PEN International welcomes the release on bail of journalist, poet, and activist Faranak Farid on October 17, 2011, after 42 days in prison for her peaceful activism and critical writings. PEN continues to call for any charges against her to be dropped, in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a signatory.

Background Information

According to PEN’s information, Faranak Farid, poet, women's rights activist, and editor-in-chief of the banned monthly Dilmaj, was arrested by plainclothes officers while out shopping in the city of Tabriz on September 3, 2011. Security forces later searched her house and seized her computer and personal documents. She was arrested following her participation in a peaceful protest against the environmental policies of the Iranian authorities affecting the Urmiah Lake in northwestern Iran, and is also thought to be targeted for her writings and activism in defense of women’s rights. She was held at the women’s section of Tabriz Central Prison on charges of “insulting the Supreme Leader,” “propaganda against the system,” and “acting against national security” until October 17, 2011, when she was freed on a bail of one hundred million tuman. She was reportedly ill-treated in detention.

Faranak Farid (pen name “Ipek”), aged 50, is a leading writer, editor, and women’s rights activist. Her publications include the poetry collection Yuxuda Ayilmaq, published in 2009, and Jiziq, currently under publication. She is a founding member of the One Million Signatures Campaign and has participated in numerous conferences and seminars both inside and outside Iran.

Write A Letter

  • Welcoming the release on bail of journalist, poet, and activist Faranak Farid;
  • Continuing to call for all charges against her to be dropped, in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a signatory.

Send Your Letter To

Head of the Judiciary
Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani
c/o 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

Head of East Azerbaijan Province Judiciary
Hojjatoleslam Sharifi
Judiciary of East Azerbaijan
Central Complex
Beginning of Vali-Asr Hill
Tabriz, East Azerbaijan 5157733135
Islamic Republic of Iran
Fax: 009841133201109
Salutation: Dear Sir

WITH COPIES TO...
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
(mark: "Please forward to H.E. President Ahmadinejad")

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic
His Excellency Ayatollah Sayed ‘Ali Khamenei
The Office of the Supreme Leader
Shoahada Street
Qom
Islamic Republic of Iran

Please copy appeals to the diplomatic representative for Iran in your country if possible.