UA: 333/09 Index: MDE 13/127/2009 Iran Date: 09 December 2009

URGENT ACTION

TWO Women’s rights ACTIVISTS ARRESTED IN IRAN

Two women, Mehrnoush Etemadi and Hayedeh Tabesh, both members of the Campaign for Equality (also known as the One Million Signatures Campaign) have been arrested in Esfahan, central Iran, in relation with their peaceful activities for the Campaign. Mehrnoush Etemadi is held in Dastgerd Prison, Esfahan, but Hayedeh Tabesh’s whereabouts are unknown.

Amnesty International believes both women to be prisoners of conscience, detained solely for the peaceful expression of their right to freedom of expression and association.

Mehrnoush Etemadi was arrested at home on 23 November by security officials from the local Ministry of Intelligence office, who had warrants for her arrest and to search her home. They confiscated her computer and some of her writings. Two days later, Mehrnoush Etemadi told her mother by phone that a bail order had been issued, but the judge in charge of the case has so far refused to accept the bail amount and release her. According to the Campaign for Equality, she has been accused of “membership of the One Million Signatures Campaign”.

Hayedeh Tabesh was arrested on 5 December by security officials at a language class. They took her to her home, searched the premises, confiscating some of her personal possessions and two computers belonging to her sons. Hayedeh Tabesh learned in July 2009 that she was banned from travel abroad when she tried to renew her passport; she later discovered this was because she had previously been invited to a training event in South Africa, even though she did not participate in the event.

PLEASE WRITE IMMEDIATELY in Persian, Arabic, English, French or your own language:

·         Urging the authorities to reveal the whereabouts of Hayedeh Tabesh;

·         Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Mehrnoush Etemadi and Hayedeh Tabesh as Amnesty International considers that they are held solely for their peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of expression and association;

·         Urging that, in the meantime, they are granted immediate and regular access to their families and lawyers of their choice;

·         Calling for an end to the harassment of members of the Campaign for Equality;

PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 20 JANUARY 2010 TO:

Head of the Judiciary

Ayatollah Sadeqh Larijani

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: Via website: http://www.dadiran.ir/tabid/75/Default.aspx

First starred box: your given name; second starred box: your family name; third: your email address

Salutation: Your Excellency

Head of Esfahan Judiciary

Dr Gholam Reza Ansari

Chahar Bagh Bala Street

Shahid Nikkbakht Street

Esfahan

Islamic Republic of Iran

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Salutation: Dear Sir

And copies to:

Director, Human Rights Headquarters of Iran

Mohammad Javad Larijani

Howzeh Riassat-e Ghoveh Ghazaiyeh

Pasteur St, Vali Asr Ave., south of Serah-e Jomhuri

Tehran 1316814737

Islamic Republic of Iran

Fax: +98 21 3390 4986

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (In the subject line: FAO Mohammad Javad Larijani)

Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country. Please check with your section office if sending appeals after the above date.