Zeynab Jalalian, Iran’s longest-serving and only female political prisoner serving a life sentence, has written a letter from Yazd prison, urging the Iranian people to abstain from voting in the upcoming elections.
In a poignant message, Jalalian urged Iranians to keep the ballot boxes empty, emphasising the personal sacrifice she has made for the cause of freedom. “I remain behind bars for your sake,” she declared, “and I ask you to stay at home for one day for my sake and abstain from participating in these elections.”
The Kurdish political prisoner, who is now in her seventeenth year of imprisonment, has been denied medical treatment and the right to furlough during this time.
The text of Jalalian’s message from Yazd prison, received by the Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN), reads:
“I am Zeynab! Zeynab Jalalian, a Kurdish fighter who has been behind bars for 16 years – no, let me be precise, 16 years and four days. For 16 years I have been imprisoned for the freedom and rights of the people of my homeland.
Having endured 16 years of imprisonment, I would like to make a request to you, the people of my homeland, solely for the cause of freedom. As in previous years, do not go to the polls.
Dear people of Iran, a small part of you have been voting for this oppressive government for 44 years, hoping for an improvement in your living conditions. Unfortunately, every day we see your living conditions getting worse. You are responsible for the deterioration of the country because by voting for this oppressive government you are prolonging the rule of these oppressors.
I remain behind bars for your sake and I ask you to stay at home for one day for my sake and abstain from participating in these elections.
Yours sincerely.”
