Iran: Update: Release of Jila Baniyaghoob and other human rights defenders while others remain in detention
Front Line welcomes the release on 24 August 2009, of human rights defender, Ms Jila Baniyaghoob, on bail of approximately $200,000, after spending two months in incommunicado detention. Front Line remains deeply concerned about Jila Baniyaghoob's husband, Mr Bahaman Ahamadi Amoee, a reformist, and Ms Shiva Nazar Ahara, a blogger and a human rights activist remain in detention. Front Line has also been informed of the release yesterday, 23 August 2009, of Mr. Kaveh Muzaffari, member of the One Million Signature Campaign, and Ms. Haleh Sahabi, a member of the human rights organisation, Mothers for Peace. Original Front Line appeal on Ms Jila Baniyaghoob
Further Information
On 28 July 2009, Front Line reported the release of Ms. Shadi Sadr, a human rights lawyer and prominent women’s rights defender. However Front Line remained concerned about the ongoing detention Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, a founding member of the Defenders of Human Rights Center (DHRC).
On 5 July 2009, Front Line reported the release of human rights defender Mr. Abdoreza (Alireza) Tajik, a member of the Arbitrary Detentions Investigation Committee, and expressed concerns for other defenders who are still in detention including Mr Abdolfattah Soltani, a founding member of the Defenders of Human Rights Center in Tehran, and Mr Kayvan Samimi, a member of the Arbitrary Detentions Investigation Committee.
With regards to other cases recently reported to Front Line, human rights lawyer, Mr Mohammad Mosatafaie, has been released, while others remain in detention including human rights lawyers, Mr Kambiz Noroozi and Mr. Oliyayi. Mrs.Shiav Aharnazari, children rights defender and a member of the Reporters of Human Rights also remains in detention as do student leaders, Mr.Abdollah Momeni and Mr. Ali Vefghi, and human rights defenders, Mr. Ahmad Zeidabadi and Mr. Eisa Saharkhiz who are journalists and board members of the Association for Advocacy of Free Press.