[19 May 2011] HRANA News Agency – Saman Ostevar, a Baha’i citizen and children’s rights activist, who was arrested on March 2, 2011 in the city of Kerman, still remains in Bam’s Prison, and uncertainty surrounds his future.
According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Saman Ostevar is a Baha’i citizen who resided in Kerman. He was arrested on March 2, 2011 and transferred to Bam’s prison. For a period of 48 days, Saman Ostevar was locked up in solitary confinement and placed under horrific psychological pressure. During this time, he was cut off from the world without being able to see or contact anyone.
Judicial authorities refuse to tell his family what charges have been filed against him. Saman Ostevar’s arraignment was held on April 17, 2011 in one of the courts in the city of Bam. Although Saman Ostevar’s wife has repeatedly visited judicial authorities to inquire about his case, they have refused to answer any of her questions.
It has been reported that on the morning of March 2, 2011, five security officers raided Saman Ostevar’s house and after searching the property, they seized his PC, laptop, books and CDs containing Baha’i teachings and cell phone. Saman Ostevar’s wife had no news of him and didn’t know his whereabouts for 48 days following the arrest.
Saman Ostevar was a member of a charity organization dedicated to help children orphaned after the 2003 earthquake in Bam. Currently, there are 100-120 children sponsored by this organization.
Following the court session, Saman Ostevar’s family asked the prosecutor to release him on bail. However, the prosecutor opposed the bail sighting new evidence against the defender.
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