Jailed Iranian University Lecturer Is “Skin and Bones”

Iranwire – Saman Pashaei, an Iranian university lecturer who has been in detention for more than a month, is facing intense pressure to confess to crimes he has not committed, his brother says.

Pashaei, who is also a former member of the national wrestling team, was arrested on July 2 by agents of the Saqqez Intelligence Department and held incommunicado for 45 days.

The family was finally allowed to visit the inmate on August 13 and was “horrified” to see his condition, according to his brother, opposition activist Sardar Pashaei.

He wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, on August 13 that his brother has become “skin and bones.” His jailers have told the family that he will remain imprisoned until he gives a confession.

“The government bears full responsibility for whatever may befall Saman,” Sardar Pashaei said. 

Saman Pashaei holds a doctorate in physiology and sports nutrition. He is also a member of the American National Academy of Sports Medicine.