Activists seek help for Iranian political dissenter

Mumbai: A political dissenter of Iranian origin has sought the help of local human rights activists in Mumbai who in turn have dashed off letters regarding his safety to officials.

"My colleagues and I received a rather desperate call from Hossain Borhanzaihe who holds political asylum in Sweden," say Teesta Setalvad and Javed Anand, co-editors of human rights magazine Communalism Combat, in their letter to the authorities.

The Swedish passport- holder is presently staying in a South Mumbai hotel. He has informed the activists that though he is here for legitimate artistic work, he feels insecure because he is a political dissenter from a secular progressive background.

"Iranian Secret Services as well as the secret services of India and Sweden are threatening him, following him and he faces a threat to his life. He states that he has been hounded for the past one week in Mumbai," say the activists.

Coming forward to seek Borhanzaihe's safety in the city, Setalvad says, "As human rights activists committed to free movement and the right to political dissent, we urge that the police commissioner of Mumbai ensures his safe stay, that the secret services are pulled off and that international human rights organisations also put pressure on Indian authorities."

Political concerts

Borhanzaihe works in the area of creative music and has held political concerts in Pakistan relating primarily to the people of Balochistan province.

He says he experienced similar harassment in Pakistan. In 1984-85, he was imprisoned for a year and thereafter released following the intervention of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The artist is in close touch with the Human Rights Watch Stockholm and is also a member of the organisation.