NEW YORK—Following the release of a distinguished Iranian-American scholar, the Open Society Institute today renewed calls for Dr. Kian Tajbakhsh to be set free immediately. Iranian authorities had told family members he would be released by last week.
Dr. Tajbakhsh continues to be held in solitary detention despite claims from the Iranian government that his release is forthcoming. In many public statements, Iranian officials said their investigation had concluded and that Dr. Tajbakhsh would be released. They have assured people close to the case—including family—that he would be freed to be with his wife during the last month of her pregnancy. We are mystified at his continued imprisonment.
It is unconscionable that Iranian authorities continue to hold Dr. Tajbakhsh in light of the release of other Iranian-American detainees. OSI welcomes news that Dr. Haleh Esfandiari was allowed to leave Iran and be reunited with her family.
Dr. Tajbakhsh is a humanitarian and a gifted scholar who has devoted his career to helping the Iranian people and to building bridges between Iran and the international community. As the 120th day of his detention approaches this Friday, we demand that Dr. Tajbakhsh be released so that he can return home to his wife before the birth of their first child.