Brother Of Hunger-Striking Iranian Dissident Says Evin Official 'Intends To Kill' Him

Hossein Ronaghi was detained on September 24 and has been on a hunger strike to protest authorities' denial of medical care, but he was said to have also begun refusing water on November 12. 

The brother of hunger-striking Iranian dissident Hossein Ronaghi says his brother's condition has "worsened" and he has been transferred to the hospital of Tehran's notorious Evin prison, where his detention "on false pretenses" continues.

Hassan Ronaghi alleged in the same tweet that "Evin prosecutor Nasiripur intends to kill Hossein," an outspoken free-speech campaigner.

Ronaghi was detained on September 24 and has been on a hunger strike to protest authorities' denial of medical care, but he was said to have also begun refusing water on November 12.

His family has said the 37-year-old Ronaghi has a kidney condition and could die.

They have also said both of Ronaghi's legs were broken at Evin prison.

Officials have detained thousands and hundreds more are reported to have been killed since unrest began in mid-September over a 22-year-old woman's death in detention over an alleged dress-code violation.

The detainees include dozens of journalists, activist, and lawyers.

Ronaghi is among the most outspoken critics still inside the country, and has contributed in the past to The Wall Street Journal.

Ronaghi narrowly evaded arrest on September 22 while reportedly doing a live interview from his apartment with a London-based organization before his detention two days later.

The ongoing street protests around the country represent one of the biggest and most direct challenges to the religious leadership of Iran since the 1979 revolution.

With reporting by AFP