In Peace Line Monthly’s edition was an encounter I had with Keyvan Rafiee. First meeting him in Evin Prison, Ward 209, back in the winter season of 2007. This young individual had devoted himself to elevating human rights in Iran. I remember the time he was relocated from solitary confinement to our shared cell, clutching a few artistic depictions of his concern for human rights.
Despite the high risks of the period, Keyvan Rafiee actively sought to expose the suppressed voices of Political Prisoners to the rest of the world. The scarcity of social media platforms back then made it even more challenging. In those years, many human rights activists simply faded into oblivion, suffering a grim fate. This is what inspired Keyvan to set up Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRAI), an organization that has been representing a wide array of individuals and groups. They’ve been instrumental in opposing numerous executions sanctioned by the Islamic Republic of Iran, which have caused an outcry globally.
Around that time, two groups were particularly concerned with the plight of Christians in Iran. However, among Farsi and Non-Christian media outlets, HRAI stood out as the only dedicated news source and organization. Over the years, it has managed to amplify the stories of Christian detainees in Iran. For instance, when I was incarcerated, and 15 other Christian citizens were arrested nationwide, HRAI was the sole organization that alerted the Farsi Media about our predicament.
HRAI’s success stems from its adherence to human rights causes, unaffected by any particular political inclinations. Unfortunately, many Farsi media organizations exploit human rights issues to further political interests. Conversely, HRAI has succeeded in upholding the rights of all ethnic and minority groups, irrespective of their background. Their campaigns also extend to those who have committed crimes, demanding fair and transparent judicial processes.
This humanitarian outlook, free from violence and discrimination, is HRAI’s greatest triumph. I extend my best wishes to HRAI and its collaborative partners, hoping for continuous success in their noble journey.