Iraj Mesdaghi is an Iranian–Swedish author, researcher, and human rights advocate whose work is frequently cited in academic research, international media, and policy discussions focused on political developments in the Islamic Republic of Iran. His political engagement began at an early age through Iranian student organizations while living in the United States. Following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, he returned to Iran with the goal of supporting civic participation and democratic reform.
In 1981, Mesdaghi was arrested in connection with his political activities and spent more than ten years in several Iranian prisons, including Evin, Ghazelhasar, and Gohardasht. During this period, he witnessed widespread political repression throughout the 1980s. His experiences later became a foundation for extensive research and documentation efforts related to political imprisonment and state practices in Iran.
After his release, Mesdaghi left Iran and was granted asylum in Sweden in 1994. He subsequently dedicated his work to researching Iran’s prison system, documenting human rights issues, and contributing to international discussions on accountability, justice, and historical record preservation. His approach emphasizes archival research, survivor testimony, and public education.
Mesdaghi is the author of several widely recognized books, including the multi-volume memoir Neither Life Nor Death and Hell on Earth. These publications provide detailed examinations of prison conditions, institutional practices, and political policies, and are often referenced by journalists, scholars, and human rights organizations studying modern Iranian history.
In 2019, Mesdaghi played a significant role in efforts that contributed to the arrest of Hamid Noury, a former Iranian prison official, under Sweden’s universal jurisdiction framework. The resulting legal proceedings drew international attention and are considered a landmark case in the application of international human rights law.
He has also participated in major research initiatives, including work with a committee led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi, which analyzed leaked judicial documents related to political imprisonment, court procedures, and state institutions in Iran.
Through conferences, media appearances, and public forums, Mesdaghi continues to provide analysis on Iranian politics, prison history, and international human rights law. He is widely regarded for his sustained commitment to research, documentation, and public awareness, as well as for his role in preserving historical records related to accountability and justice efforts in Iran.
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