The request for release of a Kurdish political prisoner is blocked

Kurdistan Human Rights Observers

HROK: the head of Qurwa prison rejected the conditional release of Ahmad Qasemi, a political prisoner.
Ahmad Qasemi who has spent the last 6 months in Qurwa prison for allegedly spreading propaganda against the regime by supporting Kurdistan opposition parties has requested to be released conditionally. However the judge, after consulting with the governor of the prison, declined his request which was filed last month. This was despite the fact that the family were promised by the authorities that he would be freed soon.
Mr Qasemi has complained repeatedly about the unsuitable conditions inside the prison cells and sections and the prison authorities have ignored his pleas. On some occasions, he has been physically dealt with and it is believed this is the reason why the head of the prison has turned down his request.
According to the section 38 of the Islamic penal code, if someone is sentenced for the first time to custodial sentence for committing an offence, he/she is entitled to be released conditionally by the sentencing judge under certain circumstances. One of these conditions is the appropriate behaviour of the prisoner while inside the prison which has to be confirmed by the governor of the prison.
18.03.09