A convert from Islam in Iran sentenced to serve almost four years in prison for Christian activities, began a hunger strike on March 20 to protest the government’s refusal to grant his request for release.
Vahid Hakkani began his hunger strike after authorities denied him the conditional release that inmates are eligible to obtain after completing half their prison terms. A researcher and advocate for Middle East Concern said that the willingness of Hakkani to possibly starve himself to death is a reflection of the conditions religious prisoners in Iran face.
House-church meeting
Authorities arrested Hakkani on February 8, 2012 along with several others at a house-church meeting, and charged him with numerous criminal offences related to his faith. Hakkani was tried with three others over the course of two court hearings, one in October 2012 and another in December 2012.
