International PEN welcomes the release of editor Ali Muhaqiq Nasab on May 28, 2008. Nasab had been held by without charge in Iran since May 4, 2008. Thank you to all who sent appeals on his behalf.

Background Information

Ali Muhaqiq Nasab, editor of the monthly magazine Haqoq-e-Zan (Women's Rights), was reportedly detained by Iranian officials in Qom, near Tehran, on March 4, 2008, and continues to be held without charge. Documents, mobile phones, and a computer were reportedly confiscated from his home at the time of his arrest. Nasab's wife was reportedly denied access to any information about him, and officials from Iran's embassy in Kabul have declined to comment on the case. Nasab was previously charged with blasphemy in his native Afghanistan in October 2005, and sentenced to two years in jail for publishing articles that were accused of being "anti-Islamic" in Haqoq-e-Zan. The articles questioned harsh penalties for adultery and theft. Nasab's sentence was reduced on appeal to six months, despite some calls for the death penalty. He was added to PEN's caseload during his imprisonment.

Write A Letter

  • expressing serious concern about the arrest of editor Ali Muhaqiq Nasab, and calling for his immediate and unconditional release in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a signatory.

Send Your Letter To

Leader of the Islamic Republic
His Excellency Ayatollah Sayed ˜Ali Khamenei
The Office of the Supreme Leader
Islamic Republic Street - Shahid Keshvar Doust Street
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
E-mail: [email protected]
Salutation: Your Excellency

Head of the Judiciary
Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi
Howzeh Riyasat-e Qoveh Qazaiyeh / Office of the Head of the Judiciary
Pasteur St., Vali Asr Ave., south of Serah-e Jomhouri,
Tehran 1316814737,
Islamic Republic of Iran
E-mail: [email protected]
(In the subject line write: FAO Ayatollah Shahroudi)
Salutation: Your Excellency

President
His Excellency Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
The Presidency,
Palestine Avenue, Azerbaijan Intersection,
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
Fax via Foreign Ministry: +98 21 6 674 790
(Note: "Please forward to H.E. President Ahmadinejad")
E-mail: [email protected]

Please send a copy of your appeal to the diplomatic representative for Iran in your country.

Please check with PEN if sending appeals after April 7, 2008: ftw [at] pen.org