NEW YORK—The Open Society Institute is deeply concerned over Iran’s use of deliberately contrived television footage of Iranian-American detainees Kian Tajbakhsh and Haleh Esfandiari. OSI is saddened by this abuse of their dignity, and disturbed by this attempt to deceive the Iranian public and the world about their activities and their current situation.
Dr. Tajbakhsh and Dr. Esfandiari have been held in Tehran’s Evin Prison for more than two months without seeing a lawyer. Their appearance on Iranian television is clearly coerced. Any statements made under duress without access to legal counsel can be given no credence.
In a disgraceful effort to conceal the fact that they are being held captive, the government footage shows staged scenes of Dr. Tajbakhsh and Dr. Esfandiari dressed in civilian attire in a residential setting. In truth, they are being held in one of the world’s most infamous prisons known for human rights violations.
Dr. Tajbakhsh and Dr. Esfandiari are internationally recognized scholars who have worked to help the Iranian people. Dr. Tajbakhsh’s work for OSI in Iran was done openly and often at the invitation of the Iranian government, and focused on public health, earthquake relief, and urban planning projects. OSI’s programs around the world strengthen local communities to improve education, health, and access to public institutions, often working with government and civil society groups.
OSI dismisses the false charges against Dr. Tajbakhsh and Dr. Esfandiari and calls upon Iran to release them without delay.
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