Today I received a phone call from Nazanin in prison. She had informed the Judiciary that she has begun a new hunger strike (she will drink water) – to protest at her continuing unfair imprisonment.

This is something she had been threatening for a while. Nazanin had vowed that if we passed Gabriella’s fifth birthday with her still inside, then she would do something – to mark to both governments – that enough is enough. This really has gone on too long.

Today she sounded nervous, but calm. Her demand from the strike, she said, is for unconditional release. She has long been eligible for it.

I do not know the response from the Iranian authorities.

We were planning a small event in front of the Iranian Embassy to mark Gabriella’s birthday – I remember marking her second birthday there while we didn’t even know where Nazanin was, and now here we are marking her fifth.

Given Nazanin’s decision, later today I will also begin a continual vigil in front of the Iranian Embassy, perhaps occasionally joined by friends and family. During this vigil I will also not eat, and will continue this fast until such time as her hunger strike ends.

I vowed last time that if she ever went on hunger strike again, we would not leave her to go through this ordeal alone.

My requests to the Iranian authorities for my fast are:

1. For Nazanin’s immediate release.

2. For an immediate visit to Nazanin by the British Embassy to check on her health – after 3 years it is an outrage this continues to be blocked by Iran.

3. If no release is granted to her in the next few weeks, a visa for me to go to Iran.

For those available to join, we aim organise an event next Saturday in front of the Iranian Embassy in London, at midday. Details will be on the Free Nazanin Facebook page.

Further actions will also be coordinated, with Change and Amnesty.

Thank you for all your care.