Over 500 Cultural and Civil Activists Call for Release of Imam Ali Society Director

Over 500 cultural, artistic activists and human rights lawyers have issued an open letter expressing concern about restrictions being imposed on the “Imam Ali Society” and calling for the immediate release of Sharmín Mímandí-Nejád, the director and founder of the charitable organization.

The letter, released Monday, August 27, is signed by prominent figures including Babak Ahmadi, Noushin Ahmadi Khorasani, Mehrdad Oskouei, Hamid Amjad, Rakhshan Bani Etemad, Jafar Panahi, Kiomars Pour Ahmad, Reza Dormishian, Abdolfattah Soltani, Rasoul Sadreamilei, Farzaneh Taheri, Bahman Farmanara, Asghar Farhadi, Kayhan Kalhor, and Fatemeh Motamedaria.

The letter describes the Imam Ali Society as one of “the most successful civil organizations in creating and implementing public participation to expand education, improve health, reduce poverty and injustice in society.”

Sharmín Mímandí-Nejád was arrested on June 21 along with Morteza Keymanesh, the organization’s public relations manager, and Katayoun Afroze, its auditor. While the latter two were released on bail, Mímandí-Nejád remains in prison.

A statement released by the Imam Ali Society identifies “Qom Garrison of the Revolutionary Guards” as the complainant in the case, stating that the director faces charges of “insulting” the leader and founder of the Islamic Republic and “actions against national security.”

The Imam Ali Society, which began operations in 1999, is one of Iran’s most renowned charitable organizations with thousands of volunteers collaborating with it. The activists calling for Mímandí-Nejád’s release have provided a list of the organization’s activities and deemed them impactful.

The letter states that the leaders of the Imam Ali Society “have successfully become a channel for public economic support to vulnerable populations after years of effort by gaining public trust,” and the scope of its public benefit activities now extends to “over 44 centers in 20 provinces across the country.”

The signatories then warned that “the arrest and prolonged detention of the founder and director of this institution will cause substantial social damage [and] hundreds of families who are struggling through these difficult times with the material and moral support of the Imam Ali Society will soon face greater difficulties.”

Other signatories include Amir Ahmadi Arian, Pantea Bahram, Farhad Tajvidi, Sohrab Pournazari, Pouran Derakhshande, Ghasem Shola Saadi, Leili Golestan, Ali Mosafa, Mehtab Nasirpour, and Mohammad Yaghoobi.

Source: Radio Farda