FR

My name is Blandine. My brother Benjamin Brière has been detained in Vakilabad prison in Mashhad in North East Iran for 20 months now. He is accused of espionage while travelling as a tourist.

We did everything to alert the authorities, but for 20 months, Benjamin still has not seen a judge. On December 25, he went on hunger strike to denounce the mistreatment of which he is the victim. He took this step because the authorities did not let him call his relatives for Christmas, his letters were not forwarded to him. This is too much abuse. We absolutely must respond to his cry for help.

Benjamin has been detained since May 2020, when he was arrested while visiting a natural park. He is today accused of espionage and propaganda by the Islamic system, for having taken photos with his leisure drone, and for asking the question “why the veil is compulsory in Iran, while it is optional in other Muslim countries?” on social networks.

Today he is being held hostage by the Iranian authorities. He is illegally detained, Iranian justice has still not decided which court will try him, 20 months after his arrest. The Iranians know that Benjamin did nothing. He is being used for bartering.

He now feels abandoned and calls, through his hunger strike, the Iranian and French authorities. He denounces the absurdity of the situation which has made him live through hell for 20 months. He puts his health and his life on the line because he only has that left to protest against the human rights abuses he is suffering.

Today, together with Benjamin's family and loved ones, we need you to get the French government to react. Sign our petition today to free Benjamin from Iranian jails.

A big thank you for your support. Together, let's bring Benjamin home.
Blandine Brière, sister of Benjamin

#FreeBen