Atena Daemi speaks out tirelessly to end the death penalty in Iran. She has criticised the country’s execution record on Facebook and Twitter, handed out leaflets and taken part in a peaceful protest against the execution of a young woman. Simple actions which sadly, in Iran, take great courage.
Incredibly, these activities have been cited as "evidence" of her criminal activity and now she’s been sentenced to seven years in jail. Her trial was a sham – it took just 15 minutes and she was convicted on trumped-up charges, including "gathering and colluding to commit crimes against national security".
Many people who speak out for a fairer Iran have been imprisoned, faced surveillance, interrogations and drawn-out prosecutions – all actions forced them into silence.
Atena has been beaten, pepper-sprayed and forced into solitary confinement, but she continues to fight for human rights. Earlier this year, she went on hunger strike to protest her transfer to a notorious prison. Her health has deteriorated alarmingly while in prison. She must be released immediately.
Tell Iran: Atena Daemi must go free.