When a easy act like writing a poem or singing a music results in an extended jail sentence, it’s a clear signal that the federal government is in critical disagreement with its individuals.
In a joint letter to UN Human Rights Council member states, the coalition additionally known as for the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran to be renewed, calling for “two distinct and complementary mandates… important for Iran. ” emphasised the worth of The Security Council known as for fulfilling its mandate to advertise and defend human rights in Iran. ”
PEN America this week invited two just lately defected Iranian dissidents to Geneva to assist advocacy efforts throughout the UNHRC assembly. Both can be found for interviews (English and Farsi).
Writer and poet Behnaz Amani, presently accepted as a German PEN fellow, fled Iran in February this yr. Amani labored as an assistant professor of English literature at Azad University. During the “Women, Life, Freedom” motion, she spoke loudly for the discharge of imprisoned college students, which resulted in her being despatched to jail for 2 months and likewise barring her from returning to work. Asar Abassyan labored for greater than 10 years in Iranian unbiased media, together with Sharg Daily and Andisheh Pouya. Ms. Abassyan, who identifies as non-binary, has usually centered her reporting on gender equality, leading to Assal and her household receiving common threats from authorities authorities. They presently stay in exile in Paris.
At least 57 Iranian writers have been arrested for his or her work in 2022, in line with PEN America’s newest Writing Freedom Index, making Iran the nation with the second-highest variety of author’s prisons on this planet after China.
A message from Narges Mohammadi, imprisoned Iranian author, human rights activist and 2023 PEN/Babayi Writing Freedom Laureate, was learn out at at present’s Human Rights Council assembly. In a letter from Evin Prison, Mohammadi known as for the extension of the Special Rapporteur and FFMI mandates, saying these are necessary steps on the trail to justice and accountability for human rights violations in Iran. On December 10, 2023, Mohammadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in absentia. PEN America continues to name for her instant launch.
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For an interview or additional info, please contact Dietlind Lerner. [email protected]+1 310 699 8777