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Alert

Writer-journalist Mohamad Mokhtari disappears in Tehran

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is expressing deep concern over the disappearance of the
writer-journalist Mohamad Mokhtari on 3 December 1998 in Tehran.





**New case and update to IFEX alerts of 3 December and 27 November 1998**

As a prominent writer in the opposition camp, Mokhtari has contributed to
many liberal newspapers and is famous for his critical stance against the
regime. He has been arrested several times by the security forces, and has
been trying to organise an association of writers to foster public support
for liberal ideas aiming at reforming the present system. In 1994, he was
one of 134 intellectuals who signed a manifesto demanding freedom of speech
in Iran.

Further to the murder of Darioush Forouhar and his wife, Parvaneh, leaders
of the Iranian liberal opposition who were stabbed to death at their home on
22 November, moderates fear a terror backlash in Tehran. On 25 November,
journalist Majid Charif was found dead in obscure circumstances, after
having disappeared for five days. In addition, left-wing activist Pirouz
Davani has been missing since last August.

Recommended Action

Send appeals to the President:

expressing deep concern about this new disappearance and the political
atmosphere which characterises Iran at present

strongly urging the Iranian authorities to undertake an investigation
into
the disappearance of Mohamad Mokhtari as soon as possible, and to take the
necessary steps to protect freedom of expression

Appeals To

His Excellency Mohammad Khatami
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Tehran, Iran
Fax: +9821 64 66 415
e-mail: iranemb@salamiran.org

Please copy appeals to the source if possible.

Source:

Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
47, rue Vivienne
75002 Paris
France
rsf (@) rsf.org
Phone: +33 1 44 83 84 84
Fax: +33 1 45 23 11 51
@rsf_rwb

 

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