UN Experts Criticize Return of Nasrin Sotoudeh to Prison
United Nations human rights experts have criticized the return of Nasrin Sotoudeh to prison and called for her immediate and unconditional release. The human rights lawyer was returned to Qarchak Prison one week ago despite being infected with coronavirus.
The UN Office for Human Rights, based in Geneva, stated in a statement: “We are deeply concerned that Iranian authorities have returned Nasrin Sotoudeh to prison. She contracted COVID-19 while in prison and was returned to prison against medical advice, thereby exposing her to significant risk.”
In a statement released by UN experts on Wednesday, December 9 (December 19 in the Persian calendar), while expressing concern about the adverse consequences of Ms. Sotoudeh’s imprisonment, it states that this act is “arbitrary and contrary to Iran’s human rights commitments.”
The statement emphasizes that Nasrin Sotoudeh is guilty of nothing except carrying out her duties as a human rights defender.
The statement also expresses regret that Iranian authorities are disregarding international requests and human rights organizations.
Ms. Sotoudeh, who had been temporarily released from prison for medical treatment, was returned to Qarchak Prison one week ago on December 3.
She was released on bail on November 8 for treatment of heart disease from Qarchak Prison. During medical examinations, it was found that she had contracted coronavirus.
According to Amnesty International, Ms. Sotoudeh was arrested at her home on June 13, 2018. She has been convicted on political charges of 33 years imprisonment and 148 lashes.
Source: DW
