Iranian Prisoners End Hunger Strike, Await Furlough

According to Radio Zamaneh, prison authorities have agreed to keep political prisoners in a separate ward after a six-day hunger strike. Four of the prisoners, including Mohammad Moradi, Vali Doroodi, Ali Salehi and Omar Emami, are suspected to have participated in a Kurdish political party and armed activities, and they have been imprisoned for more than 15 years. Doroodi told Zamaneh: “I have not given up being released, and my wish is to be present at my daughter’s wedding. When I was arrested, she was a little girl and now she is preparing for a wedding. I have applied for a furlough on several occasions but so far I have had no response.”

According to Press TV, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has expressed regret over the “unacceptable actions of a few protesters” who stormed and entered the two British diplomatic compounds Tehran smashing windows and burning the British flag in protest against sanctions imposed by London. Additionally, Mark N. Katz comments on the role of China and Russia in diplomatic efforts toward Iran, writing that while “both countries want Tehran to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency,” they also have played a hindering role to Western diplomacy.