Iran

The Gulf Centre for Human Rights calls for the urgent release of imprisoned renowned Iranian lawyer and human rights defender, Nasrin Sotoudeh, who has been on a hunger strike to protest the detention of prisoners of conscience in Iran’s overcrowded prisons.

With Iranian authorities having repeatedly shut down the Internet during protests, the development of a national internet infrastructure has led to heightened concerns over the government’s growing capacity to cut off access to global communications.

Dr. Vasmaghi could face a prison sentence. While she refused to attend a hearing at the Revolutionary Court, she shares her public defence statement ahead of the court’s decision on Monday 10 August.

As a second coronavirus outbreak hits the country, imprisoned women human rights defenders are facing continued ill-treatment as well as new charges designed to prolong their imprisonment.

Iranian authorities say women posting photos of themselves on social media without the hijab are breaking cyber laws in yet another demonstration of the country’s shrinking space for free expression.

From a lack of government transparency, to Internet restrictions and US sanctions, access to information and freedom of expression are crucial in controlling a growing health crisis in Iran says ARTICLE 19.

In its 2020 World Report, Human Rights Watch examines the bloody crackdown on freedom of expression in Iran over the past year as authorities have moved to silence a new wave of domestic dissent.

At least 4,000 people have been arrested during ongoing protests in Iran, as the death toll surpasses 140, and Internet access remains sporadic.

Authorities arrested the brother of prominent Iranian-American human rights defender Masih Alinejad, in an effort to stifle her women’s rights activities.

Freedom of expression remains threatened in Iran as journalists continue to face state persecution.

Iran is one of the world’s five biggest jailers of journalists; following a new wave of arrests and interrogations of women journalists in August, the total number of women journalists behind bars is now ten.

According to reports, Amiri was charged with “assembly and collusion against national security”, “propaganda against the state” and “disturbing public order”. She was arrested while covering a Labour Day demonstration in front of the Iranian parliament.

The four women are well-known advocates who have previously called for the lifting of the ban on women attending football matches.

At least two of eight environmentalists detained without evidence for over 18 months have begun a hunger strike. They are demanding that authorities end their legal limbo and either release them on bail until a verdict is issued against them or transfer them to the public ward of Evin prison.

GCHR is concerned for the health of imprisoned women human rights defenders in Iran and calls for their immediate release.

The arrest and detention by Iran’s judiciary of journalists who cover events in the public interest, such as labor issues, is unacceptable.