🔶 Is publicizing the case of political prisoners beneficial for them?

🔻A report by Atefeh Chaharomaliyan

As the number of death sentences in Iran continues to rise, several human rights groups have called for the publication of the names and images of political prisoners; but how can such information sharing help support prisoners, and what risks does it pose to them and their families? Can silence preserve the life of a political prisoner, or does it expose them to greater danger? Could bringing a case to the media’s attention turn it into a tool for intensifying pressure on the prisoner and their family?

These questions have been raised in Iranian society for years. According to reports, security forces have repeatedly tried to prevent information sharing about prisoners by threatening their families or offering things such as a reduction in sentence and resolution of the case; in contrast, human rights activists believe that silence and keeping prisoners unknown can put them at greater risk, and that public information sharing—by increasing the political cost of repression—can help support them.

But in a situation where the publication of information about the cases of political prisoners can have different consequences for them and their families, how can one measure the necessity of informing against the possible risks?