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International Writers Groups Call for Release of Detained Iranian Writers

by VOA Persian Service

   The American and Sydney Pen Associations have issued a joint statement
   calling for the release of Ali Asadollahi, an Iranian poet, and other
   writers imprisoned in Iran.

   "Asadollahi has been an inspiring and leading poet of his generation,"
   the statement said, and his work has been translated into English,
   Italian and French.

   Ali Asadollahi, who is also a literary critic and secretary of the
   Iranian Writers' Association, was arrested Nov. 21 without any charges.
   He is currently being held in Fashafouyeh Prison and is said to be in
   solitary confinement and denied access to his attorney.

   The Pen statement said, "The sole crime of these writers is their
   literary output and activities. We call on Iranian authorities to
   immediately reverse these absurd charges against Iranian writers and
   order their release.

   "The continuing persecution and prosecution of Iranian writers
   constitute clear violations of their freedom of speech, and freedom of
   conscience, as protected by Iran's own laws and its legal obligations
   under international law," the statement said, adding, "We call on the
   international community to hold this criminal regime accountable for
   its heinous crimes against writers and poets."