The activists arrested Sunday – from 28 to 38 according to different unofficial reports – have also not been allowed to communicate with their families, the spokesman for family members, photographer Jawad Montazeri, told AKI.
Montazeri, whose wife Assieh Amini was arrested along with the other demonstrators Sunday morning by some 200 security officials, said he went on Monday with other family members to Tehran’s Evin prison where they believe the women are currently detained: "We weren’t able to get any information and were only told that the tribunal of the revolution was not authorised to give any statement nor information on their case."
"At no time have we been told officially where these women are nor what they are accused of," he told AKI, adding he thought it likely they would be released on International Women’s Day on 8 March "in an attempt to dissuade other women from taking part in a rally organised to mark the day."
The attorney Sotudeh believes his clients, whom he says were violently beaten on their arrest, are likely to be charged with subversive activities and taking part in an illegal rally.
"In the Islamic Republic fighting for equal gender rights is considered a subversive act threatening national security," the lawyer said.
Meanwhile all students’ associations in Iran have been notified by university authorities that they will not be allowed to organize any rally or university meeting before 8 March on feminism or women’s rights.
The five under trial organised a demonstration last 12 June which was violently broken up by the police and led to the arrest of 70 people, many of whom were reportedly innocent bystanders.
The aim of the activists was to protest against Islamic laws on polygamy and child custody they say discriminate against women.
When the five women on trial left the court building on Sunday they were reportedly arrested again, along with their lawyer.