Political prisoner Hashem Khastar speaks out against Iran’s regime

By
Staff Writer
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Hashem Khastar, a 71-year-old political prisoner facing severe health issues, has taken the bold step of writing an open letter from the high-security ward 1-6 of Vakil Abad prison in Mashhad, revealing the relentless pressures he faces and his unabated critique of Iran's regime.

 

Khastar has been incarcerated for the last five years, during which he has observed what he describes as “a series of crises” that have the potential to disrupt the stability of the Islamic Republic. He lays the genesis of these crises at the feet of regime founder Ruhollah Khomeini, accusing him of deception to lay the foundation of his authoritarian rule post the 1979 revolution.

Despite his incarceration, Khastar remains an avid supporter of the Iranian youth who increasingly defy the regime. He believes in the power of self-awareness, education, and self-improvement, comparing it to the process of pruning a tree to yield the best fruits.

 

In his poignant words, Khastar states, “Dictatorship implies unchecked authority, which breeds corruption, a corruption unparalleled in Iran’s history.”
In his poignant words, Khastar states, “Dictatorship implies unchecked authority, which breeds corruption, a corruption unparalleled in Iran’s history.”

 

However, the thrust of his letter details the severity of his confinement. Khastar is denied basic human rights – the freedom to communicate with his family, the right to defend himself in court, and even access to official newspapers and the prison library. He speaks of a recent instance where authorities went so far as to weld the doors of his cell shut and seal the sole window – his only source of light.

The former teacher from Mashhad, an agricultural engineer and the Head of the Mashhad Teachers Union, Khastar’s tussles with the regime started in 2008. He was arrested after directly targeting the regime leader in a letter, blaming Ali Khamenei for the root of corruption. His defiance continued, leading to subsequent arrests in 2011 and 2018. In 2021, he made his opposition to the regime clear by cosigning a letter calling for Khamenei’s resignation.

 

In his letter, he vividly sketches the difference between the privileges granted to political prisoners in the past compared to his current grim situation.
In his letter, he vividly sketches the difference between the privileges granted to political prisoners in the past compared to his current grim situation.

 

Khastar cites the example of Jawaharlal Nehru, who, while incarcerated, was allowed to pen letters highlighting British injustices in India.

Khastar concludes his heartfelt plea with a touching reference to the deceptive Islamic rulers, praying for the strength to either face a dignified death in prison or be liberated by the brave citizens of Iran.This letter stands as a testament to Khastar’s unwavering spirit and the grave situation faced by political prisoners in Iran.

 

 

MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI  (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu

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