Iranian women's rights activists still detained

The Campaign to Free Women's Rights Defenders in Iran reported on March 12 that Shadi Sadr and Mahboubeh Abasgholizadeh were charged on March 11 with being a "threat to national security". They are the only two women remaining in custody after the arrests of more than 30 women on March 4. Sadr, a lawyer, was arrested while defending the women activists arrested at a demonstration that day. Sadr and Abasgholizadeh have been denied access to their lawyers and have been interrogated without their lawyers being present.

Abasgholizadeh has been held in isolation and the families of the two have been denied visitation rights. Both the women have medical conditions for which they are being denied treatment. Other women recently released on bail described the cells as cold, damp and without toilets. Mahnaz Mohammadi, one of those arrested on March 4, continues to suffer from pneumonia since her release. Detainees have also reportedly been interrogated blindfolded during the night. Sadr and Abasgholizadeh are organisers of the Stop Stoning Forever Campaign, which is demanding an end to stoning as a state-sanctioned punishment for adultery. To sign the petition calling for the women's release, visit http://www.meydaan.org/English/petition.aspx?cid=52&pid=11

From GLW issue 703