We, the undersigned international academics and scholars are deeply concerned about the condition of Mr. Akbar Ganji, the Iranian journalist and human rights advocate who is currently passing his 17th day of hunger strike in prison.

Mr. Ganji has suffered from asthma and severe digestive problems for a few years that have worsened in the recent years. Mr. Ganjis illness is not responding to his old medications and he needs to be re-examined in short order. During his short release three weeks ago, he was not allowed to finish his treatment. His wife and his lawyer Ms. Shirin Ebadi have asked the Judicial authorities several times, on his behalf, to allow him to be seen and treated by outside physicians, but unfortunately these requests have been all rejected. With his repeated hunger strike his health is now deteriorating and his life is in imminent danger. We deem the judiciary responsible for any harm to Mr Ganji and request his release for immediate treatment. We also strongly demand that Akbar Ganji be given visitation rights by his family and outside physicians in the coming days.