HRANA News Agency – Mehdi Kukhian and Karim Chaichian, two social activists, who had been transferred to an unknown location by prosecutor of Malekan’s order, are in prison since December 21, 2016. Paiman Mohammadpoor, prosecutor of Malekan (town), not only has deprived them from accessing their lawyer, but also has ordered for holding these citizens in incommunicado.
According to the report of Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Karim Chaichian and Mehdi Kukhian have started hunger strike by sewing their lips, in protest to being beaten by judiciary forces, not having court hearing, being deprived from having phone calls with their families and also being deprived of having food for first 48 hours after being arrested.
A close source to these prisoners told HRANA’s reporter, “Mr. Kukhian, had informed his family before being arrested that he was being threatened by the prosecutor of Malekan to be arrested, for disclosing the relationship of Malekan’s prosecutor and mayor of Malekan and also publishing news about a river in the region, mentioning the illegal actions of the mayor’s cousin”.
This informed source emphasized that, “Malekan prosecutor is trying to lay general and vague charges like “cooperation with Gunaz TV”, “Insulting supreme leader”, “Insulting judiciary’s officials”, and “insulting Malekan’s MP”, due to not having any evidences.”
Mehdi Kookhian and KarimChaichian, tow residents of Malekan were arrested by security forces of this town. Officers have also confiscated electronic devices of these citizens.
According to close sources to these citizens, both citizens could have been released on thwe bail, but they have emphasized that they are innocent and have refused to put the bail.
Mr. Kookhian and Chaichian started their hunger strike after being transferred to Maragheh prison, on December 21, and were consequently transferred to quarantine ward.