Currently Imprisoned - 1st May 2009
Silva Harotonian
(8 June 2009) Silva Harotonian is an Iranian of Armenian descent who has been in detention since 26 June 2008. She is a former employee of the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) and was on her fourth brief trip to support a US-Iran exchange program for maternal and child health professionals when arrested.
She was charged with attempting to create a “soft revolution”.
She was sentenced to three years in prison in January 2009 and her first appeal was denied in March 2009. A second and final appeal is awaiting decision.
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Women’s Rights
The Iranian women’s rights movement is the most vibrant social movement in Iran today. Having built an extensive grassroots base, Iranian women are campaigning to fight legal gender discrimination. The government routinely persecutes and prosecutes women’s rights activists.
Report on the Status of Women Human Rights Defenders — April 2009
The Systematic Repression of Women — May 2008
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Academic Freedom
During the past few years, Iranian universities have been experiencing a new phase of government intervention in academic affairs, which is considered a second Cultural Revolution. The present government policy is demonstrated on several fronts and is resulting in severe infringements on academic freedoms.
Report on the Situation of Academic Freedom on University Campuses — December 2008
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Workers’ Rights
Iranian workers and teachers are denied many protections of basic workers rights, as defined and articulated under longstanding international labor standards. Iranian workers are deprived of such fundamental rights both under Iranian labor law and in practice.
Background Information on the Rights of Workers in Iran — March 2008
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