Source: Compass Direct News
Accused of “acting against state security” and “taking part in illegal gatherings,” two Iranian Christian women have been held in a Tehran prison for over a month in a crowded cell with no access to legal representation.
Amnesty International, in an appeal for urgent action last week, reported that authorities have made the accusations known but have imprisoned the women without filing official charges. The organisation called on Iranian authorities to release them and expressed concern for their health.
Maryam Rostampour, 27, and Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad, 30, who were active in church activities and distributing Bibles according to Amnesty’s appeal, were arrested on 5 March. They are being held in the detention center of Evin Prison, a facility that has drawn criticism for its human rights violations and executions in recent years.
Their families have presented the title deeds of their homes as bail but are still waiting for approval from the judge. Amnesty reported that Esmaeilabad said both are suffering from infection and high fever and had not received adequate medical care. They continue to be detained in an overcrowded cell with 27 other women.
