Iran: Iranian women's rights activist released: Somayeh Rashidi: Further information
FU on UA: 30/10 Index: MDE 13/025/2010
Student and women’s rights activist Somayeh Rashidi was released from Evin Prison, Tehran, on 25 February 2010. Amnesty International is not aware of the precise conditions of her release, but she may face charge and trial in the future.
Somayeh Rashidihas been a member of the Campaign for Equality since its foundation in 2006. The Campaign for Equality, also known as the One Million Signatures Campaign, aims to end legal discrimination against women in Iranian law. She had been banned from continuing her university studies in this academic year, apparently on account of her activities defending women’s rights.
Somayeh Rashidi’s house in Tehran was raided by security officials on 14 December 2009. They confiscated personal items, including her computer and hand-written notes. She was served with a summons to Branch 12 of the Revolutionary Court on 19 December 2009. She presented herself to the court with her lawyer, who was not permitted to attend the interrogation session. Afterwards, her lawyer was informed that Somayeh Rashidi had been arrested and taken to Evin Prison in Tehran. During her detention, Somayeh Rashidi was not granted access to her lawyers.
No further action is requested from the UA network. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.
This is the first update of UA 30/10, Index: MDE 13/016/2010. Further information:http://amnesty.org/en/library/info/MDE13/016/2010/en