Kavous Seyed-Emami

Esmaeil Bakhshi Esmaeil Abdi...... Stories of19Iranianhumanrightsdefendersin2018 Introduction Preface indirectly humanrights defendersin2014 Annex: UPRRecommendations addressingdirectlyor Recommendations...... Nasrin Sotoudeh Abdolfattah Soltani Saeed Shirzad Kavous Seyed-Emami Arash Sadeghi Raheleh Rahemipour Mohammad Najafi Narges Mohammadi Farhad Meysami Navid Khanjani Reza Khandan Teimour Khaledian Mohammad Habibi Sepideh Gholiyan Golrokh EbrahimiIraei Amirsalar Davoudi Atena Daemi ...... 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 10 11 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018

Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018 3 2 www.nhrf.no 1 www.iranhr.net Human Rights(IHR)organization. about theconditionofhumanrightsdefendersthatwillbepublishedannuallybyIran The presentreportontheIranianhumanrightsdefendersin2018,isfirst Preface in thepreviousroundofUPR,areprovidedatendreport. (UPR). A listofallUPRrecommendationstoIran,addressinghumanrightsdefenders rights situationwillbereviewedundertheframeworkofUniversalPeriodicReview community totheconditionofhumanrightsdefendersinIran.In2019,Iran’s human defenders inIran. The aimofthereportistoattractattentioninternational seeks togiveapictureofthesituationbytellingstories19Iranianhumanrights of NorwegianHumanRightsFund. 1 IHRwasabletoprovidethisreportwiththesupport 2 The reportdoesnotprovideanystatistics,but human rightsandfundamentalfreedomsatthenationalinternationallevels.” association withothers,topromoteandstrivefortheprotectionrealizationof The first ArticleoftheDeclarationstates:,“Everyonehasright,individuallyandin 4 3 2 1 afraid noreportcancount allofthem.Moreover, humanrightsdefendersinethnic In thiscontext,thenumberofhumanrightsdefenders inIranaresohighthatwe capacity”. activists andmore. They candefendrightsaspartoftheirjobsorinavoluntary professionals, teachers,tradeunionists,whistle-blowers, farmers,environmental community leaders,journalists,lawyers,victims of abusesandtheirfamilies,health International: “Humanrightsdefenderscomefrom allwalksoflife. Iran. Basedonthedefinitionofhumanrightsdefenders inarecentreportby The followingreportdoesnotnameallofthesuppressed humanrightsactivistsin defenders. Michael Frost,theUnitedNations’ SpecialRapporteuronthesituationofhumanrights imprisonment. The gravityofthesituationhasbeenunderlinedinrecentreport of unlawful imprisonmentsandauthorities’ refusalofprovidingmedical treatmentduring report abouttheconditionof19humanrightsdefendersinIran,theirarrest,torture, At thedeclaration’s 20thanniversary, IranHumanRights(IHR)provides thecurrent and ProtectUniversallyRecognizedHumanRightsFundamentalFreedoms the RightandResponsibilityofIndividuals,GroupsOrgansSocietytoPromote adopted DeclarationonHumanRightsDefenders,officiallyknownas Rights Defenders.20yearsago,onDecember191998,theUNGeneral Assembly The reportalsocoincideswiththe20thanniversaryofUNDeclarationonHuman establishment oftheIslamicRepublicIran. crackdown ofhumanrightsdefenderscontinuesandisevenintensified40yearsafter years isbeyondthescopeofthisreport.Butreportshowsthatpersecutionand defenders. A historicalanalysisofthesituationhumanrightsdefendersinlast40 darkest erainmodernIranianhistorywithregardstopersecutionofhumanrights second halfofFebruaryforpublicationthereportbecauseitmarksstart the 40thanniversaryofIslamicrevolutioninFebruary1979. The reportontheconditionofIranianhumanrightsdefendersin2018coincideswith human rightsdefendersasthreatstothesecurityofstate. intensified throughdetention,threatsandimprisonment.Iranianauthoritiesview In 2018,thepressureuponandsuppressionofhumanrightsactivistsinIran Introduction https World Report ontheSituation ofHumanRights Defenders 2018,pages 346-350 https https 4 3 ://www ://www ://www .amnesty .ohchr .ohchr .org .org .org /Documents/Issues /Defenders/Declaration / en/issues /download / srhrdefenders/pages/declaration /Documents/ ACT3060112017ENGLISH

/declaration .aspx .PDF .pdf

We havechosenthe They arestudents, Declaration on Amnesty . 1 2

4 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018

Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018 5 again. the internationalcommunitytoputissueofhumanrightsdefendersonagenda UPRisanimportantopportunityfor the situationhasbeendeteriorated. This year’s on anyoftheacceptedrecommendations.Oncontrary, theevidenceshowsthat recommendations. to humanrightsdefenders.Iraneitheracceptedorpartially9ofthe UPR reviewin2014,Iranreceived16recommendationsrelatingdirectlyorindirectly In 2019,IranwillhaveitsthirdUniversalPeriodicReview(UPR).Duringthelast establishment ofasystemthatcanguaranteetherespecthumanrightsinIran.” civil movementstheyrepresent,arethepillarsofapeacefultransitiontowards repression againsthumanrightsdefendersinIran.Humanandthe community hasnotreactedproperlyinordertoaddresstheunprecedented IHR director, Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, says:“Unfortunately, theinternational attention totheconditionofhumanrightsdefendersinIran. On thelaunchofthisreport,IHRcallsoninternationalcommunitytodrawspecial putting additionalpressureonhumanrightsdefenders. prisons thanotherprisoners.Forauthorities,itseemstobeasystematicmethodof lack ofaccesstopropermedicalcare.Inmanycases,theyfacemorelimitationsin The imprisonedhumanrightsactivistsarefacingmanyproblemsinprisons,including more peopleinourfuturereports. imprisoned. We nameonlyafewoftheminthisreportandhopetobeableinclude 3 2 1 repression in2018,arebrieflypresentedalphabetical order. In thefollowingsection,casesof19Iranianhuman rightsdefenderswhofaced 2018 Stories of19Iranianhumanrightsdefendersin compulsory hijablaw sugarcane workersorotherworkers.Likewise,manyofthosewhoprotestagainstthe long jailtermsforunionactivitiesordefendingtherightsofteachers,truckdrivers, In 2018manyhumanrightsdefenderswerepersecuted,arrestedandsentencedto were consequentlysentencedtolongjailterms. You canreadabouttheminthisreport. an unprecedentedwaveofrepression.Somelawyerswerearrested,tried,andsome conditions. Lawyers,whoplayedaprogressiveroleinIraniancivilsociety, cameunder During thepastyear, wewitnessedfurtherdeteriorationofthehumanrightsdefenders’ groups. suppress evenpeacefulvoices,claimingtheyareconnectedtoarmedanti-government because theauthoritiesimposetoughersuppressionoveractivists. The authorities problem. These areasaretheblackholesofIranregardinghumanrightsviolations regions ofIran,suchasBaluchestanandKhuzestanprovinces,suffer fromanother https https https ://www ://www ://iranhr .upr .radiofarda.com .net 3 -info However, delivered theauthoritieshave thereisno indicationthat /fa 1 / andnumerousenvironmentalists articles/3438 .org /database/ / a/iran-environment / -activists-case/29401312 2 werearrested,torturedand .html 1 from lungdiseasesanddoesnothaveaccesstoproperhealthcareserviceinPrison. Esmaeil Abdi wasarrestedonNovember9,2016,toservetheprisonterm. He suffers 2015. prison fororganisingateachers’ demonstrationinfrontoftheParliamenton15May On 22February2016,aRevolutionaryCourtsentencedIsmail Abdi tosixyearsin Associations ofIran.Hewasarrestedforhispeacefulactivismseveraltimesafterthat. On September17,2007,hewasarrestedatacoordinationmeetingof Teachers’ protest. Association. HewasfirstarrestedonMarch14,2007,fortakingpartinateachers’ Esmaeil Abdi isateacher, acivilactivistandtheSecretaryGeneralof Teachers’ Verdict: 6yearsof Imprisonment Current condition:Imprisoned-EvinPrison Activities: Teachers’ rightsactivist Esmaeil Abdi 1 Iran International TV’s Website -April24,2017. 6 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018

Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018 7 torture claims. his lawyerFarzanehZilabiannouncedthatBakhshiisunderpressuretodenythe of intelligencetoalivetelevisionshowdiscussusetortureinprisons. Afterwards, on hisInstagrampage,confirmingtortureinprison,andinvitedtheIranianminister He wasreleasedonbailDecember12,2018.OnJanuary4,2019,hepostedanote during theperiodofdetention,hefacedphysicalandpsychologicaltortures. torture onJanuary20,2019. 5 4 3 2 1 held onchargesofjeopardizing“nationalsecurity”. Iranian cityofShush. Although theotherworkerswerereleasedonbail,Esmailwas 18, 2018,alongwithmorethanadozenotherworkersatthelocalsugarfactoryin strike toprotestagainstmonths’ delaysinpayingwages,hewas arrestedonNovember Union ofHaft Tappeh Sugarcane Agro-Industrial Company. 14daysafterstartinga Esmaeil BakhshiisatradeunionistandspokespersonfortheindependentWorkers Verdict: Pending Current condition:Underdetention Activities: Trade unionist Esmaeil Bakhshi case. cannot interveneonBakhshi’s behalfbecauseofthe“nationalsecurity”nature November 24,authoritiesfromtheIranianMinistryofLaborannouncedthatthey 3 http http Iran International TV’s Website -November 24,2017. Radio Farda -December 4,2018. https ://www ://www ://www 4 Esmaeil Bakhshi was arrested once again following his talksabout following EsmaeilBakhshiwasarrestedonceagain .bbc .bbc .radiofarda.com .com .com /persian /persian / /iran-46941685 /iran-46781159 a/hafttappeh 5

-protests-nineteen

-persons 1 According tothemediareports, -arrested/29607331 .html 2 On 2 1 hunger strikefollowingaftertheyhadtransferred backtoEvinPrison. against theirillegaltransferfromEvinPrisontoQarchak Prison. They stoppedthe Atena DaemiandGolrokhEbrahimiIraeiwenton ahungerstrikeagaintoprotest years ofwhichcanbeimplemented(accordingtoarticle134thepenalcode). of appeal. The courtofappealreducedhersentenceto7yearsimprisonment,5 Atena wasreleasedonbailFebruary15,2016toawaitthefinalverdictofcourt used asevidenceofher“crime.” which wouldproveherguilt.” Atena’s Facebookpostsagainstthedeathpenaltywere security, insultingthefounderofIslamicRepublic,andhidingpiecesevidence charges “Propagandaagainstthesystem,gatheringandconspiracynational For herpeacefulactivities, Atena wassentencedto14yearsofimprisonmentforthe Evin PrisononJanuary18,2015. confinement for86days. Aftertheinterrogations,shewasmovedtowomen wardof Atena wasarrestedfirsttimeonOctober21,2014,andheldinsolitary abolitionist. SheisheldinthewomenwardofEvinprison Tehran. Atena Daemiisahumanrightsactivist,childrenactivistandthedeathpenalty Verdict: 7yearsof imprisonment Current condition:imprisoned/Evinprison Activities: Childrights’ activist/abolitionist Atena Daemi stopped thehungerstrikeafter54daysher sisters’ chargeshadbeendropped. sentences, Ms.DaemiannouncedahungerstrikeinEvinPrisonon April 8,2017.She day inprisononchargesof“insultingagentsduty”.Inprotestagainstthenew two sisters,EnsiehandHaniyeh. They wereeachsentencedtothreemonthsandone In March2017,acourtin Tehran issuedadditionalchargesagainstMs.Daemiandher Daemi wasarrestedonNovember26,2016,andtransferredtoprison. https https ://iranhr ://iranhr .net .net /fa /fa / / articles/2905 articles/2712 / / 1 Atena 2 8 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018

Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018 9 2 1 detention. his wifeafterarrestbutwasabletoseeparentsoncetwomonthsof against thesystem”and“defamationofauthorities.”Davoudicouldnotmeetwith Moshkani Farahani,announcedthat Amirsalar Davoudiwaschargedwith“propaganda Charges againsthimhadbeenunclearuntilJanuary23,2019,whenhislawyer, Vahid files wereconfiscated. searched andsomeofhispersonalbelongings,computersalsoclients’ legal November 20andisbeingheldinanundisclosedlocation.Hisofficehomewere A sourceclosetothe matterinformedIHRthat Amirsalar Davoudiwasarrestedon activists inIran. November 20. Amirsalar Davoudiwasadefense attorneyofseveralpoliticalandcivil Amirsalar Davoudi,amemberoftheIranianBar Association, wasarrestedon Tuesday, Verdict: pending Current condition:Indetention/Evinprison Activities: Lawyer Amirsalar Davoudi His caseispendingfortrialatBranch15of Tehran RevolutionaryCourt. ISNA - January 23,2019. ISNA -January https 2

://iranhr .net / en/ articles/3569 1

/ 1 care islimitedinprison. Golrokh EbrahimiIraeisuffers fromseveraldiseasesandheraccess toproperhealth and shewashospitalized. Thereafter, Golrokhhasdiscontinuedthehungerstrike. prison. After 57daysofhungerstrike,herphysicalconditionhadseriouslydeteriorated went onhungerstriketoprotesttheirillegaltransfer fromEvinprisontoQarchak On February3,2018,Golrokhandtheprominent humanrightsdefender Aneta Daemi freeing theseprisonersseveraltimes,Golrokhremains inprison. Although HumanrightsOrganizationsandUNSpecial Rapporteurshavedemanded defend herselfandthecourtheldtrialinabsentia. Golrokh hadearliertoldIHRthatshewasnotpresent atherfirsttrialandcouldn’t faced. political prisoners,andmeetingwithprisoners weresomeofthechargesshe signing different petitionsagainstdeathpenalty, andattendingmeetingsinsupportof Violating thecompulsoryhijablawandprotestingagainst it,condemningdeathpenalty, system”. charges of“insultingthesanctity”andoneyearon“propagandaagainst It isimportanttonotethatGolrokhsentencedfiveyears’ imprisonment following 24, 2016,toservetheprisonterm. sentences onDecember22,2015. Therefore, GolrokhwasarrestedagainonOctober her husbandto15yearsinprisonMay, 2015. The Courtof Appeal upheldtheir Branch 15oftheRevolutionaryCourtsentencedGolrokhEbrahimitosixyearsand found thehandwrittenstoryinherhomeduringsearch. propaganda againstthesystem”foranunpublishedstoryshewrote. The agentshad on bailafterafewweeksbutwaschargedwith“insultingthesanctityanddistributing 2-A ofEvinPrison,wellknownforbeingundercontroltheIRGC.Shewasreleased husband, Arash Sadeghi,bytheIRGCintelligence departmentandtransferredtoward women’s wardofEvinPrison, wasfirstarrestedonSeptember15,2014,alongwithher Golrokh EbrahimiIraei,animprisonedhumanrightsactivistwhoiscurrentlyheldinthe Verdict: 6yearsof imprisonment Current condition:Imprisoned-EvinPrison/women’s ward Activities: Writer andcivilactivist Golrokh EbrahimiIraei https ://iranhr .net / en/ articles/3287 /

1 10 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018

11 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018 3 2 1 “powdered intoash”ifsherevealedthetortures. According toSepideh’s father, securityforceshadwarnedSepidehthatshewillbe to haveherfamilykill“inthenameofhonour”. her a“whore”,accusedofhavingsexualrelationshipswithworkersandthreatened She claimedthatintelligenceofficialsrepeatedlysubjectedhertosexualinsults,calling After therelease,SepidehGholianrevealedtorturesshefacedunderinterrogation. or legalrepresentationfor30daysandeventuallyreleasedonbail. of Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Agro IndustrialCompany. Sepidehwasheldwithoutcharge November 18,2018,whilereportingonalaborprotestorganizedbytheWorkers Union Sepideh GholianisacivilrightsactivistwhowasarrestedbyIraniansecurityforceson Verdict: Pending Current condition:Underdetention Activities: Civilactivist,workers’ rightsactivist Sepideh Gholiyan 2019. the tortureshehadbeensubjectedto,SepidehwasarrestedagainonJanuary20, https https https ://www ://www ://ir . voanews.com .radiofarda.com .amnesty .org / a/iran-labour / en/latest / a/iran_dezful /news -rights/4705360 /2019/01 _sepideh /iran-labour _qolian .html _khodarahm_torture_arrest/29722168 3 Followingherpubliccommentsabout 2 -rights-activists-at -imminent 1 -risk -of - .html further -torture/ years-in 1 for twoyears,and74lashes. sentence alsoincludesabanonsocialandpoliticalactivitiesfortwoyears,travel a halfyearsofwhichisimplemented(accordingtoarticle134thepenalcode).His Court in Tehran sentencedHabibitotenyearsandahalfinprison,whichseven the primarystagesafterhisdetention.On4 August, Branch26oftheRevolutionary dragged away. MohammadHabibididnothaveaccesstoalawyerorthefamilyin the Teachers UnionwasarrestedonMarch3,2018infrontofhis class,andviolently A teacheratahighschool inShahriarCounty Tehran Province,andamemberof Verdict: 7yearsand 6monthsofimprisonment;74lashes Current condition:Imprisoned Activities: Teachers’ rightsactivist Mohammad Habibi on participatinginunionsandpoliticalparties,as wellasto74lashes. When heisreleasedwillbesubjecttoatwo-years’ travelbanandatwoyears’ ban proper healthcareserviceinprison. Mohammad Habibisuffers fromkidneymalfunctionand iscurrentlydeniedaccesstoa “collusion” againstthesecurityofIslamicRepublic. Tehran Penitentiary(GTP),inFashafouyeh.Hewasconvictedof“assembly”and Habibi iscurrentlyservingasevenandhalfyears’ sentenceatthenotoriousGreat -prison https

://www .ei-ieorg / en/detail 1 /15931

/iran-teacher -trade -unionist -mohammedhabibi -sentenced-to -ten -and -ahalf - 12 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018

13 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018 suspended jailterm.Heisnowfreeonbailbutawaitsthebeginningofhis Teimour wassentencedtoa20months’ imprisonmentandadditional3monthsof 1 while indetention. was releasedonbailJanuary20,2019:hehadbeenreportedlybeatenandtortured The lasttime,hewasarrestedonDecember31,2018,duringmassprotestsinIran.He Hamadan provinceofIran.Hehadbeenarrestedseveraltimesbetween2015to2017. Teimour KhaledianisahumanrightsdefenderandworkerfromthecityofMalayer, Verdict: Imprisonment Current condition:Sentencedtoprison,waitingforthestartjailterm Activities: Prisoners’ rightsactivist Teimour Khaledian https ://ir . voanews.com 1

/ a/iran-human -rights-justice /4402045 .html term. The verdict ispreliminaryandhehastherighttoappeal. outlets andheisnotallowedtotravelabroad,all fortwoyearsaftercompletingthejail from joininganypoliticalpartyorgroupfortwoyears, activityonsocialmedia,media establishment” andoneyearfor“propagandaagainst thesystem.”Heisalsoprohibited to sixyears’ imprisonment,of which 5yearsonchargesof“gatheringagainstthe 4 3 2 1 was releasedonbailDecember23. Nevertheless, RezaKhandan’s trial wascompletedonDecember19,2018,andhe publicly inacriminalcourt Tehran; notbytherevolutionarycourt.” according toarticle168oftheconstitution,heshould betriedbythejuryopenlyand and thetrialdate.Moreover, MrKhandansaysthathefacespoliticalchargesand, Procedure, thereshouldbeaminimumof7days betweenthedateofnotification objected tothisbecause,accordingarticle343ofIranianCodeCriminal Court, butherefusedtoappearinthecourtroom.HislawyertoldIHR,“RezaKhandan His trialwasscheduledforDecember2,2018,atbranch15oftheRevolutionary badges. “propaganda againstcompulsoryhijab”bypossessing“No To CompulsoryHijab” He isaccusedof“propagandaandillegalgatheringagainsttheestablishment” Reza Khandan,acivilactivist,wasarrestedonSeptember4,2018,in Tehran. Verdict: 6yearsof imprisonmentatthecourtoffirstinstance Current condition:releasedonbail Activities: Civilactivist Reza Khandan arrested then’”. and accusations,Iremindedhimofmylegalrights.Unfortunately, hesaid,‘You willbe allowed tosurveilpeople,whichshouldbedoneinwritingwhilestatingthereasons there tomorrow. Becausenopersonorinstitution otherthanjudicialauthoritiesare the MinistryofIntelligencecalledmeonmycellphonetoday. HesaidthatIhadtobe A nightbeforehisarrest, RezaKhandanhadpostedonhisFacebook:“Someonefrom Evin Prison. the husbandofNasrinSotoudeh,lawyerandcivilactivistwhoiscurrentlyheldat https https https https ://www ://tinyurl.com ://www ://iranhr 2 .radiofarda.com . facebook.com .net / en/ /yxwh57oc articles/3465 /reza / a/khandan .khandan / -masamisix .5/posts/2062261610450843 3 OnJanuary22,2019,hewassentenced - years-prison /29724849

.html 4

1 Heis 14 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018

15 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018 2 1 released onbailaftertwomonthsofinterrogations. Navid wasarrestedforthefirsttimeonMarch1,2010,bysecurityforcesand Educational Discrimination. Navid Khanjaniisaminoritiesrightsactivistandfounderof The Association Against Verdict: Finished6 yearsofhisprisonterm Current condition:Releasedfromprisonin2018 Activities: Advocate fortherightstoeducation Navid Khanjani not haveproperaccesstohealthcareservicesduringhisjailterm. He remainedinjailcontinuouslyforsixyearsandreleasedonMay7,2018.could permission from authorities].” victims. They werearrestedtherefor“group travelling without coordination [and who hadgonetoEast Azerbaijan provinceofIranin2012tohelptheearthquake related toanotherkindofpeacefulactivism.Navidwasonethecivilsocietyactivists case wastobeservedimmediatelyandhehadremaininprison. The othercasewas of hisrelease,theauthoritiesannouncedthatone-yearsentencefromadifferent five yearsinprisonandhehadtobereleasedonJune6,2017.However With theimplementationof Article 134oftheIranianPenalCode,hewassentencedto of theRevolutionaryCourtsentencedhimto12yearsinprison. https http :// ://ir aftabnews.ir/vdchw . voanews.com / a/iran-prisoners- -nw .23nmwdftt2.html freed -khanjani /4382745 .html 1 OnDecember20,2010,Branch26

2 , ontheday 3 2 1 one ofthesacrednotionsIslam. headscarves inpublic,propagandaagainstthestate,anddefamationofhijabas accused ofcollusionagainstnationalsecuritybyencouragingwomentoremovetheir 2018, forpossessionofbadgeswiththephrase“Iprotestcompulsoryhijab”.Hewas Farhad Meysami,aphysician,civilactivistandpublisher, wasarrestedonJuly31, Verdict: 6yearsofimprisonmentatthecourtfirstinstance Current condition:Imprisoned-EvinPrison Activities: Civilactivistagainstcompulsoryhijab Farhad Meysami he willfileforappealifhisclientwishestodoso. two years.Hecannottravelabroadintheyears’ time.Hislawyerannouncedthat political partiesorsocialgroups,usingmedia,otherformsofmediaoutletsfor for propagandaagainstthesystem.Moreover, heisbannedfrombeingamemberof years’ termisforunlawfulgatheringandconspiringagainstthesystem,oneyear 15 of Tehran RevolutionaryCourt. According tohislawyer, MohammadMoghimi,five on December19,2018,andhewassentencedto6yearsofimprisonmentbybranch the systemandencouragepeopletonotwearhijabinsociety.” He wasaccusedof“propagandaagainstthesystem,gatheringandconspiracy https https https ://iranhr ://iranhr ://iranhr .net .net .net /fa /fa / en/ / / articles/3623 articles/3438 articles/3438 / / / 1 Hewastransferredtoward209ofEvinprison. 3

2 Histrialwasheld 16 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018

17 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018 September 2018forthefirsttimesinceshewasimprisoned. “propaganda againsttheestablishment”. for “assemblyandactivitiesthreateningthenationalsecurity”oneyear of LEGAM”(Stepbysteptowardstheabolitiondeathpenalty),fiveyears She wassentencedto10yearsinprisononchargesof“foundingtheillegalgroup Revolution CourtunderJudgeSalavatisentencedhertoatotalof16yearsinprison. of appeal. 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Narges MohammadiwasarrestedonMay5,2015, former EUforeignpolicychiefCatherine Ashton in Tehran. In 2014,shewashighlycriticizedbyhardlinersandtheirmediainIranformeetingwith bail. However, duetoherseveralillnesses,shewastransferredhospitalandreleasedon to 6yearsintheCourtof Appeal andshewastransferredtotheprisonin April of2012. an illegalassociation,andpropagandaagainstthesystem.” The verdictwasreduced following chargesof“gatheringforconspiracyagainstthesystem,beingamember she wassentencedto11 years’ imprisonmentinBranch26oftheRevolutionaryCourt to branch4of Tehran’s revolutionarycourt,andwaslaterreleasedonbail.However, after, Nargeswascharged withbeingamemberofthisactivists’ groupandsummoned her jobin2009foractivitiesHumanRightsDefendersCenterIran. A year Narges Mohammadiisajournalist,humanrightsdefenderandabolitionist.Shelost Verdict: 16yearsofimprisonment Current condition:Imprisoned-Women’s ward;EvinPrison Activities: Humanrightsactivist/Abolitionist Narges Mohammadi release. Mohammadi accesstoappropriatehealthcareand reiteratedcallsfortheirimmediate experts havecalledonIrantourgentlyprovideNazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe andNarges the lackofproperaccesstohealthcareservice. OnJanuary16,UNhumanrights that theyweretostartathreedays’ hungerstrikefromJanuary14toprotestagainst On January2,2019,NargesMohammadiandNazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe announced motion wasdeniedandshereturnedtoprison. https https https https https https https 7 4 Shesuffers fromseveralillnesses ://iranhr ://iranhr ://iranhr ://iranhr ://iranhr ://iranhr ://www .rferl.org .net .net .net .net .net .net / / / / / / en/ en/ en/ en/ en/ en/ / statement/25 articles/3617 articles/2530 articles/2904 articles/2663 articles/2530 a/ ashton -rights-iran-criticismmeeting-women/25293849 / / / / / 3 The verdictwaslaterupheldbyacourt 5 andwasgiven3-daysfurloughin 2 andBranch15of Tehran 1 6 Herfurloughextension .html 4 3 2 1 2018. of imprisonmentand74lashes. The verdictwasupheldbySupremeCourtinOctober was chargedwithpropagandaagainstthesystem.Najfisentencedtothreeyears activities. The lasttimehewassummonedtothecourtonNovember8,2017,when Mohammad Najafihasbeensummonedandarrestedseveraltimesforhisprofessional by thesecurityforcesathomeoneveningofJanuary15. In theaftermathofrevealinghissuspicionsaboutclient’s death,Najafiwasarrested else,” NajafitoldIHRabout Vahid Heidari’s death. family. There hasbeennoexplanationsofar, andthefamilydoesnotknowanything the placeofburialandwithheldallreportsincludingforensicsfromvictim’s his headthatcouldhavebeencausedbyabaton’s blowtohishead. They determined Arak. “ThosewhosawVahid’s bodynoticed afractureandbumpontheleftsideof death ofVahid Heidari,oneofthedetaineesfromIran’s December2017protestsin Mohammad Najafiisahumanrightslawyerwhowasinvestigatingthesuspicious appeal Verdict: Two yearsofimprisonmentplus10underreviewinthecourt Current condition:imprisonedin Arak CentralPrison Activities: Lawyer Mohammad Najafi He wasarrestedandtransferredto Arak CentralPrisononOctober28,2018. remain inprisonfor10years. media.” This verdictisinappealcourtwaitingforreview. Ifnot upheld,Najafiwould years inprisononchargesof“helpingenemystatesbygivinganinterviewtoforeign Code, hisjailtermwillbereducedtotwoyears.However, hewassentencedto 10 due tohisdiabetesandwiththeimplementationof Article 134oftheIranianPenal 2 He is being held in Heisbeingheld Arak CentralPrison. https https https https ://iranhr ://iranhr ://iranhr ://iranhr .net .net .net .net /fa / /fa / en/ en/ / / articles/3539 articles/3455 articles/3528 articles/3262 / / / / 3 Hisfloggingsentencewassuspended 1

18 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018

19 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018 1 relativestoldIranHumanRights(IHR). Rahemipour’s two courtsessions,JudgeSalavatisentencedher tooneyearinprison,”ofRahele hours, shewasputontrialatbranch15oftheIslamic RevolutionaryCourtand,after interrogating herthreeorfourtimesatEvinprison, eachinterrogationlastingseveral of Intelligencelastyear, andshetoldthemtoissueasubpoena. After summoningand “This isthefirsttimeRaheleharrested.ShewasunofficiallyinvitedtoMinistry documents, laptop,andtwophones. also searchedherhomeandseizedsomeofpersonalbelongingssuchas of theMinistryIntelligenceoneveningSunday, September10. The agents A plaintiff inthe1980sexecution cases,Raheleh,wasarrestedatherhomebyagents family. died inEvinprisonaftershewasborn,theyfailedtoreleasethebodyhisremaining prison atthattime,laterdisappeared. Although theauthoritiesclaimthatbabyhad (Workers’ Way Organization).However, hisbabydaughter, Golrou,whowasbornin after that,hewasexecutedforbeingamemberoftheleftistgroup“Rah-eKargar” Raheleh’s brother, Hossein,wasarrestedalongwithhispregnantwifein1984. A year killed mybrother;whatdidyoudowithhisdaughter?” is recognizablethankstoherphoto,inwhichsheholdsaposterwithmessage:“Y daughter ofherexecutedbrother. Raheleh Rahemipourhasbeendemandingthetruthaboutfateofhernephew, the Current condition:free/waitingfortheverdict Activities: Civilactivistseekingthetruth Raheleh Rahemipour died on April 4,1984,” neonatal jaundiceandvascular coagulation.Despiteexchangetransfusion, theinfant doctor andImamKhomeini hospital,thenew-bornwaspreemie,suffered from Republic authoritiesannounced: “Accordingtothedocumentssignedby theprison’ In responsetotheinquiryofWorking Groupon Arbitrary Detention,theIslamic to theUN. prison onbail. According toIHRsourcessheisunderpressureretracthercomplaint to theUNandgivinginterviewsopposition media.”Sheiscurrentlyoutofthe “propaganda againsttheestablishment,participation inprotests,sendingacomplaint 28 oftheRevolutionaryCourtin Tehran, among othercharges,shewaschargedwith https ://iranhr .net / en/ articles/3056 / 1 InthesecondtrialatBranch s ou 2 1 chondrosarcoma cancerin August 2018. The imprisonedIranianhumanrightsdefender, Arash Sadeghi, wasdiagnosedwith prison toservea19-years’ prisonterm. The activistwasarrestedinJuneof2016forthelasttimeandtransferredtoEvin heartattackandaconsequentfatalstroke. mother’s prison, theagentsofMinistryIntelligencebrokeintohishome,causing released aftersixmonthsonabailof600million Tomans. After hewasreleasedfrom After 90dayshewasreleasedonbail.HearrestedinMayof2014and were protestingagainstthecontroversialresultsof2009presidentialelections. Arash SadeghiwasfirstarrestedonJuly9,2009,alongwithsomeotherstudentswho Verdict: 19yearsof imprisonment Current condition:Imprisoned-RajaiShahrPrison Activities: Civilactivist Arash Sadeghi days withoutcompletinghistreatmentprocess. prison’s choiceinSeptember 2018,however, hewasreturnedtoprisonafterafew https https ://iranhr ://iranhr .net .net / / en/ en/ articles/3486 articles/3457 / / 1 Arash wastransferredtoahospitalofthe 2

20 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018

21 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018 that pressureontheneckandfollowingsuffocation werethereasonforhisdeath.” According toPayamDerafshan,lawyerofSeyed-Emamifamily, “theforensicsreportstates Following thesuspiciousdeathof 3 2 1 case. he committedsuicideinprisonfacingoverwhelmingevidenceagainsthimanespionage custody attheIRGCintelligenceservice.InFebruary2018,Iran’s Judiciary announcedthat environmentalist whowasarrestedonJanuary24,2018,anddiedtwoweeksafterin Kavous Seyed-EmamiwasanIranian-Canadianuniversityprofessorandaprominent Current condition:Suspiciousdeathindetention Activities: Environmentalistscholar Kavous Seyed-Emami increased, hiswifewasinterrogatedandbannedfromtravellingabroad. 1 The claimhasbeenrejectedbyhisfamily. https www https ://www ://www .irna .ir/fa .radiofarda.com .bbc /News .com /82948250 /news /world / a/kavoos

-middle -seyed-emamihouse Kavous Seyed-Emami,thepressureonhisfamilywas -east -43025356

/29321292 .html 3 2

2 1 during whichhewentontwolonghungerstrikes. and kidney problems. Mostofhishealthproblems appeared duringhistimeinjail Saeed suffers from several discherniation healthproblems, includingintervertebral 2017 inprotest ofinhumaneprisonconditions. confinement. Thehumanrightsdefender hasbeenonhungerstrike since30July On 18September2017,SaeedShirzadwasphysicallyattacked andtaken into solitary which wassuspended-addedtohiscurrentsentence. security’. after beingcharged with‘gathering and colludingwithintenttoactagainstnational Saeed Shirzadwasarrested again onJune2,2014,andsentencedtofive years “group travelling without coordination [andpermissionfrom authorities.” sentencedhim tooneyear’sreleased onbailbutthecourt suspendedjailtermfor province ofIrantohelppeopleaffected by anearthquake. After19days, hewas Saeed wasarrested onAugust 22,2012,whilehehadtravelled toEastAzerbaijan Children’s HomeofShooshandSocietyinDefence ofStreet Children. of children’s ofChildren’s rightsNGOsincludingtheAssociationinSupport Rights, Saeed Shirzadisachildren’s rightsdefender inIran.Hehasworked withanumber Verdict: 6yearsof imprisonment Current condition:Imprisoned-RajaiShahrPrison Activities: Children’s rightsactivist Saeed Shirzad https https jailterm- After thecourtofappealupheldverdict, previousoneyear’s ://iranhr ://www . frontlinedefenders.org .net /fa / articles/3577 / / en/ case/ saeed-shirzad-sentenced 1 2

22 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018

23 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018 furlough extensionwasdeniedonOctober28,2018. authorities mightextendhisfurlough,MrSoltanireturnedtoprisonafterthemotionfor funeral onSaturday, August 4,2018.DespitesomehopesthattheIslamicRepublic Abdolfattah Soltanihadbeengrantedthefurloughtoattendhisyoungdaughter’s 4 3 2 1 and fluctuatingbloodpressureaftersevenyears inEvinPrison. Abdolfattah Soltaniissuffering fromseveraldiseases includingacuteneuronalcolitis who werepolitical,ideological,andsyndicateactivists. Nuremberg InternationalHumanRights Award andgivinginformation abouthisclients It shouldbenotedthatsomeof Abdolfattah Soltani’s chargeswerereceiving spending 8yearsinprison. On November21,2018,thehumanrightslawyer wasconditionallyreleasedafter with spying. the prisoners’ families,wererelatedtothesecretnuclearinformationandheischarged Rad, oneoftheJudiciary’s spokespersons,toldwhatSoltanirevealedtomediaand authorities ofusingtortureduringhisclients’ interrogations.However, JamalKarimi Defenders of Human RightsCenter.” One of the chargesagainsthimisthat he accused September 2011 onachargeof“propagandaagainstthesystem”and“co-founding Abdolfattah Soltaniisalawyerandhumanrightsactivistwhowasarrestedin Verdict: 13yearsof imprisonment Current condition:Releasedfromjailin2018after7yearsofimprisonment Area ofactivities:Lawyer Abdolfattah Soltani reasons. be grantedconditionalrelease,buthewasdeniedareleaseforunknown Mr. Soltanihadserved morethantwothirdsofhissentenceandtechnicallyhecould charge withthehighestpenaltywillbetakenintoaccount. years. The Article statesthatifadefendantisfacedwithmorethanonecharges,the which isbasedonarticle134oftheIranianPenalCode,hadtoremaininprisonfor10 aforementioned charges.Ultimately, Soltaniwassentenced to 13years’ imprisonment https https https https 2

://iranhr ://iranhr ://iranhr ://iranhr 1 hewassentencedonother waslaterdroppedand The spyingcharge .net .net .net .net / / / /fa en/ en/ en/ / articles/3540 articles/3559 articles/3540 articles/3265 4 / / / / 3

Iranian FilmmakerJafar Panahi in2012. of 50,000euros.” The EuropeanParliamentprizewasgiventoNasrinSotoudehand Moghiseh’s court,isfor“receivingSakharovPrizeFreedomof Thought, invalue One ofthechargesagainstNasrinSoutoudehin anewcaseagainsther processed. 4 3 2 1 convicting Nasrinwrongfully, withoutdueprocessandagainstthelaw, the headofbranch28 Tehran RevolutionaryCourts.Moghisehisaccusedof 25, 2018.OnSeptember29,Nasrin’s lawyersfiledalawsuitagainstjudgeMoghoseh, for “nothavingaproperhijab”,shewentonhunger strikefor39daysfrom After increasingpressureonNasrinintheprison andbanningherfamilyfromvisiting Step byStep)isacivilrightsgroupandNasrinSotoude wasoneofitsco-founders. hijab, andanotherforbeingamemberofLEGAM.LEGAM(EndingExecutionsinIran new charges.Onecharge,fordefendingoneoftheprotestersagainstcompulsory Moreover, afterhertransfer totheprison,Nasrinwassummonedtwotimesforface Payam Derafshan,Sotoudeh’s lawyer, toldIHR. imprisonment fromsixmonthstothreeyears,whileit’s fiveyearsintheverdict!,” on article510(whichthejudgehasmentioned)punishmentforthiscrimeis a foreigncountryisspy. There’s anotherproblemwiththiscase,thatis,based “Based onwhatthesystembelieves,anydiplomatortouristwhovisitsIranfrom country, shallbesentencedtofromsixmonthsthreeyears’ imprisonment. or assistsspieswhoareonamissiontocollectinformationcausedamagethe to disruptnationalsecurityoraidtheenemy, recognizesandconcealsespionage, According to Article 510ofIran’s IslamicPenalCode,anyonewho,withtheintent defendant istobesentencedthetermfromsixmonthsthreeyearsinprison. issued ona“hidingespionage”charge.Hypothetically, ifthecrimeiscommitted, following chargesof“espionage”.Later, theauthoritiesannouncedthatverdictwas Nasrin Sotoudehwasconvictedinabsentiaandsentencedtofiveyearsprison and HRactivities. her homeonWednesday, June13.Shewaspreviouslyimprisonedforherprofessional A prominentlawyer and ahumanrightsdefender, NasrinSotoudeh,wasarrestedat Verdict: 5yearsofimprisonmentandtwoopencases Current condition:imprisoned/EvinPrison,women’s ward Activities: Lawyer, Humanrightsactivist Nasrin Sotoudeh hijab inpublicaprotestagainstthecompulsorylaw. Iranian activists.Recently, sherepresentedGirlsofRevolutionStreet,whotookoff their https https https https ://iranhr ://iranhr ://iranhr ://iranhr .net .net .net .net 1 During the past years, Mrs. Sotoudeh represented in courtsmany Duringthepastyears,Mrs.Sotoudehrepresentedin /fa / / / en/ en/ en/ / articles/3500 articles/3430 articles/3430 articles/3345 / / / / 3 2 4 whichisnotyet , filedin

August 24 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018

25 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018 torture andimprisonmentofthehumanrightsdefenders. ● of humanrightsdefendersinIran. ● the humanrightsinIran. ● defenders unconditionally. ● bilateral andmultilateraltalkswiththeIranianauthorities. ● Iran HumanRights(IHR)callsontheinternationalcommunityto: respect. journalists andotheractivists,takingintoaccountinternationalstandardsinthis ● deaths indetentionincludingthatofKavousSeyedEmami. ● in ordertoextractforcedconfessions. human rightsdefendersinprisons,includingthosewhoorderedtorturingHRDs ● safeguard theactivitiesofhumanrightsdefenders. ● him tovisitIranandmeetthehumanrightsdefendersinperson. ● law andstandards. ● unconditionally. ● Iran HumanRights(IHR)callsontheIslamicRepublicofto: Recommendations Hold Iranianauthoritiesaccountablefortheharassment,persecution, Use theUPRandallotherUNmechanismstoputfocusonsituation Support themandateofUNSpecialRapporteuronsituation Call upontheIranianauthoritiestoreleaseimprisonedhumanrights Put theconditionofhumanrightsdefendersonagendaall Avoid andpreventjudicialpressureonhumanrights defenders, Perform impartialandtransparentinvestigationsonthesuspicious Prosecute andbringtojusticethosewhocommittedcrimesagainst Guarantee freedomofexpressionandpeacefulassociation Cooperate withtheSpecialRapporteuronHumanRightsinIran,allow Provide propermedicalcareforallprisonersinlinewiththeinternational Release allimprisonedhumanrightsdefendersimmediatelyand 1 and PoliticalRights. assembly andassociation, asguaranteedbytheInternationalCovenant onCivil ● peaceful assembly. (Switzerland/Not Accepted) peacefully exercisingtherightstofreedomofexpression, associationand ● of expressionandfreedomthemedia. arbitrary detentionof journalists, andprovideguarantees for the right to freedom ● compliance withinternationalhumanrightslaw. (Finland/Partially Accepted) freedom ofopinionandexpression,peacefulassembly andassociationin protection ofhumanrightsdefendersandothers exercisingtheirrightsto ● Partially Accepted) and sanctionofindividualsforexpressingviews and opinions. of information,includingthroughtheInternet,andstoparrests,prosecution ● Partially Accepted) to domesticandforeignmediainformation,bothofflineonline. freedom ofthemedia,andguaranteeunfetteredaccessforallpersonsinIran ● Accepted) journalists, detainedsolelyforexercisingtheserights. and assembly, andreleasepoliticalprisoners,includingactivists,lawyers ● Partially Accepted) measures fortheprotectionofhumanrightsdefendersandjournalists. to protectwomenatriskandbringperpetratorsjustice,aswelladopt form ofpublicordomesticviolenceandtheimplementationanationalpolicy ● responsible tojustice. inquire intoallcasesofallegedtortureindetentionfacilitiesandbringthose ● Internet aswellprogressbeingmadethereon. ● / Accepted) press.(Senegal ● journalists, humanrightsdefendersandcivilsociety. (Tunisia / Accepted) ● 2014 directly orindirectlyhumanrightsdefendersin Annex: UPRRecommendationsaddressing Thanks to ImpactIran (www.impactiran.org) for preparation ofthe recommendation list Repeal alllegalprovisions thatinfringethefreedomsofexpression, Release immediatelyandunconditionallyallpersons detainedfor Cease itscensorshipofthemedia,aswell harassmentand Effectively implementitsinternational obligationstoensurethe Guarantee freedomofspeechandeliminaterestrictionstothefreeflow Ensure fullrespectforfreedomofexpressionandopinion,includingthe Guarantee therighttolegitimatefreedomofexpression,association Adopt comprehensivemeasuresontheprotectionofwomenagainstany Release allpersonsdetainedsolelyforpeacefulpoliticalactivities; Give furtheraccounttoitsmeasuresensurepublicaccessthe Strengthen andpromotefreedomofexpression,particularlythatthe Work towardsguaranteeingafavorableenvironmentfortheactivitiesof 1 (Belgium /Not Accepted) (Lithuania /Partially Accepted) (Sweden /Not Accepted) (Japan/ Accepted) (Australia /Partially (Netherlands / (Germany / (Brazil / 26 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018

27 Human Rights Defenders in Iran- 2018 Accepted) expressed bytheSecretary-GeneralandSpecialRapporteur. (Japan/Not individuals expressingdissentingviewssoastoaddresstheconcerns ● and harassment. adopt aframeworkfortheprotectionofjournalistsfrompersecution,intimidation ● human rightsdefenders. Internet, byputtinganendtotheharassmentagainstjournalists,bloggersand ● expression. Constitution inspecifictermsandthatdonotinfringeuponfreedomof ● Provide moreinformationaboutthedetentionofjournalistsand Take adequatestepstoliftrestrictionsonfreedomofexpressionand Ensure genuinefreedomofexpressionandinformation,includingonthe Amend itspresslawtodefinetheexceptionsarticle24of (Canada /Not Accepted) (Greece /Not Accepted) (France /Not Accepted) IRAN HUMAN RIGHTS Iran Human Rights (IHR) is a non-profit, politically independent organization with members and supporters inside and outside Iran. The organization started its work in 2005 and is registered as an international non-governmental organization based in Oslo, Norway.

IHR has a broad network among the abolitionist movement inside and outside Iran: Besides supporters and collaborators among the civil society activists in the central parts of Iran, IHR also has a wide network in the ethnic regions which are often not the focus of the mainstream media. In addition, IHR has a network of reporters within many Iranian prisons, and among Iranian lawyers and the families of death row prisoners. This enables IHR to be the primary source of many execution reports in different Iranian prisons. IHR has been member of the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty (WCADP) since 2009 and a member of its Steering Committee since 2011. IHR is also a member of Impact Iran, a coalition of more than 13 Iranian human rights NGOs.

IHR’s core activities include: Fighting for abolition of the death penalty, through monitoring, reporting, empowerment of the abolitionist Iranian civil society and international advocacy

Promoting due process and rule of law, through raising the legal debate in Iran and encouraging legal reforms. IHR publishes a bi-weekly legal journal with contributions from Iranian lawyers, jurists, law students and religious scholars

Defending human rights defenders, by creating safer working conditions, giving voice to the imprisoned human rights defenders and supporting human rights defenders in danger

Iran Human Rights Website: www.iranhr.net/fa Twitter: @IHRights, @Iranhr Telegram Channel: https://t.me/IranHumanRightsOrg Instagram: @iranhumanrights Contact: [email protected]