UN experts criticize Nasrin Sotoudeh's return to prison
UN human rights experts have criticized the return of Nasrin Sotoudeh to prison and called for her immediate and unconditional release. The lawyer was returned to Qarchak prison a week ago despite testing positive for COVID-19.
The Geneva-based UN Human Rights Office said in a statement: “We are deeply concerned that the Iranian authorities have re-imprisoned Nasrin Sotoudeh. She was returned to prison against the advice of doctors after contracting COVID-19 in prison, putting her at great risk.”
The UN experts' statement, published on Wednesday, December 9, expressed concern about the dire consequences of Ms. Sotoudeh's imprisonment, saying that it was "arbitrary and contrary to Iran's obligations to respect human rights."
The statement emphasizes that Nasrin Sotoudeh is innocent of any crime other than performing her duties as a human rights defender.
The statement also expressed regret that Iranian authorities are ignoring international requests and human rights organizations.
Ms. Sotoudeh, who had been temporarily released from prison for treatment, was returned to Qarchak Prison a week ago, on December 3.
He was released from Qarchak Prison on November 8 after posting bail for treatment of a heart condition. Following medical examinations, it was discovered that he had contracted the coronavirus.
According to Amnesty International, Ms. Sotoudeh was arrested at her home on June 13, 2018. She has been sentenced to 33 years in prison and 148 lashes on political charges.
Source: DW
