An Iranian-Canadian Professor Arrested by IRGC Intelligence Protection Organization
An Iranian professor of anthropology at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, who had traveled to Iran for a “research trip” has been arrested by the Intelligence Protection Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The family of Homa Hoodfar stated in a statement released on Wednesday, June 9, that on March 9, 2016, two days before her departure from Iran, IRGC intelligence forces raided her home and seized all of her personal belongings, including her laptop, identification documents, research papers, mobile phone, passports, and some of her personal books. They informed her that she was banned from leaving the country.
According to Hoodfar’s family, the university professor was later released on bail, but interrogation sessions continued until Monday, June 7, when she was arrested after being summoned to the security prosecutor’s office without prior notice.
The statement says that Hoodfar’s lawyer and family members have not been permitted to visit her, and the reason for her arrest has not been disclosed to them.
Hoodfar’s family stated that she suffers dangerously from a neuromuscular disease called myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness), but they have not been allowed to provide her with her medications.
Homa Hoodfar’s family emphasize that they are deeply concerned about this professor’s health.
The statement recalls that Hoodfar is “not political” and has been engaged solely in scientific and research activities, particularly regarding the improvement of women’s conditions in Islamic societies.
Hoodfar’s family, noting at the end that this professor holds Iranian, Canadian, and Irish nationalities, have called upon all three governments to seriously pursue her case and create conditions for her release.
Homa Hoodfar is 65 years old.
The arrest of dual nationals in Iran has precedent. Zahra Kazemi was one of the Iranian nationals who also held Canadian dual citizenship and was imprisoned and killed in prison after traveling to Iran.
The Islamic Republic does not officially recognize dual citizenship.
Source: Radio Farda
