Jila Baniyaghoub released, Nasrin Sotoudeh on prison furlough

Committee of Human Rights Reporters – Journalist and women’s rights activist Jila Baniyaghoub was released from prison after serving her one-year prison sentence and human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh was granted prison furlough on Sunday June 23rd.

According to CHRR, Jila Baniyaghoub entered Evin prison on September 2, 2012 to serve her one-year prison sentence and was released after serving her term. Human rights attorney Nasrin Sotoudeh was granted a 4-day furlough due to a religious holiday.

Nasrin Sotoudeh was detained on September 4, 2010 and later sentenced to 6 years in prison and a 20-year ban from practicing law or leaving the country for “acting against national security.” She had served as the attorney for many high-profile cases of human rights and political activists.

Nasrin Sotoudeh went on hunger strike while behind bars in October 2012, lasting 49 days. She ended her hunger strike when judicial authorities acceded to her demand to halt the limitations imposed on her family and to lift a travel ban on her daughter.

Journalist, writer and women’s rights activist Jila Baniyaghoub was detained during the time of unrest following the disputed presidential elections on June 20, 2009 along with her husband, journalist Bahman Amouie. Baniyaghoub was handed a one-year prison sentence and a 30-year ban on any press activities. Her husband Bahman Amouie was handed a prison sentence of 5-year and 6 months, which he is serving behind bars at Rajai Shahr prison.