The book “Multiple Approaches to Human Rights in Iran”, written by “Seyed Mehdi Khodayi”, a human rights activist and former political prisoner, is the result of discussions on human rights. This book, after the Human Rights Atlas (a joint translation with Omid Kokabi), is Mr. Khodayi’s second book written during his imprisonment in Evin Prison.

The book, entitled “Above Mentioned,” includes conversations in prison with Mr. Fariborz Raisdana, Alireza Rajaei, Rahman Ghahremanpour, and Saeed Madani, and according to the author, it delves into the most influential components on human rights, namely economics, politics, religion, and sociology.

Emadeddin Baghai, a renowned Iranian historian and journalist, has written under the title of “Honoring” at the beginning of this work: “The collection of such a compilation inside the prison is itself a clear indication of the spirit and characteristics of its creator. Mehdi Khodai has taken advantage of the opportunity to be with some individuals and has opened the door to human rights discussions… Among the interviewees, except for Dr. Saeed Madani, who was mostly known as a social and civil activist with a focus on human rights; the rest were known as politicians who had been imprisoned following the unfortunate events of 2009. The compilation of this book in the prison environment – which cannot be truly understood unless one has experienced living in it – contains meaningful messages.”

The author writes in the introduction of their book: “In this book, with consideration of the prevalent legal interpretations of human rights in Iran, an attempt has been made to critically examine this issue from other perspectives. In recent years, due to a narrow legal approach to human rights and neglect of its other aspects such as economic, social, and cultural, serious damages have been inflicted upon this concept. This is because in today’s world, with the widespread discussion and importance of human rights, a multifaceted approach must be taken towards human rights.”

He has also expressed hope that “this book, although small, can be a step towards establishing human rights values in our beloved country.”

In a part of the conversation with Dr. Fariborz, the head of Dana, about different definitions of human rights, we read: “Are those who said that if a piece of Iran separates, they should go, fight, sacrifice and give their lives, but not let this happen, more humane or those who want to separate a part of Iran? What is the answer? The issue of human rights is very ambiguous and is in the hands of rent-seeking and internal structures of societies”…

Seyed Mehdi Khodayi has dedicated his book to Seyed Jamal Hosseini, a human rights activist and the late editor-in-chief of Herana News Agency.

It is recommended for those interested in human rights and other audiences to purchase and read this book, as all profits from its sales will be allocated to charity.

Book Name: Multiple Approaches to Human Rights in Iran

Author: Seyyed Mehdi Khodayi

Publisher: H and S Media

Publication date: London, 1395