“The Judge Took None of the Defense Seriously,” Says Sotoudeh’s Husband

Reza Khandan, human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh’s husband, spoke with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran about his wife’s second trial session held on Sunday 28 November. “The situation in court didn’t feel terribly hopeful. Each side was just saying their own piece. The Judge and Prosecutor’s representative seemed to be in different world from Sotoudeh and her lawyers. They were talking, but there was no effort to comprehend the words. There was no air of understanding. For this and for all that has happened to Ms. Sotoudeh so far, I am not very hopeful about her acquittal. I only hope that she can receive bail orders to leave prison to revive before having to serve a sentence,” Khandan told the Campaign.

Journalist Nazanin Khosrovani Denied Visits

An informed source told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that the family of journalist Nazanin Khosrovani who visited her in prison were told that she was banned from having visitors. Prison officials refused to provide any explanation about why Khosrovani could not receive visitors.

No News About Nasrin Sotoudeh Before Second Trial Session

Nasrin Sotoudeh’s husband, Reza Khandan, told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, “After the first court session, which was last week, we have not had any news from my wife. I only know that she is no longer on a hunger strike and knowing this makes me happy.”

Massoud Bastani: 500 Days in Prison Without a Single Hour of Furlough

Five hundred days have passed since journalist Massoud Bastani was arrested and imprisoned. His wife, Mahsa Amrabadi, told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that she hopes her husband will be allowed furlough and that his situation will improve if a UN Human Rights Commission envoy is dispatched to Iran.

Hengameh Shahidi Transferred To Evin Prison’s Infirmary Following Hunger Strike

A source close to journalist and prisoner of conscience Hengameh Shahidi told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that because of Shahidi’s poor physical condition, she was admitted to Evin Prison’s infirmary. Hengameh Shahidi, who was released from Evin Prison for medical treatment on 28 October, was returned to prison on 15 November following denial of her request to extend her medical leave. Since her medical treatment was incomplete, and she was not informed about the reasons why her medical leave was not extended, upon arrival at the prison she began a hunger strike. Following the hunger strike, due to continued deterioration of her health, she was transferred to Evin Prison’s infirmary.

Ghabel On Trial For Revealing Vakilabad Executions Amidst Lack Of Accountability by Judiciary

While judicial authorities refuse to provide any information pertaining to Mashad executions, Ahmad Ghabel, a theological researcher and prisoner of conscience, has to be accountable for speaking about the executions. Hadi Ghabel’s wife told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that Ghabel asked the Branch 5 judge at Mashad Courts during the third session of his trial not to order his transfer from the prison for the next trial session. Ghabel stated the reason for the request the fact that he had been disrespected by prison authorities during the body search as he was transferred from prison to court. The charge against the prisoner of conscience and whistle blower in the case of group executions at Mashad’s Vakilabad Prison is “interviewing with news websites.”

“Sarah Shourd Has Not Been Summoned; Bail Requested For Other Two Hikers” Says Lawyer

Massoud Shafiee, the lawyer who represents the three American hikers told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that he objects to the new date set for his clients’ trial, and that he has not been able to see his two clients in person since Sarah Shourd’s release on 14 September 2010. “The next court date has been set for 2 February, which I find too late. For this reason, I have written a letter to Mr. Salavati, the case judge, asking him to either arrange for an earlier court date, or to release Shane and Josh on bail, like Sarah Shourd, allowing them to stay at the [Swiss] Ambassador’s home or at the Swiss Embassy. My clients and I had nothing to do with the fact that the previous session was not convened. This happened due to the failure of prison authorities and the court itself,” he told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran.

New Trial Date Announced for Hikers Amidst Objections from Lawyer

Massoud Shafiee, the lawyer representing the three American hikers, told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran of his objections to the new date set for his clients’ trial and that he has not been allowed to see his two clients who remain in Iran since Sarah Shourd’s release on 14 September 2010.

Release Ailing, 80-year-old Former Foreign Minister

(26 November 2010) The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran called for the immediate release for medical treatment of Ebrahim Yazdi, who has been in detention since 1 October, but has yet to be informed of the charges against him.

The Islamic Republic’s first Foreign Minister, Yazdi was arrested on 1 October in a private home in Isfahan for allegedly participating in “illegal prayer” when attending the memorial service for the daughter of a friend. He was subsequently moved to section 209 of Tehran’s Evin prison, which is operated by Iran’s Intelligence Ministry.

Yazdi is recovering from bladder cancer surgery as well as heart surgery, and his family believes his life is in danger because of the physical and psychological strains of prison.

“What Sin, What Crime Has My Son Committed?” Student Activist’s Father Demands To Know

Father of Ali Gholizadeh, a member of Tahkim-e Vahdat Student Union who was arrested on 5 November at his home, told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that in a short telephone call to his mother, Gholizadeh told her that he remains in solitary confinement.