 but the Judiciary, the Prisons Organization, and all responsible institutions. In their letter, they recall the history of lack of medical treatment in similar cases in Evin Prison and its consequences; this statement considers the systematic maltreatment of correctional officers as the cause of turning any simple illness into a matter of life and death in this prison. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='38056'> <reference source='https://telegra.ph/%D8%A8%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C%D9%87-01-05-2'> The Iranian writers' Association issued a statement protesting the "deliberate oppression" of the Islamic Republic of Iran against the four imprisoned members of the association, describing Baktash Abtin's coma a continuation of the government's executions and chain killings policy. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='38010'> <reference source='https://twitter.com/azadeh_fathi/status/1478871037370634242?s=20'> Social media users protested the conditions of Baktash Abtin by using the hashtag #Baktash_Abtin. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='38009'> <reference source='https://telegra.ph/%DA%AF%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B4-01-06'> After a few days of artificial coma, Baktash Abtin's condition did not improve due to a lung infection. In addition to controlling fluctuations in blood oxygen levels, medical staff is trying to control the disease and prevent kidney damage due to elevated sodium. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='38050'> <reference source='https://t.me/kanoon_nevisandegane_iran/753'> The Iranian Writers' Association announced the change in Baktash Abtin's funeral venue. According to the Writers' Association, Baktash Abtin will be buried at 3 pm today (December 9, 2021). They also stated that this change is due to security forces' pressure. The Writers' Association has invited the public to participate in this event. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='38043'> Reports received by Iran Prison Atlas describes how prisoners at Evin Prison protested the death of Baktash Abtin and, recalling Behnam Mahjoubi's death, chanted "Death to Khamenei" and "Death to the dictator." Reportedly, the prison guards attacked the prisoners with tear gas and batons, injuring several prisoners. </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='38044'> <reference source='https://t.me/CFPPI3/2908'> Following the death of Baktash Abtin, several political prisoners in Evin Prison announced during a telephone call that they would continue their sit-in and protest. The prisoners first sat in the prison yard of ward eight and then gathered in his room to hold a memorial service for Baktash Abtin. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='38042'> <reference source='https://t.me/kanoon_nevisandegane_iran/750'> Baktash Abtin died after enduring a month of COVID19. The government repeatedly deprived Abtin of access to appropriate treatment and ignored the grounds for his illness. He was taken to the hospital with delay, where he was handcuffed and chained to a hospital bed when his symptoms became so alarmingly severe. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='38046'> <reference source='https://t.me/NoToPrisonNoToExecution/38188'> Prisoners in ward 8 of Evin Prison chanted "Death to Khamenei" in protest of Baktash Abtin's death. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='38049'> <reference source='https://t.me/ettehad/96427'> In a message on Baktash Abtin's death, the Council of Iranian Cultural Associations stated that Baktash Abtin had fallen victim to the government’s repressive policies. The Council had repeatedly warned the government that the lives of prisoners, including political prisoners and imprisoned teachers, were in danger. However, the government acts with no regard for human rights laws and ignores prisoners' rights. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='38048'> <reference source='https://t.me/ettehad/96380'> A number of people gathered in front of Sasan Hospital and lit candles in memory of Baktash Abtin. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='38045'> <reference source='https://t.me/kasenfi/18263'> The Teachers' Union issued a statement condoling the death of Baktash Abtin. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='38047'> <reference source='https://telegra.ph/%D8%A8%DB%8C%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C%D9%87-01-08-2'> The Iranian Writers' Association has issued a statement calling Baktash Abtin’s death a government assassination. According to this statement, Baktash Abtin was referred to Evin Prison Medical Center on December 3rd with apparent symptoms of Covid-19 and spent three days without receiving any treatment. On December 6, his condition deteriorated that the prison guards secretly transferred him to Taleghani Hospital at night. Abtin was chained to a hospital bed without informing his family about this situation. Thus, the first ten critical days of the illness were deliberately lost in prison and the Prison Medical Center and under pressure from security forces. On December 13th, Abtin's half-dead body was transferred to another hospital, and the treatment of his serious condition began. The severity of the illness forced doctors to put him to artificial sleep on January 1 so that they might be able to save him from the imposed gradual death. Baktash Abtin died a week after the artificial coma. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='38052'> <reference source='https://t.me/CFPPI3/2956'> A group of political prisoners in Rajai Shahr Prison expressed their condolences to Baktash Abtin’s family, saying that the Islamic Republic was responsible for Abtin's death and that only by participating in justice-seeking campaigns and challenging the government could such tragedies be prevented. </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>
• <coverage-outsourcing id='38051'> <reference source='https://t.me/NoToPrisonNoToExecution/38213'> Baktash Abtin's funeral was held with anti-government chants such as "death to the murderous government" and "end to the dictator." </reference> </coverage-outsourcing>