Letter: Editor under arrest in Iran

Sir: We would like to draw your readers' attention to the plight of Faraj Sarkoohi, chief editor of the Iranian literary review Adineh.

Mr Sarkoohi was arrested for demanding freedom of expression in Iran. He was held in detention for several months before being charged with espionage. We have now received unconfirmed reports that he has been sentenced to death. Mr Sarkoohi's situation is extremely critical and we urge that international pressure be brought to bear on the Iranian authorities to release him, immediately and unconditionally.

Given the President Elect's positive campaign in the recent presidential election and his promises to uphold freedom of expression and human rights in Iran we believe international pressure for Mr Sarkoohi's case would help to save his life.

SYBILLE BEDFORD

LADY RACHEL BILLINGTON

President Elect, English Centre of International PEN

MORIS FARHI

Chairman, Writers in Prison Committee, English PEN

LADY ANTONIA FRASER

RONALD HARWOOD

President, International PEN

FRANCIS KING

Vice President, International PEN

HAROLD PINTER

JOSEPHINE PULLEIN-THOMPSON

President, English Centre of International PEN

BERNICE RUBENS

TOM STOPPARD

RALEIGH TREVELYAN

FAY WELDON

and 38 others

The English Centre of International PEN

London SW3