Iran: Nasrin Sotoodeh on hunger strike

Sotoodeh, a brave human rights lawyer and women’s rights activist, was arrested on September 4.  She has been on hunger strike since Oct. 31

Following is an online petition for the release of Nasrin Sotoodeh:

In the face of increasing pressures the maneuvering room for human rights defenders and lawyers has been greatly reduced. Prominent examples of these pressures include some of the following: the closure of the Defenders of Human Rights Center and the cessation of its activities; lawyers struck off from the register of those allowed to practice law; and the arrest of human rights defenders and lawyers. Nasrin Sotoodeh, a brave human rights lawyer and women’s rights activist, was arrested on September 4, 2010. She has been on hunger strike without water since Sunday,  October 31. This is the second time that she has gone on hunger strike since her arrest to protest inhumane conditions inside the prison. Concern over her health and wellbeing is at an all-time high, as officials have refused to provide clear explanations about her situation or allow her family to visit her. She also has been denied meetings with her lawyer since her arrest. Nasrin Sotoodeh is a social activist, women’s rights activist, human rights lawyer, children’s rights activist and one of the leading campaigners in the fight to end child executions. Nasrin is also a member of the Defenders of Human Rights Center, a center formed by a handful of lawyers committed to justice, lawyers who have dedicated their professional life to the cause of civil rights, to teaching and defending them. Their commitment is in fact so great that the defense of human rights has become part of their daily lives. Sotoodeh’s main demand in the courts and from the prosecutor’s office has been the rights of her clients. These rights are enshrined in the laws, yet for demanding these she has been arrested and imprisoned. Sadly the laws that safeguard civil liberties are few and rarely observed. We, as signatories of this petition, demand the unconditional and immediate release of Nasrin Sotoodeh and other imprisoned human rights lawyers and view their continued detention as illegal and inhumane.

The Viewpoint readers are requested to act and mobilize all their networks to put pressure on the Iranian regime for the release of Nasrin Sotodeh. Her supporters have set up a facebook page for her where latest updates keep the activists informed. 

To sign the petition, please visit:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dC1pMUY1Ti1Hc1Q4OUk5MlI0OHRhcFE6MQ

Also, please spread the word as far as you can!

Sholeh Irani is Chief Editor of Iranian Women's magazine Avaye Zan, published since 1991. She also free-lances and is engaged in feminist struggles.