European Parliament MP appeals for Abbas Lisani's release

The appeal drew attention to political activity and health of Lisani and expressed concern over the fact that Mr. Lisani' family reportedly have been harassed and threatened to be arrested since he was arrested on May 27, 2006.

He said that he is aware of Lisani's health and regrets that he was arrested because of his political views, APA reports.

"I am concerned over the fact that Lisani's family has been harassed and threatened to be arrested. He is being tortured in the prison and pressured. His family is demanded to not to discuss Lisani’s issue in the media. Lisani was transferred from solitary confinement to Section one of Ardabil prison where he was forced to share cell with non-political prisoners, some of whom were drug addicts. Mr. Lisani was then transferred back to solitary confinement, where he was detained in a very small cell without any heating and prison officials have allegedly threatened him. Here he faces with the pressures of prison officers. I would also like to ensure your state that it is deeply worrying that a nation with such a great history and interesting culture does not manage to deal with political conflicts in a more civilized way," statement said.