Between the lines

This blog came to life thanks to Hossein Derakhshan’s persistent pressure. “You should make a blog and write all these things”, he would say, when I would tell him about my takes on Iranian society, my travel experiences, etc. It didn’t came out exactly as he wished though, he wanted me to write in Persian. I saw my audience more international. But, I am glad he pushed me to do this.

I am not the only person who owes his blog to Hossein. Actually the Iranian blogosphere (a word that reminds me of my ex-boyfriend), owes him much more. He was one of the first people who managed to write in Persian in his blog and soon, he made a simplified manual for all those who would like to blog in Persian. He is also known as the Iranian blog-father for his enormous contribution in this domain. A medium that is quite influential in the development of current Iranian society. Even, our infamous president has a blog!

Hossein is now in jail in Iran for more than five months. Till now, there has been no official, concrete clarification of his “guilt”. There is no trial date fixed. No sentence, nothing. He is held in jail without any rights to visit. He is allowed to call home every couple of weeks for one minute or two. All these, for writing in his blog. All these, for thinking differently.

Recently a group of his friends, with the support of “Internet sans frontière” (hats off to French), have launched a campaign to advocate his freedom. Hossein should be released and be tried if necessary. He doesn’t deserve to be in jail. His family should not suffer. His friends should be united and push for his freedom. There is no argument here.

If you believe in freedom of speech and freedom of expression, please sign this petition and pass it along.

Filed under: Society