| Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch Condemn Detention of Iranian Women |
| Written by Sara Shokravi | |
| Tuesday, 06 March 2007 | |
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Washington DC - Amnesty International and Human
Rights Watch have condemned last Sunday’s arrests of 33 women activists
in Iran. The arrest followed a peaceful demonstration by the
women in their Campaign for Equality which sought to reform
discriminatory legislation against women.
After eight women were released yesterday, the
remaining women began a hunger strike inside the prison to protest
their detention. Human Rights Watch has expressed deep concern
regarding the health and safety of the women and demands that the
Iranian government immediately release the detained women.
Women’s rights group in Iran have been subject to increased harassment and intimidation in recent weeks. The arrests are believed to send a message to dissuade further protests and celebrations planned for International Women’s Day on March 8. The group initially began their protest on March 4, as a means of support for four women’s rights activist and fellow colleagues that have been held on trial charged with “acting against national security by participating in an illegal gathering.” In protest, many prominent women advocates, including lawyers, journalists, and bloggers held a silent demonstration in front of the court. The original four women on trial were arrested in connection with the June 12, 2006 gathering to demand an end to Iranian men's right to take more than one wife, as well as to call for greater equality in divorce procedures. For More Information Visit the Human Rights Watch For pictures and short biographies of some of the arrested women, click here. |
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