Take Action to Free Concordia University Professor Homa Hoodfar from Iranian Prison
Canadian Professor Homa Hoodfar, a respected academic scholar and researcher on women and the family in the Middle East and the Muslim World, is being held in Tehran's notorious Evin prison.
Dr. Hoodfar was in Iran visiting family and undertaking some archival research on women's participation in public life since 1906 when Revolutionary Guards detained her for questioning on March 10, 2016. Authorities searched the house, seizing her passport, phone, research papers and computer.
Released on bail, Dr. Hoodfar faced repeated interrogations – all without a lawyer present – until she was arrested on June 6. The reasons for her arrest are unclear, but could involve national security related charges. She has not been granted access to her family or legal counsel, and may be held in solitary confinement. There are serious concerns that while in detention she may not receive the specialized medical care she needs for a neurological condition.
Research is not a crime. No one should be targeted for the peaceful exercise of their rights to freedom of expression and association. Amnesty International considers Dr. Hoodfar to be a prisoner of conscience.
Join our call for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Homa Hoodfar.
Your Excellency Ayatollah Sayed ‘Ali Khamenei:
Dr Homa Hoodfar holds Canadian, Irish and Iranian citizenship. She is a respected professor of anthropology who was arrested on 6 June following months of questioning by the Revolutionary Guards. She is being held in Tehran’s Evin Prison with no access to her family or lawyer, and likely in solitary confinement. Her health is at risk and she must be given immediate access to her medication, as well as to any medical care she may require.
I urge you to immediately and unconditionally release Professor Homa Hoodfar. She is a prisoner of conscience, being held solely for the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of expression.
I urge you to allow her to communicate with and receive visits from both Canadian and Irish Consular officials.
Sincerely,
Update #28 years ago
Dr. Homa Hoodfar's health is at risk in Iran. She suffers from a serious neurological disease and has not been receiving necessary medical treatment while in prison. She was reportedly taken to hospital because of her weakened condition and then returned to her cell. Her well-being is clearly at grave risk as long as she remains in prison. Please share this urgent call on the Iranian authorities to release Dr. Hoodfar, drop all charges against her, and allow her to immediately return to Canada.
Update #18 years ago
Dr. Hoodfar has been indicted. The reasons for her arrest and indictment are still unclear, and her lawyer and family remain in the dark. Her lawyer hasn't even been allowed to discuss accusations with his client. We need your help to send a clear message to Iranian authorities to immediately release Dr. Hoodfar. We believe she is still in solitary confinement without access to much-needed special medical care. Please share now!
