3/05/19: Golrokh was released from prison on 8 April 2018. Amnesty International will continue to call on the Iranian authorities to provide reparations for the damages cause to her during her imprisonment.
Golrokh is facing years behind bars simply for writing a story - one which was not even published - she is effectively being punished for using her imagination!
The story describes the emotional reaction of a young woman who watches the film The Stoning of Soraya M - a true story of a young woman stoned to death for adultery - and becomes so enraged that she burns a copy of the Qu’ran.
The story was discovered in 2014 when Golrokh was arrested with her husband Arash by men believed to be Revolutionary Guards. The men showed no arrest warrant but searched the couples house seizing possessions including their laptops and notebooks.
Golrokh was transferred to Elvin Prison, where she was held for 20 days without access to her family, a lawyer or a court.
Instead of locking up a young woman for writing a story about stoning, the Iranian authorities should be focusing on abolishing the horrific punishment!
During her detention, Golrokh was subjected to extended interrogations. Blindfolded, she was warned she could face execution for “insulting Islam”. In the next cell, she could hear her husband being threatened and abused.
Convicted of “insulting Islamic sanctities” she was sentenced to six years imprisonment. To protest, she went on a hunger strike for 80 days and lost 20kg.
Tell the Iranian authorities to ensure that Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee has access to adequate medical care and is released from prison.