Nasrin Sotoudeh | Status: Detained | Iran
Nasrin Sotoudeh was abruptly re-arrested on June 13, 2018 and taken to Evin prison. According to her husband, who she managed to speak to shortly after her detention, she… More
Re-arrest and Detention of Nasrin Sotoudeh a Vindictive Attempt to Silence Human Rights Activism
“The arrest and conviction of Nasrin Sotoudeh is indicative of the draconian measures the Iranian government will take to silence critical voices.” More
Iran: Arrest followed by an enforced disappearance of poet
PEN condemns the enforced disappearance of poet Mohammad Bamm who was arrested by members of the Iranian security forces on December 31, 2017 while on his way home in the city… More
Iran: Writer and poet released on bail
Author and poet Dr. Sedigheh Vasmaghi was released on bail on November 4, 2017. Vasmaghi had been held in Evin prison since October 22 where she was brought for… More
Iran: Writer and poet arrested upon return to Iran
PEN is deeply concerned about the well-being and safety of Dr. Sedigheh Vasmaghi, an Iranian author and poet who was arrested by the Iranian authorities upon her arrival to… More
Mehdi and Hossein Rajabian | Status: Conditional Release | Iran
Iranian musician Mehdi Rajabian and his brother, writer and filmmaker Hossein Rajabian, are currently serving three-year prison sentences on charges of “insulting Islamic sanctities,” “propaganda against the state,” and… More
IRAN: Writer and journalist released after almost 10 years in prison
PEN welcomes news of the release of prominent Iranian journalist and writer Mohammad Sadiq Kabudvand, who was released on May 12, 2017. Kabudvand was serving a 10-year prison sentence on… More
Shahla Lahiji | Status: Released | Iran
The first woman to run a publishing house in Iran, Shahla Lahiji is one of 19 Iranian writers and intellectuals prosecuted in Tehran for participating in an academic and… More
IRAN: Serious Concern for Health of Imprisoned Filmmaker Keywan Karimi
PEN is seriously concerned for the health of imprisoned filmmaker Keywan Karimi. The prominent Kurdish filmmaker, who has been in prison since 23 November 2016, is in need of… More
Narges Mohammadi | Status: Convicted | Iran
Narges Mohammadi is an independent journalist and the former vice-president and spokesperson of the Defenders of Human Rights Center (DHRC), which advocates for human rights reform and represents political… More
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