AI decries prison time for Iranian female activists
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 2 June 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, AI decries prison time for Iranian female activists, 2 June 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/558bc4d628.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 02, 2015
By RFE/RL
Atena Farghadani (file photo)
Amnesty International says the sentencing of Iranian artist and activist Atena Farghadani to more than 12 years in prison is a "terrible injustice" and a "violation her rights to free expression and association."
The London-based group said on June 2 that Farghadani was sentenced to 12 years and nine months in prison on charges that included "insulting members of parliament through paintings."
AI Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui said, "Such harsh and unjust sentences seem to be part of a disturbing trend in Iran, where the cost of voicing peaceful dissent is escalating."
Farghadani's initial arrest last year is said to be linked to her image that features Iranian lawmakers depicted as animals while voting on a draft law that restricts access to contraception.
Amnesty said the case follows the sentencing last month of another Iranian woman, Atena Daemi, to more than 10 years in prison, "also on charges stemming from her peaceful activism."
"Both are prisoners of conscience and must be freed immediately," it added.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
