Free Hoder!

Iranian blogger Hossein Derakhshan , aka “Hoder,”  is an often controversial Iranian-Canadian blogger who became known in Iran as “the blogfather” for his role in kicking off the growing Persian Blog movement. Hossein was put in prison in Iran without trial due to his blogging and has spent most the last year behind bars, nearly eight months of that in solitary confinement. During his imprisonment he has suffered beatings in an attempt to coerce false confessions of having ties to the CIA and Israeli intelligence services.

As horrifying as Hossein’s story is, it’s hardly the only one. Scores of journalists, intellectuals, and activists are being held in Iran due to their vocal political opposition to the ruling regime and the questionable results of the recent election in Iran.

Hamed Derakhshan is Hossein’s brother, and is attempting to reach out to whoever can help spread the word about Hossein’s situation and to raise awareness about the situation. What follows is a brief interview:

CPB: When was the last time you or anyone in your family were able to talk with your brother?

Hamed Derakhshan: The last time my family talked to Hossein was on Thursday the 29th when after about 1 year they had their first official meeting with him in Evin prison

CPB: Has there been a specific charge yet?

Hamed Hossein: No, he has not official been charged yet

CPB: What do you think is the most effective thing people can do in support of your brother and others in Iran in the same situation?

Hamed Hossein: I think the most effective thing people can do in support of Hossein is to spread the world and make sure he is not forgotten , write petitions and letters to people who they think can help. We have to make sure the authorities know that they are being watched and they can not simply deny the prisoner his rights.

CPB: Are there many other people in Iran still blogging about the situation, or has the clamp down stopped most of it?

Hamed Hossein: I am not the best source for this information. I am not politically active and I’m not planning to be. I am just trying to make sure my brother is treated fairly and his rights are respected.