Feminists and human rights activists in Iran and beyond are calling for the immediate release of Iranian women's human rights defender Alieh Eghdam-Doust from the Evin prison in Tehran.

Alieh Eghdam-Doust, 57, is school teacher in Fouman in northern Iran. In June 2006, she joined a peaceful demonstration in the capital's largest square, Haft-e Tir Square to demand equality in divorce proceedings, especially in terms of granting the children's custody. But just before the demonstration was about to start, the police violently dispered the women, despite the protests from men around the square.

Eghdam-Doust and several others were arrested following the demonstration but was later released. According to her supporters in Iran, more than 70 women human rights defenders have been arrested but have gone through the usual procedure including temporary detention and suspended sentences.

“Alieh became the first women's rights defender in Iran to be taken to prison to have her sentence executed. Before Alieh, there were several women's movement activists who were sentenced (which is different with temporary arrest) but the government did not push through on their verdict,” they shared in a statement that was collectively drafted by Iranian feminists and activists.

Last week, Eghdam-Doust has begun serving the verdict of a three-year imprisonment. The court earlier handed down a prison sentence of three years and four months and 20 lashes but this was reduced to three years. Feminists and human rights activists also question the inconsistent sentences the courts have given to women who participated in the 2006 demonstrations and other activities.

Sussan Tahmasebi, a member of the One Million Signatures Campaign, a movement for gender equality and women's rights in Iran, was also in the 2006 demonstration. Unlike Eghdam-Doust, she was initially given a two-year sentence, which was later shortened to six months.

“How is it, that two people charged with the same crime receive such different sentences? Many of those charged in this case have been acquitted. In my opinion these heavy sentences demonstrate the intent of officials to retaliate against women they view as 'uppity' and who have acted outside the norm expected of women,” Tahmasebi pointed out. Tahmesebi's case remains pending at the Appeals Court.

Concerned individuals, organisations and networks are encouraged to put pressure on the Iranian government, the United Nations and member states.

Sources:
Change for Equality. (10 February 2009). “Sussan Tahmasebi: If Alieh belongs in Prison, then all Women should be Imprisoned.” URL: http://www.we-change.org/english/spip.php?article466
Front Line (2 February 2009). “Iran: Targeting women’s rights activists: Alieh Eghdamdoust and Nafiseh Azad.” URL: http://www.frontlinedefenders.org/node/1784_
Harrison, Frances. (12 June 2006). “Iran police beat women activists.” URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5073328.stm
Women Living Under Muslim Laws. (5 Februay 2009). “Iran: Call for immediate release of Alieh Eghdamdoust.” URL: http://www.wluml.org/english/actionsfulltxt.shtml?cmd[156]=i-156-563569