Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s Prison Leave Extended for Two More Weeks
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, an Iranian-British citizen, was temporarily released from Evin Prison due to the likelihood of coronavirus outbreak. Her leave period was set to end on March 31. It is now being reported that her leave has been extended until mid-April of the current year.
The news of the extension of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s leave period was announced by her husband to the media. The disclosure of this news has reduced the concerns of her family.
Nazanin Zaghari was released from prison on March 17 due to the likelihood of coronavirus outbreak in Iranian prisons, including Evin Prison, for a period of two weeks.
Her leave period, however, was set to end on March 31. Now, based on news released by her husband, Richard Ratcliffe, Zaghari’s prison leave has been extended for two weeks.
Although the announcement of this news has alleviated the concerns of Nazanin Zaghari’s family, British officials have stated they will continue their efforts to achieve Nazanin Zaghari’s permanent release.
Nazanin Zaghari was arrested in April 2016 after returning to Iran to visit her parents, and was imprisoned on charges of espionage and disturbing public order.
Her young daughter’s right to leave was also revoked, and Nazanin Zaghari’s parents were caring for her. Officials of the Islamic Republic allowed Zaghari’s daughter to travel to Britain six months ago.
Electronic Monitoring
On the eve of Nowruz and following the outbreak of coronavirus, Nazanin Zaghari’s physical health deteriorated. Evin Prison officials agreed to her two-week leave for this reason.
Nazanin Zaghari’s coronavirus test came back negative. Richard Ratcliffe, Nazanin Zaghari’s husband, announced after her release that Iran’s security officials had placed an electronic monitoring device on her ankle.
Nazanin Zaghari is only permitted to move within a 300-meter radius of her parents’ home. Zaghari, 41 years old, was a colleague at the Thomson Reuters Foundation. She denies the charges leveled against her by Iranian security authorities.
Source: DW
