Husband of human rights lawyer harassed

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

Reza Khandan, who has publicly campaigned for fair treatment for his wife, imprisoned human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, was summoned for questioning by the Iranian authorities on 16 January and detained overnight. He was released the following morning but is at risk of further harassment by the security authorities.

Reza Khandan was held overnight in Evin Prison, Tehran, after being summoned to appear at the office of Tehran’s Prosecutor at the prison on 16 January. He was kept waiting for three hours before being taken to a prison cell where he was required to put on prison clothing and was held in a cell with another inmate. He was questioned for about 10 minutes while blindfolded and asked to put two of his replies in writing. He was told that he was accused of “publishing lies” and “disturbing public opinion” on account of an unpublished letter he wrote to the Prosecutor’s Office in which he complained about the conditions of detention of his wife, Nasrin Sotoudeh.

He was released on 17 January after a guarantee of 500 million Iranian Rials (about USD 50,000) was provided; this amount would be forfeit by the guarantor if he should fail to respond to a future summons. Nasrin Sotoudeh’s sister offered to act as his guarantor but the authorities did not deem her suitable and another guarantor then had to be found. Reza Khandan remains at risk of further harassment and faces possible trial and imprisonment.

Reza Khandan was summoned after his wife, Nasrin Sotoudeh, was sentenced to 11 years in prison and subjected to a 20 year ban on continuing to practice as a lawyer and leaving Iran.
PLEASE WRITE IMMEDIATELY in Persian, English, or your own language:

Reminding the Iranian authorities that the harassment and arrest of family members of prisoners, solely in order to stop their public campaigning amounts to reprisals which violate Article 12 (2) of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders;

Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of prisoner of conscience Nasrin Sotoudeh, who is imprisoned solely for her peaceful exercise of her rights to freedom of expression and association, including her work as a lawyer;

Reminding the authorities that lawyers have “the right to take part in public discussion of matters concerning the law, the administration of justice and the promotion and protection of human rights” and must be allowed to carry out their work “without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference”.
PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 02 MARCH 2011 TO:

Leader of the Islamic Republic

Ayatollah Sayed ‘Ali Khamenei

The Office of the Supreme Leader

Islamic Republic Street – End of Shahid Keshvar Doust Street, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran

Email: [email protected]

via website: http://www.leader.ir/langs/en/index.php?p=letter (English)

Salutation: Your Excellency

Head of the Judiciary

Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani

[care of] Public relations Office

Number 4, 2 Azizi Street

Vali Asr Ave., above Pasteur Street intersection

Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran

Email: [email protected] (In subject line: FAO Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani)

Salutation: Your Excellency
And copies to:

Secretary General, High Council for Human Rights,

Mohammad Javad Larijani

High Council for Human Rights

[Care of] Office of the Head of the Judiciary, Pasteur St., Vali Asr Ave. south of Serah-e Jomhouri, Tehran 1316814737,Islamic Republic of Iran

Email: [email protected] (In subject line: FAO Mohammad Javad Larijani)

Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country. Please check with your section office if sending appeals after the above date. This is the fourth update of UA 197/10.
Further information: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/MDE13/087/2010/en