[JURIST] Jailed Iranian journalist Isa Saharkhiz [Iran Press profile] on Wednesday urged [letter, DOC, in Persian] UN Human Rights Special Rapporteur Dr. Ahmad Shaheed to investigate prison conditions in Iran. Saharkhiz alleged that the treatment of both political and general prisoners in Iran amounts to crimes against humanity [RFE/RL report], and compared the conduct of prison authorities to that of Joseph Stalin in Soviet-era concentration camps. Saharkhiz believes that prison authorities are systematically mistreating prisoners, particularly political activists, with the goal of silencing and ultimately killing them. He further indicated that prison authorities would not allow him to seek medical treatment for his illness. Saharkhiz, a well-known press activist and former managing editor of the monthly Aftab, was sentenced [JURIST report] in July 2006 by an Iranian court to four years in prison for publishing articles against the constitution and offending the state media. He was later arrested in 2009 for insulting Iran’s government and spreading propaganda following the controversial June 2009 presidential election [JURIST news archive]. He is serving three years for that arrest, followed by a five-year ban on political and journalistic activities, and a one-year order to remain in Iran following release.