Today, news came out that Iranian-Canadian journalist Maziar Bahari was released on bail from a prison in Iran, where he is facing allegations of spying. While his release is certainly a good thing, it immediately reminded me of another Iranian-Canadian, one that isn’t quite as well known.
Blogger Hossein Derakhshan, often referred to as “Hoder” is reportedly still imprisoned in Iran awaiting charges, though there are reports that he has been accused of spying for Israel, where he paid a visit in 2006 on his Canadian passport.
Hoder first came to my attention listening to Search Engine, at the time a CBC podcast, but now hosted by TVO. Since then, from what I understand, the situation hasn’t really changed at all, though it would seem that many have all but forgotten him.
I encourage you to look online, get up to speed on his case and join me and many others in asking “Where’s Hoder?” It could well make a difference, however small in getting awareness of the “Iranian Blogfather’s” case out, and it could well add a little extra pressure on Canadian officials to pursue his case.
