Iranian Women’s Rights Activist Arrested

[ensho]

http://www.feministpeacenetwork.org/2008/04/14/iranian-womens-rights-activist-arrested/


Khadijeh Moghaddam Member of Campaign and Mother’s Committee Arrested


On the morning of April 8th, security police forcibly entered the home of Khadijeh Moghaddam, women’s rights activist and member of the One Million Signatures Campaign and arrested her. Khadijeh Moghaddam who is a member ofthe Mother’s Committee of the Campaign was transferred to Eshrat Abad Security Police, where she was interrogated for several hours, and then transferred to the Revolutionary Courts, where she was interrogated by the Mr. Sobhani the Investigative Judge in charge of her case and charged. A temporary arrest order was issued and a bail amount of 100 Million Tomans (roughly $110,000) was set as a condition for her release. Moghaddam Moghaddam was then transferred to Vozara Detention Center.

Khadijeh Moghaddam’s friends and family members had an opportunity to visit with her while she awaited the processing of her arrest order. During this time, Khadijeh spoke of the poor treatment she received from the Security Police officers who had come to her home to arrest her. “They rang the bell to our apartment at 11:00 am. I was home alone and speaking on the phone with my sister. I was still wearing my pajamas. I looked through the peep hole and saw that there was a woman behind the door. I opened the door slightly. The woman announced that she was a police officer. I asked her for identification and a court order to enter my home. But instead of presenting identification, the woman and two men, pushed the door open and entered my home forcibly. They entered with such force that I was unable to resist. Apparently they had entered our building through the parking garage!

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In relation to the reason for her arrest, Khadijeh Moghaddam explained that: “they were objecting to the fact that I had hosted meetings in my home, to which I replied that I have the right to hold meetings and parties and weddings and memorial services in my home, my private residence…the investigative judge at the Revolutionary Courts asked that I identify 7 or 8 members of the Campaign who had participated in the gatherings in my home. I refused to do so, and explained that I do not believe providing such information to be ethical. I also explained that we are not engaged in any sort of covert activity and that the security officials know the identities of Campaign members.” Moghaddam explained further that the charges against her were: “spreading of propaganda against the state; disruption of public opinion; and actions against national security and that an order for bail amount of 100 Million Tomans was issued for my release (roughly $110,000). I explained that I am unable to provide such a heavy bail amount for my release, and the investigative judge told me that I will be transferred to prison for a week, after which I will provide the names of Campaign members and also the bail amount. When asked to provide my last defense, I explained that my way of life is my defense and also told the investigative judge that it is in fact the security authorities with their actions who are endangering national security.”

To sign the One Million Signatures Campaign, please visit
http://www.we-change.org/spip.php?article19#sp19
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sending Khadijeh hugs, kisses and a chest full of Stamina

being a woman in Iran ain't easy.

plus smirk and snake cheney are chomping at the bit to blow her country to smithereens.

[LeftishBrit]

1. Done - k&r