Iran: 12 women activists arrested in Tehran

NCRI – On March 26, the mullahs' suppressive agents arrested 12 women’s rights activists on Sohrevardi Street in Tehran. They were arrested on their way to the homes of some political prisoners as part of Iranian New Year, Nowrouz, traditions. The women activists had plans to visit the mourning mother of Dr. Zahra Bani Yaqoub who was mysteriously murdered by the State Security Forces (SSF)—mullahs' suppressive police– while in their custody. The group was transferred to notorious Evin prison.

According to the families, the female detainees included, Khadijeh Moqadam, Farkhondeh Ehtesabian, Delaram Ali, Leila Nazari, Mahboubeh Karami, Shahla Forouzanfar, Soraya Yousefi and Bahareh Bahrevan. Male activists who were arrested included, Ali Abdi, Amir Rashidi, Mohammad Shourab, Arash Nasiri Eqbali.

Ms. Sarvnaz Chitsaz, Chair of the NCRI’s Women’s Committee, condemned these arrests and said, “The clerical regime in its final stage, feared of the increasing public hatred especially by women, cannot tolerate even the most basic activities such as traditional Nowrouz. The regime is determined to stop the spread of protests at all costs. Ms. Chitsaz called on all human rights organization and in particular the women’s rights groups to adopt urgent measures to free the detainees. 

Women’s Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran
March 27, 2009