(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC is seriously concerned about the arrest of publisher Shahla Lahiji, and fears that she may be at risk of ill-treatment whilst in detention. International PEN considers her to be detained in violation of her right to freedom of expression, and is calling for her immediate and unconditional release. According to our information, […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC is seriously concerned about the arrest of publisher Shahla Lahiji, and fears that she may be at risk of ill-treatment whilst in detention. International PEN considers her to be detained in violation of her right to freedom of expression, and is calling for her immediate and unconditional release.
According to our information, Lahiji was arrested on 29 April 2000 and charged with “acting against national security” for participating in an academic and cultural conference held in Berlin on 7-9 April at which political and social reform in Iran were publicly debated. Lahiji is a publisher of women’s books and is reportedly a vocal supporter of women’s and other human rights.
According to Amnesty International, the Berlin conference was marked by occasionally strong protests by Iranian political groups in exile. Elements within the Iranian judiciary apparently consider attendance at the conference to have been “harmful to national security”. The conference was highly publicised in Iran, and many of those who attended have since faced arbitrary detention and interrogation. Three other prominent Iranian intellectuals who were delegates at the Berlin conference remain in custody, including journalist Akbar Ganji, who is an International PEN main case.
These arrests follow the indefinite closure of sixteen pro-reform newspapers and magazines after a speech made by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on 20 April in which he reportedly launched a vicious attack on the pro-reform press. This recent crackdown on freedom of expression in Iran is believed to be part of a bitter power struggle between the conservative establishment and reformist President Khatami, who received widespread support in the February legislative elections.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– calling for the immediate and unconditional release of journalist Ganji and publisher Lahiji in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a signatory
– seeking assurances that whilst detained journalist Ganji and publisher Lahiji will be treated humanely, and granted access to legal representation and their families
Appeals To
APPEALS TO:Leader of the Islamic Republic
His Excellency Ayatollah Sayed ‘Ali Khamenei
The Presidency
Palestine Avenue
Azerbaijan Intersection
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
Fax: +212 867 7086 (c/o Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations)Head of Judiciary
His Excellency Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi-Shahrudi
Ministry of Justice
Park-e Shahr
Tehran, Islamic Republic of IranPlease copy appeals to the diplomatic representative for Iran in your country and to the source, if possible.
