Said Matinpour

Said Matinpour was born on September 22, 1976, in Zanjan. He graduated from Tehran University's Faculty of Philosophy.{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/irazerimza061611-124031819/722684.html|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20210122135904/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/irazerimza061611-124031819/722684.html|archive-date=2021-01-22|title=Dünya azərbaycanlıları İran azərbaycanlı məhbusları himayə üçün kampaniya başladıb|author=İnsafəli Hidayət|date=2011-06-16|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=2023-05-15|language=az }} He worked in editorial offices of weekly magazines Omid-e Zanjan, Peyk-e Azer, Moj-e Bidari, Bahar-e Zanjan and Dilmaj printed both in Azerbaijan and Persian languages{{cite web|url=https://www.pen-international.org/our-campaigns/rtc9y0pohvevg0dz0l4lsckzkjc6ae|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313081917/https://www.pen-international.org/our-campaigns/rtc9y0pohvevg0dz0l4lsckzkjc6ae|archive-date=2023-03-13|title=On Human Rights Day 2014 PEN calls for Greater Protection of Linguistic Rights|date=2014|publisher=pen-international.org|access-date=2023-05-15|language=en}} in Iran from 2005 to 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/said-matipor/2938927.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307083954/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/said-matipor/2938927.html|archive-date=2023-03-07|title=Səid Mətinpurun azadlığa çıxması sevinclə qarşılanır|author=Babək Çələbiyanlı|date=2015-08-31|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=2023-05-15|language=az}}{{cite web|url=https://rsf.org/en/protagonist-said-matinpour|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916130155/https://rsf.org/en/protagonist-said-matinpour|archive-date=2022-09-16|title=Said Matinpour|author=|date=2014-01-01|publisher=rsf.org|access-date=2023-05-15|language=en}} Yarpag newspaper covered the work of associations engaged in the teaching and promotion of Azerbaijani culture and the Azerbaijani Turkic language and published the works of local writers and poets.{{cite web|url=http://www.eyvaz.org/?p=241|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621091058/http://www.eyvaz.org/?p=241|archive-date=2021-06-21|title=İranda Azərbaycan türkcəsində dərc edilən az saylı qəzetlərdən biri – "Yarpaq" bağlandı.|date=2011-02-05|publisher=eyvaz.org|access-date=2023-05-15|url-status=usurped|language=az}}

In 2003, after the Babek Castle Congress, he was arrested by Tabriz police and detained for two days. In 2004, after the Babek Castle Congress, he was detained by the police for one day in Ahar city. In 2006, he was arrested for a period of time by Ettelaat forces of Zanjan after the actions related to the National Uprising Day. On February 21, 2007, he was arrested along with his brother Alirza Matinpour after actions related to Mother Language Day.{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/a-56-2007-02-24-voa7-88615427/704329.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622121257/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/a-56-2007-02-24-voa7-88615427/704329.html|archive-date=2022-06-22|title=İran Azərbaycanı ayaqda|date=2007-02-24|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=2023-05-15|language=az|url-status=unfit}} About 10 days later,  Saied Matinpour, Telnaz Nemati, Alirza Matinpour and other activists were released on bail.{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/a-56-2007-03-03-voa7-88612217/703594.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618181056/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/a-56-2007-03-03-voa7-88612217/703594.html|archive-date=2021-06-18|title="İran Azərbaycanına Pəncərə" proqramının həftəlik xəbərlər icmalı|date=2007-03-03|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=2022-06-22|language=az}}

On May 25, 2007, he was kidnapped from his home without showing any documents and was detained in Zanjan Ettelaat office for 20 days. Later, he was taken to Evin prison in Tehran.{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100595.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326035233/https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100595.htm|archive-date=2017-03-26|title=2007 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices|date=2008-03-11|publisher=United States Department of State|access-date=2023-03-15|language=en}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/a-56-2007-07-18-voa7-88618412/704853.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515122553/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/a-56-2007-07-18-voa7-88618412/704853.html|archive-date=2021-05-15|title=Ailəsinin Səid Mətinpurdan xəbəri yoxdur|date=2007-07-18|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=2023-05-15|language=az}} After being detained here for more than 1 month, he was sent back to Zanjan prison.{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/a-56-2007-07-14-voa7-88615947/704438.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415090607/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/a-56-2007-07-14-voa7-88615947/704438.html|archive-date=2021-04-15|title=Hüquq müdafiəçiləri Zəncan fəallarının həbsi ilə bağlı narahatlığını bildirir|date=2007-07-14|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=2023-05-15|language=az}} No information was given to his relatives about where he was kept from May 25 to July 3.{{cite web|url=https://1news.az/news/20070807125848074-Iranskii-zhurnalist-Said-Metinpur-propal-bez-vesti |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313084539/https://1news.az/news/20070807125848074-Iranskii-zhurnalist-Said-Metinpur-propal-bez-vesti|archive-date=2023-03-13|title=Иранский журналист Саид Метинпур пропал без вести|date=2007-08-07|publisher=1news.az|access-date=2023-03-13|language=ru}} He was only allowed to contact his wife on July 3 .{{cite news|url=https://www.azadliq.org/a/401210.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926065043/https://www.azadliq.org/a/401210.html|archive-date=2021-09-26|title=Azərbaycanlı hüquq müdafiəçilərinin həbsi davam edir|author= |newspaper=Azadlıq Radiosu |date=2007-07-07|publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|access-date=2023-02-27|language=az}} Detained for 278 days in solitary confinement of Ettelaat prison in Zanjan.{{cite web|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/matinpour_iran_jail/2333910.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203123017/https://www.rferl.org/a/matinpour_iran_jail/2333910.html|archive-date=2023-02-03|title=Jailed Iranian Journalist 'In Grave Condition'|author= |date=2011-03-10|publisher=rferl.org|access-date=2023-03-13|language=en}}{{cite web|url=https://www.advocacynet.org/said-matinpour-arrested-and-serving-8-years-at-evin-prison/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811032830/https://www.advocacynet.org/said-matinpour-arrested-and-serving-8-years-at-evin-prison/|archive-date=2022-08-11|title=Said Matinpour arrested and serving 8 years at Evin Prison|author=Farzin Farzad|date=2009-07-12|publisher=advocacynet.org |access-date=2023-03-07|language=en}} Here he was constantly tortured and interrogated. On August 27, 2007, his brother Alirza Matinpour was also arrested to put pressure on Said Matinpour.{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/a-56-2007-08-29-voa10-88618982/704968.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511004745/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/a-56-2007-08-29-voa10-88618982/704968.html|archive-date=2021-05-11|title=İranda azərbaycanlı siyasi məhbusların ailə üzvləri həbs olunur|date=2007-08-29|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=2023-05-15|language=az}}{{cite web|url=https://iranhumanrights.org/2008/03/saeed-matinpour/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119001555/https://iranhumanrights.org/2008/03/saeed-matinpour/|archive-date=2017-01-19|title=Saeed Matinpour|date=2008-03-11|publisher=iranhumanrights.org|access-date=2023-05-15|language=en}} Matinpour. On January 28, 2008, he was released on $500,000 bail. It was possible to collect the necessary money after donations and foreclosure of the documents of 3 houses.{{cite web

|url=https://journalismisnotacrime.com/en/wall/saeedmatinpour/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307120157/https://journalismisnotacrime.com/en/wall/saeedmatinpour/|archive-date=2023-03-07|title=SAEED MATINPOUR RELEASED|date=2020-06-17|publisher=journalismisnotacrime.com|access-date=2023-03-08|language=en}}

In 2009, Said Matinpour was sentenced to 8 years in prison by Judge Salavati{{cite web|url=https://iranian.com/main/2012/sep/saeed-matinpour-prisoner-day.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129131847/https://iranian.com/main/2012/sep/saeed-matinpour-prisoner-day.html|archive-date=2022-01-29|title=Saeed Matinpour: Prisoner of the day|author=|date=2012-09-27|publisher=iranian.com|access-date=2023-05-15|language=en}} at Department 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.{{cite news|url=http://www.azadliq.org/content/article/451577.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304194453/http://www.azadliq.org/content/article/451577.html|archive-date=2016-03-04|title=Tehran İnqilab Məhkəməsi doqquz azərbaycanlıya hökm oxuyub|newspaper=Azadlıq Radiosu |date=11 June 2008 |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|access-date=2023-03-13|language=az}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/1801800.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227071019/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/1801800.html|archive-date=2023-02-27|title=Ətiyə Tahiri: Səid həbs müddəti bitmədən azadlıq gözləmir|author=Əlirza Quluncu|date=2013-12-02|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=2023-03-08|language=az}} Matinpour was not provided with a lawyer when he was arraigned and was given only three minutes to defend himself.{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/1604466.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125091441/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/1604466.html|archive-date=2022-01-25|title=Güneydə həbs dalğası güclənir|author=Əlirza Quluncu|date=2013-02-15|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=2023-05-15|language=az}} Although an appeal was filed against the court's decision {{cite news|url=http://www.azadliq.org/content/article/1775066.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304200031/http://www.azadliq.org/content/article/1775066.html|archive-date=2016-03-04|title=Səid Mətinpur Evin zindanına salınıb|author= |newspaper=Azadlıq Radiosu |date=2009-07-12|publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|access-date=2023-03-13|language=az}} it was not granted and Said Matinpour was accused of communicating with foreigners as well as conducting propaganda against the state structure of the Islamic Republic of Iran.{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2009/nea/136068.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108025743/https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2009/nea/136068.htm|archive-date=2022-01-08|title=2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices|date=2010-03-11|publisher=United States Department of State|access-date=2023-03-15|language=en}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gunaz.tv/az/new/guneyli-jurnalist-evin-zindaninda-hebs-olundu-39326 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308163617/https://www.gunaz.tv/az/new/guneyli-jurnalist-evin-zindaninda-hebs-olundu-39326|archive-date=2023-03-08|title=Güneyli jurnalist evin zindanında həbs olundu|author= |date=2009-07-13|publisher=GünAz TV|access-date=2023-03-08|language=az}} On July 11, 2009, he was taken to Evin prison to serve his sentence.

In 2009, health problems arose. Because he was severely tortured during his arrest, and because he had some diseases before his arrest, his condition quickly deteriorated in prison.{{cite news|url=https://www.azadliq.org/a/1797310.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128153706/https://www.azadliq.org/a/1797310.html|archive-date=2021-01-28|title=Səid Mətinpurun səhhəti ağırlaşıb|author= |newspaper=Azadlıq Radiosu |date=2009-08-11|publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|access-date=2023-03-07|language=az}} In addition, he suffered from headaches, backaches and dizziness because 30 people were kept in a place where only 10 people could stay. Although he applied for medical help many times, they did not consider his application.{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/a-56-2009-08-15-voa6-88674262/714801.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118112829/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/a-56-2009-08-15-voa6-88674262/714801.html|archive-date=2021-01-18|title=Vahid Qarabağlı:'Səid Mətinpurun vəziyyəti ağırdır'|author= |date=2009-08-15|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=2023-03-07|language=az}}

On April 17, 2014, 31 political prisoners, including Azerbaijani prisoners Said Matinpour, Asadullah Asadi, Ismayil

Barzigari,{{cite web|url=https://525.az/news/17774-6-nefer-siyasi-mehbus-acliq-aksiyasina-baslayib|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313055309/https://525.az/news/17774-6-nefer-siyasi-mehbus-acliq-aksiyasina-baslayib|archive-date=2023-03-13|title=6 nəfər siyasi məhbus aclıq aksiyasına başlayıb|author=|date=2014-04-24|publisher=525-ci qəzet|access-date=2023-03-13|language=az}} who were serving a sentence in section 350 of the Evin prison, were beaten by Iranian security officers{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2014humanrightsreport/index.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224215752/https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2014humanrightsreport/index.htm|archive-date=2022-02-24

|title=Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2014|author=|date=2013|publisher=United States Department of State|access-date=2023-03-15|language=en}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/iran-blog/2014/apr/18/iranian-guards-extreme-violence-inmates-evin-prison|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031052932/https://www.theguardian.com/world/iran-blog/2014/apr/18/iranian-guards-extreme-violence-inmates-evin-prison|archive-date=2022-10-31|title=Iranian guards use extreme violence against inmates, claims opposition|author=Saeed Kamali Dehghan|date=2014-04-18|work=The Guardian|access-date=2023-03-13|language=en}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/said-metinpour-evin-prison/1899135.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518122744/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/said-metinpour-evin-prison/1899135.html|archive-date=2021-05-18|title=Səid Mətinpura Evin həbsxanasında hücum edilib|author=Əlirza Quluncu|date=2014-04-23|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=2023-02-27|language=az}} Said Matinpour was later transferred to solitary confinement.{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/evin-iran/1895764.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128232752/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/evin-iran/1895764.html|archive-date=2022-01-28|title=Evin məhbuslarına hücum, Səid Mətinpur təkadamlıq kameraya köçürülüb|author=Əlirza Quluncu|date=2014-04-17|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=2023-02-27|language=az}} He started a hunger strike to protest against this. His wife Atiya Tahiri also started a hunger strike to support Said Matinpour.{{cite web|url=https://www.en-hrana.org/families-political-prisoners-go-hunger-strike/?hilite=Said+Matinpour|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313081352/https://www.en-hrana.org/families-political-prisoners-go-hunger-strike/?hilite=Said+Matinpour|archive-date=2023-03-13|title=The families of political prisoners go on hunger strike|author=|date=2014-04-14|publisher=hrana.org|access-date=2023-03-13|language=en}}{{cite web|url=https://journalismisnotacrime.com/en/wall/saeedmatinpour/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220623075608/https://journalismisnotacrime.com/en/wall/saeedmatinpour/|archive-date=2022-06-23|title=SAEED MATINPOUR|author=|date=2020-06-17|publisher=journalismisnotacrime.com|access-date=2023-05-15|language=en|url-status=live}} As a protest against the violence against political prisoners, 66 prisoners started a hunger strike. They demanded an end to the violence, an apology from the prison administration, and the return of the convicts who were transferred to the 240th building of the prison and solitary cells after being beaten.{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/evin_acliq/1902323.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420062221/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/evin_acliq/1902323.html|archive-date=2021-04-20|title=İranın Evin zindanında 19 siyasi məhbus aclığa başlayıb|author= |date=2014-04-27|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=2023-03-13|language=az}} Later, Azerbaijan]]i national activists Yürush Mehralibeyli, Behnam Sheikhi, Mahmud Fazli, Shahrukh Zamani, Aresh Mohammadi, Ismayil Barzgari Asadullah Asadi started a hunger strike in protest against the growing oppression and suffering against themselves and their families in Iranian prisons. After that, in support of the starving southern prisoners, national activists started a campaign called "Salam to Hunger".{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/acl%C4%B1%C4%9Fa-salam/1903325.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418225850/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/acl%C4%B1%C4%9Fa-salam/1903325.html|archive-date=2021-04-18|title="Aclığa Salam" kampaniyasına qatılan güneyli fəalların sayı artır|author=|date=2014-04-29|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=2023-02-27|language=az}} In support of this campaign, from Iranian Azerbaijan, dozens of national activists from the Republic of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Europe and North America held a 3-day hunger strike.

On July 28, 2014, he was released for three days to visit his family.{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/shahin-khiyavli/1973182.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120110511/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/shahin-khiyavli/1973182.html|archive-date=2021-01-20|title=Şahin Xiyavlı: Səid Mətinpurun müvəqqəti evə buraxılması səhhəti ilə bağlı olub|author= |date=2014-08-06|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=2023-03-13|language=az}} While in Zanjan, his condition worsened.{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/vahid-qarabagli-seid-metinpur/2407621.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302144849/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/vahid-qarabagli-seid-metinpur/2407621.html|archive-date=2021-03-02|title=Vahid Qarabağlı: Səid Mətinpur bir həftə evdə olduğu müddətdə xəstəxanaya aparılıb|author=Dilşad Əliyarlı|date=2014-08-09|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=2023-03-13|language=az}} After being taken to the hospital, his leave was extended for a few days. On August 4, he returned to Evin prison located in Tehran.{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/said-metinpour/1972559.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019192928/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/said-metinpour/1972559.html|archive-date=2021-10-19|title=Səid Mətinpur Evin həbsxanasına geri dönüb|author= |date=2014-08-06|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=2023-02-27|language=az}}

On August 26, 2015, he was released a few months early in accordance with Article 134 of the constitution{{cite web|url=https://ir.usembassy.gov/saeed-matinpour/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420172300/https://ir.usembassy.gov/saeed-matinpour/|archive-date=2021-04-20|title=Saeed Matinpour |date=28 August 2015 |publisher=ir.usembassy.gov|access-date=2023-05-15|language=en}} after serving 7 years and 2 months of his 8-year sentence.{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/said-matipor/2938927.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627110345/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/said-matipor/2938927.html|archive-date=2022-06-27|title=Səid Mətinpurun azadlığa çıxması sevinclə qarşılanır|author=Babək Çələbiyanlı|date=2015-08-31|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=2023-03-07|language=az}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/azeri/region/2015/08/150827_said_matinpur_freed|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150829220306/https://www.bbc.com/azeri/region/2015/08/150827_said_matinpur_freed|archive-date=2015-08-29|title="Cənubi Azərbaycanın Mandelası"|author= |date=2015-08-27|publisher=BBC Azərbaycanca|access-date=2022-06-23|language=az}}{{cite news|url=https://www.azadliq.org/a/said-matinpur-tehran-hebsxana/27211843.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803001535/https://www.azadliq.org/a/said-matinpur-tehran-hebsxana/27211843.html|archive-date=2021-08-03|title=Səid Mətinpur azadlığa çıxıb|date=2015-08-27|newspaper=Azadlıq Radiosu|access-date=2023-02-27|language=az}}

In August 2007, Azerbaijani national movement activists, writers, religious figures and human rights defenders signed a statement regarding the arrest of Zanjan journalists Said Matinpour, Bahruz Safari and Jalil Ganilu. They noted that all three prisoners have a special place in the movement for the national cultural rights of Azerbaijanis and that their arrest was completely illegal and demanded their immediate release. One of the signatories of the statement, cleric Hojjatulislam Seyyed Heydar Bayat, noted that he had received reports that the detainees were tortured after being taken to Evin prison in Tehran, and noted that he was seriously concerned about their health.{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/a-56-2007-08-11-voa4-88627917/706811.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305142749/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/a-56-2007-08-11-voa4-88627917/706811.html|archive-date=2021-03-05|title=İran Azərbaycanının ictimaiyyəti Səid Mətinpur, Cəlil Qənilu və Bəhruz Səfərinin müdafiəsinə qalxıb|date=2007-08-11|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=2023-05-15|language=az}}

On August 23, 2007, Amnesty International declared Said Matinpour a prisoner of conscience.{{cite web|url=https://rsf.org/en/protagonist/said-matinpour|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220623074044/https://rsf.org/en/protagonist/said-matinpour|archive-date=2022-06-23|title=Said Matinpour|date=2014-01-01|publisher=Reporters Without Borders|access-date=2023-05-15|language=en|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/a-56-2007-08-24-voa9-88631092/707391.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515062230/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/a-56-2007-08-24-voa9-88631092/707391.html|archive-date=2021-05-15|title=Beynəlxalq Amnistiya Səid Mətinpur və Saleh Kamranini vicdan məhbusu elan edib|date=2007-08-24|publisher=Voice of America |access-date=2023-05-15|language=az}} The release, as well as a statement from the UK-based human rights group Frontline, stated that Said Matinpour was tortured to force a televised confession. The statement also notes that he was not allowed to meet with his family and lawyer after his arrest, and was only allowed a few short phone calls.

On November 21, 2007, the International Fund for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, located in Central Dublin and having the status of Special Adviser to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, launched a campaign called "Strengthen one's protection". The purpose of this campaign is to collect signatures for the release of 14 human rights defenders whose lives are in danger in 12 countries, including Said Matinpour, among them, and to try to put pressure on the governments that persecute or imprison them.{{cite news|url=http://www.azadliq.org/content/article/422741.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304194228/http://www.azadliq.org/content/article/422741.html|archive-date=2016-03-04|title=Azərbaycanlı fəallar haqda beynəlxalq kampaniya başlayıb|date=2007-11-23|newspaper=Azadlıq Radiosu|access-date=2023-05-15|language=az}}

In 2009, a group of Azerbaijani national activists organized an action in front of the editor-in-chief of the BBC channel in London. In addition to demanding freedom for Said Matinpour, they criticized BBC Farsi for not producing any news about Said Matinpour and demanded that they share news about him.{{cite AV media |title=050 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYJM57ilT9U |publisher=SazaTV |minutes=0:45 |via=YouTube}}

On March 12, 2010, during the match between Tabriz's "Traktorsazi" and Tehran's "Steel Azin" football clubs, football fans and national activists shouted slogans "Long live Azerbaijan, let Matinpour be free!", "School in Turkic language!".{{cite news|url=http://www.azadliq.org/content/article/1982619.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426060129/http://www.azadliq.org/content/article/1982619.html|archivedate=2011-04-26|title=Futbol oyununda azərbaycanlı milli fəallar siyasi məhbusların azadlığını tələb ediblər|author= |date=2010-03-13|newspaper=Azadlıq Radiosu|accessdate=2023-05-16|language=az}}

On June 12, 2010, with the support of Amnesty International, Reporters Without Borders and Human Rights Watch, a flash mob was held in Paris demanding the release of Said Matinpour.{{cite AV media |title=Free Saeed Matinpour, Prisoner of Conscience in Iran|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cJtX0BRano|publisher=move4iran|minutes=0:28|via=YouTube}}

In September 2010, 808 Iranian public figures from Azerbaijani, Persian, Arab, Kurdish, Baloch and other ethnic groups issued an open letter demanding the release of political prisoners. The appeal was distributed by news websites such as "HARANA", "Savalan Sesi", "Rahi Karigar", Azerbaijan Democracy Center and other Azerbaijani and Persian websites. They protested the arrest of national activists, their detention in solitary confinement, often not being allowed to hire a lawyer, severe torture of some of the detainees, and not being allowed to see their families or make phone calls. Later, they demanded the release of dozens of prisoners, including Said Matinpour, who are still in prison.{{cite web |url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/article-800-dn-cox-ranl-ictimai-xadim-azrbaycanl-siyasi-mhbuslarn-azadln-tlb-edir-102262484/718769.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420081838/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/article-800-dn-cox-ranl-ictimai-xadim-azrbaycanl-siyasi-mhbuslarn-azadln-tlb-edir-102262484/718769.html|archivedate=2021-04-20|title=800-dən çox İranlı ictimai xadim azərbaycanlı siyasi məhbusların azadlığını tələb edir|author=İnsafəli Hidayət|date=2010-09-05 |publisher=Voice of America|accessdate=2023-05-16|language=az}}

In June 2011, Azerbaijanis of the World started a campaign to collect signatures for the release of five Azerbaijani political and cultural activists imprisoned in Iran. Signatures for the release of Said Mughanli, Ayyub Shiri, Said Naimi, Sima Didar and Said Matinpour have been collected through several websites.{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/irazerimza061611-124031819/722684.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622123507/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/irazerimza061611-124031819/722684.html|archivedate=2022-06-22|title=Dünya azərbaycanlıları İran azərbaycanlı məhbusları himayə üçün kampaniya başladıb|author=İnsafəli Hidayət|date=2011-06-16|publisher=Voice of America|accessdate=2023-05-15|language=az}}

On April 17, 2012, Amnesty International held a campaign in Vancouver, Canada, regarding the protection of Said Matinpour due to his serious health problems in prison.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/azeri/multimedia/2012/04/120417_said_matinpour_video|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20220623063614/https://www.bbc.com/azeri/multimedia/2012/04/120417_said_matinpour_video|archivedate=2022-06-23|title=Səid Mətinpura azadlıq tələb olunub|date=2012-04-17|publisher=BBC|accessdate=2023-05-16|language=az|url-status=live}}

In 2013, Tabriz University and the Union of Tabriz Medical University addressed an open letter to the newly elected president of Iran, Hassan Rouhani. The letter also mentioned the violation of the rights of imprisoned Said Matinpour and national activists like him.{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/tebriz-universitetleri-hesen-ruhani-mektub/1685758.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121213935/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/tebriz-universitetleri-hesen-ruhani-mektub/1685758.html|archivedate=2022-01-21|title=Təbriz universitetləri birliyi yeni prezidentə məktub yazıb|author=Əlirza Quluncu|date=2013-06-20|publisher=Voice of America|accessdate=2023-03-07|language=az}}

On September 21, 2013, Amnesty International and the Association for the Protection of Azerbaijani Political Prisoners in Iran (ADAPP) organized a joint campaign on the occasion of the birthday of Said Matinpour, who spent the fifth year in Evin prison in Tehran. At an event held in the center of the Canadian city of Vancouver, city residents signed postcards addressed to the supreme religious leader of Iran demanding the release of Said Matinpour. In this appeal, in addition to the immediate and unconditional release of the prisoner of conscience Said Matinpour, the right of non-Persian children in Iran to be educated in their mother tongue was also requested.{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/amnesty-international-said-metinpur/1755230.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119224652/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/amnesty-international-said-metinpur/1755230.html|archivedate=2021-01-19|title=Amnesty International və ADAPP Səid Mətinpur üçün birgə kampaniya keçirib|author=Əlirza Quluncu|date=2013-09-23|publisher=Voice of America|accessdate=2023-03-07|language=az}}

On May 3, 2014, the international human rights organization Reporters Without Borders announced the list of "100 information heroes" dedicated to the World Press Freedom Day.{{cite web|url=https://www.reporter-ohne-grenzen.de/fileadmin/Redaktion/Downloads/Helden_der_Pressefreiheit/ROG-Helden_der_Pressefreiheit_2014.pdf

|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419145147/https://www.reporter-ohne-grenzen.de/fileadmin/Redaktion/Downloads/Helden_der_Pressefreiheit/ROG-Helden_der_Pressefreiheit_2014.pdf|archivedate=2022-04-19|title=World Press Freedom Day 2014 RWB Publishes Profiles of '100 Information Heroes'|author= |date=2014-05-03|publisher=reporter-ohne-grenzen.de|accessdate=2023-03-07|language=en}} In the list, journalists and bloggers distinguished by their brave activity in the direction of human rights and freedom, including the prisoner of conscience Said Matinpour.{{cite web|url=https://araznews.org/en/archives/425

|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307114610/https://araznews.org/en/archives/425|archivedate=2023-03-07|title=Imprisoned South Azerbaijani Journalist One of 100 Information Heroes of the World|author= |date=2014-05-03|publisher=araznews.org|accessdate=2023-03-07|language=en}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/hebs/1904331.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225165655/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/hebs/1904331.html|archivedate=2021-02-25|title=Dörd azərbaycanlı jurnalist 100 "İnformasiya qəhrəmanı" arasındadır|author= |date=2014-04-30|publisher=Voice of America|accessdate=2023-03-07|language=az}}

While Said Matinpour was in prison, Amnesty International, Reporters Without Borders and the Committee for the Protection of Journalists called journalist Said Matinpour a prisoner of conscience and demanded his unconditional release.{{cite web|url=https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/said-atiya-/1628076.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120221207/https://www.amerikaninsesi.org/a/said-atiya-/1628076.html |archivedate=2021-01-20|title=Ətiyə Tahiri: Bu, Səidsiz keçirdiyim dördüncü bahardır|author=Əlirza Quluncu|date=2013-03-25|publisher=Voice of America|accessdate=2023-05-16|language=az}}

{{Reflist|3}}

• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVscNUGfGkg Said Matinpour's speech at the Babek Castle Congress]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWwXZT9MSPQ Said Matinpour's speech in Zanjan in 2006]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOth8s6DTTo A protest held in front of the building of the "BBC" channel for the freedom of Said Matinpour]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYJM57ilT9U Mammad Ansari talks about the protest held in front of the building of the "BBC" channel]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMjlwH5LnZg Babek Bakhtavar talks about the protest held in front of the "BBC" channel building]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83qQN%20l01Ag Said Matinpour's health has worsened (سعید متین پور) / ADAPP Azerbaijan]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCTvEQFPfU4 Amnesty International's 2012 Canadian campaign for Said Matinpour's release]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cJtX0BRano Action held in Paris demanding the release of Said Matinpour as well as all prisoners of conscience imprisoned in Iran]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q1Y1Z69ttg Action held in Paris demanding the release of Said Matinpour as well as all prisoners of conscience imprisoned in Iran II]

{{List of political prisoners of Iran}}

Category:1976 births

Category:Living people

Category:Amnesty International prisoners of conscience held by Iran

Category:Inmates of Evin Prison

Category:Iranian Azerbaijanis

Category:Political prisoners in Iran