Front Line is deeply concerned following reports of the arrest of Khadijeh Moghaddam, women's rights defender and member of the Mother's Committee of the One Million Signatures Campaign, on 8 April 2008 at her home. Security police reportedly entered her apartment by force and took her to Eshrat Abat Security Police where she was interrogated. She was later brought to the Revolutionary Courts and further interrogated by Mr Sobhani, the Investigative Judge in charge of her case. She was then transferred to Vozara Detention Centre.
Further Information
Posted 12/04/2008 Khadijeh Moghaddam was charged at the Revolutionary Courts for allegedly spreading propaganda against the state, disrupting public opinion and actions against national security. She was also told that she would be transferred to prison for a week, after which she would have to pay 100 million tomans (roughly $110,000) in bail and provide the names of members of the One Million Signatures Campaign, although she had already explained that she was unable to pay such money and that she considered the provision of such information unethical.
Front Line believes that Khadijeh Moghaddam has been arrested and charged on account of her legitimate activities in defence of human rights, in particular her work with the One Million Signatures Campaign. Front Line expresses its concern for her physical and psychological integrity whilst in detention.
Action Finished:
This Urgent Appeal has now ended. No further action is requested at this point. Thank you for taking action on this case.
Front Line issues Urgent Appeals on behalf of human rights defenders at risk on a daily basis. These Appeals normally remain active on our web site for a period of up to six weeks, depending on the situation. After this time they will be archived. Front Line maintains a watching brief on all these cases but no further action is requested after the six weeks, unless there is a significant development in the case.
