Hundreds Extend Support to 11 Jailed Women's Rights Activists in Iran

More than 350 civil society and women's rights activists have voiced strong support for 11 women's rights activists detained in Gilan province and demand the activists' immediate and unconditional release.

The statement, signed by 355 human rights and civil society activists, condemns the harsh sentences imposed on the Gilan activists. 

Addressing "repressive forces," it declares that these verdicts exemplify the Islamic Republic's resistance to legitimate demands for change.

The signatories criticize the "baseless accusations" against the Gilan activists. 

They argue that the activists' unity embodies the true spirit of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, striving to preserve the gains made through decades of struggle.

Lawyers representing the 11 activists arrested in Gilan report that they have been sentenced to a combined total of over 60 years in prison.

Judge Mehdi Rasekhi, who presided over the trial, has sentenced Zohreh Dadras to nine years, six months, and two days in prison. 

Her alleged offense is "forming a group to act against national security." 

Ten other activists, including Forough Saminia, Sara Jahani, Yasamin Hashdari, Shiva Shah Sia, Negin Rezaie, Azadeh Chavoshian, Matin Yazdani, Hooman Taheri, and Jelveh Javaheri, are each sentenced to six years and 47 days in prison for "assembly and collusion to act against national security." 

Additionally, Taheri and Javaheri each received one-year sentences for "propaganda against the Islamic Republic."

The trial started on February 29. 

The activists were arrested on August 16 last year when security forces raided their homes in the cities of Rasht, Anzali, Lahijan, and Fuman.

They were later released on bail from Lakan Prison in Rasht while awaiting the outcome of their legal case.