Thousands in Spain demand release of mother and daughter protesting compulsory hijab in Iran
Amnesty International's office in Spain issued an appeal calling for immediate action to release Yasman Ariani and Monireh Arabshahi, a mother and daughter who are imprisoned in Iran for protesting against the mandatory hijab.
According to Amnesty International, more than 34,000 Spanish activists and citizens have so far signed this petition, calling on Iranian authorities to stop the repression and harassment of women in Iran.
By signing this petition, these individuals also called on Iranian authorities to release Yasman Ariani and Munireh Arabshahi.
Part of this call, noting that women have the right to decide what to wear without fear of harassment, assault, threats, or imprisonment, states that in recent years a movement has begun in Iran to protest against the compulsory hijab, in which women, girls, and some men defend freedom of dress in Iran.
Previously, Amnesty International published a letter addressed to Ebrahim Raisi, the head of the Islamic Republic's judiciary, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of three civil society activists and opponents of compulsory hijab: Munireh Arabshahi, Yasman Ariani, and Mojgan Keshavarz.
It is said that the reason for the arrest of Mojgan Keshavarz, Monireh Arabshahi, and Yasman Ariani was their throwing flowers in the women's car of the Tehran Metro and protesting against the mandatory hijab on International Women's Day (March 8). They have been accused of "gathering and colluding against national security," "propaganda against the system," and "promoting and encouraging corruption and prostitution through promoting the lack of hijab."
In addition, Yasman Ariani has also been accused of "insulting sacred things," and Munireh Arabshahi's support for the workers has also been considered a criminal act.
According to news published on social media, in August of this year, Judge Moghiseh, head of Branch 28 of the Islamic Revolutionary Court, sentenced these three civil activists imprisoned in Qarchak Prison in Varamin to a total of 55 years and six months in prison. If this verdict becomes final, the harshest punishment will be applicable.
Last March, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, at the "Women of Courage Award" ceremony at the US State Department, praised Iranian women's efforts to fight compulsory hijab.
Source: Voice of America
