Shiva Nazar Ahari entered Evin prison to serve 4-year sentence

 Committee of Human Rights Reporters - Shiva Nazar Ahari, human rights activist and a founding member of Committee of Human Rights Reporters, appeared at Evin’s court today (September 8th) and was transferred to the women’s ward of the prison.

Shiva Nazar Ahari was detained twice after the contested presidential elections of 2009 and was held in Evin prison for a year, 100 days of which were spent in solitary confinement in ward 209 of the facility. Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court later handed down a 4-year prison sentence, exile to Rajai Shahr and 74 lashes.

Nazar Ahari appeared at Evin prison per a summons last Wednesday to begin serving her sentence but was told that according to the ruling, her sentence was in a different facility (Rajai Shahr) and she was required to come back on Saturday. This blogger and journalist was transferred to the women’s ward after appearing at Evin prison again on Saturday.

In 2011 Nazar Ahari was the recipient of the Theodor Haecker prize for “courageous internet reporting on human rights violations.” This is a prestigious award named after Hacker who was a writer and philosopher. This award is granted every two years to recognize individuals who have made exceptional efforts towards human rights and democracy.