17 March 2008

 

RAN 16/08

 

 

The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of Ali Muhaqiq Nasab, editor of the Kabul-based monthly magazine Haqoq-e-Zan (Women's Rights), who has reportedly been held without charge in Iran since 4 March 2008. International PEN is seriously concerned that Nasab may be held for his writings in support of women’s rights, and if so, calls for his immediate and unconditional release in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a signatory. 

 

According to PEN’s information, Ali Muhaqiq Nasab, editor of the monthly magazine Haqoq-e-Zan (Women's Rights), was reportedly detained by Iranian officials in Qumm, near the Iranian capital Tehran, on 4 March 2008 and continues to be held without charge. Documents, mobile phones and a computer were reportedly confiscated from his home at the time of his arrest. Nasab's wife was reportedly denied access to or any information about him, and officials from Iran's embassy in Kabul have declined to comment on the case.

Nasab was previously charged with blasphemy in his native Afghanistan in October 2005, and sentenced to two years in jail for publishing articles that were accused of being ‘anti-Islamic’ in Haqoq-e-Zan. The articles questioned harsh penalties for adultery and theft. Nasab's sentence was reduced on appeal to six months, despite some calling for the death penalty. During his imprisonment he was a main case of International PEN (see previous alerts).

Please send appeals:

 - Expressing serious concern at the arrest of editor Ali Muhaqiq Nasab, and calling for his immediate and unconditional release in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a signatory. 

 

APPEALS TO:

Leader of the Islamic Republic
His Excellency Ayatollah Sayed ˜Ali Khamenei
The Office of the Supreme Leader, Islamic Republic Street - Shahid Keshvar Doust Street
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
Email: info@leader.ir
Salutation: Your Excellency

Head of the Judiciary
Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi
Howzeh Riyasat-e Qoveh Qazaiyeh / Office of the Head of the Judiciary
Pasteur St., Vali Asr Ave., south of Serah-e Jomhouri,

Tehran 1316814737,

Islamic Republic of Iran
Email: info@dadgostary-tehran.ir (In the subject line write: FAO Ayatollah Shahroudi)
Salutation: Your Excellency

COPIES TO:

President:

His Excellency Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The Presidency,

Palestine Avenue,

Azerbaijan Intersection,

Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran

Fax:              Via Foreign Ministry: +98 21 6 674 790

(mark: "Please forward to H.E. President Ahmadinejad")

Email:   dr-ahmadinejad@president.ir

via website: www.president.ir/email

 

 

If possible please send a copy of your appeal to the diplomatic representative for Iran in your country.

 

 

***Please check with this office if sending appeals after 7 April  2008***

For further information please contact Cathy McCann at International PEN Writers in Prison Committee, Brownlow House, 50/51 High Holborn, London WC1V 6ER, Tel.+ 44 (0) 20 7405 0338, Fax: +44 (0) 20 7405 0339, email: cathy.mccann@internationalpen.org.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

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