Front line is deeply concerned for the well-being of human rights lawyer Ms Nasrin Sotoudeh who has been on a hunger strike since 25 September 2010. Ms Nasrin Sotoudeh was arrested on 4 September 2010 and is currently being detained at Evin Prison. According to information received from inside the prison, detainees on ward 209 have reported hearing Nasrin Sotoudeh's agonizing screams almost every night throughout the ward.

Further Information

Nasrin Sotoudeh is a prominent human rights lawyer, who in particular has worked with juvenile prisoners facing the death penalty as well as prisoners of conscience. She is also a member of the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child. On 4 September, Nasrin Sotoudeh was summoned to appear in court at Evin prison on charges of “propaganda against the state” and “collusion and gathering with the aim of acting against national security”. Although Nasrin Sotoudeh's lawyer, Nasrin Ghanavi, accompanied her to court, she was not allowed to be present during questioning. Afterwards, Nasrin Sotoudeh was arrested and detained in Evin prison without being given the opportunity to meet again with Nasrin Ghanavi. Since then she has not had access to her lawyer.

Front Line is gravely concerned for the physical and psychological well-being of Nasrin Sotoudeh. Front Line believes that the detention of Nasrim Sotoudeh is directly related to her work as a human rights lawyer. Front Line calls on the Iranian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Nasrin Sotoudeh and to carry out a full and independent investigation into the arrest and detention. Front Line urges the Iranian authorities to allow Nasrim Sotoudeh to exercise her legal right to access to her lawyer as stipulated under international law.

please see the appeal of 8 September of 2012