The International Day of the Imprisoned Writer, celebrated on November 15 to support all writers who are imprisoned or threatened because of their work. This day also serves to raise awareness about the violation of the right to freedom of expression, which continues to occur in many countries around the world.

This year, PEN Català takes this occasion to remember Mehdi Bahman, honorary member of the organization, who has been imprisoned for over two years in Iran due to his efforts promoting interfaith dialogue and his criticism of the Iranian regime. On October 13, 2022, Bahman was detained by Iranian security forces and subsequently sentenced to death.

Thanks to international pressure, his sentence was commuted to five years in prison. In June 2024, Bahman’s close contacts informed us that he is seriously ill, isolated, without treatment or access to medication, and in terrible conditions. A week ago, he began a hunger strike to protest the authorities’ refusal to grant permission for him to receive treatment.

PEN Català denounces the conditions of his imprisonment and demands his immediate and unconditional release by the Iranian authorities. We will continue campaigning for the freedom he deserves as someone who has committed no “crime” other than advocating for dialogue between the faiths and nationalities of his country and the Middle East.