This morning we had an in-depth conversation with Nasrin’s indefatigable husband Reza Khandan. He authorized us to release this update:
Nasrin remains at Qarchak Women’s Prison, a former industrial chicken farm 90 minutes or more from Tehran. She is being held in an open, over-crowded section that gives her a bed and nothing else. Unlike the regular cells, this denies her access to a TV, or a shared refrigerator to store food, and unlike most other prisoners she can’t purchase fruit or vegetables. As Reza said, those small options can make a big difference in a prisoner’s life. Most of the people violently arrested at the funeral of Armita Geravand have been released on bail, but there is still no word about what awaits Nasrin. The prosecutor did say that her medical furlough has been “suspended,” although legally that is supposed to be a doctor’s decision. Reza has been able to speak with her, and get her a new pair of eyeglasses, and he was able to bring medicine to another inmate. However, he has not been allow to see Nasrin in person. Some of the pain that she felt from being beaten has subsided, but she is now experiencing some troubling heart pain. As you may recall, she needed an angioplasty when she first came home on medical leave. The officials won’t let her see the prison doctor because she “categorically refuses to wear a hijab.” Before she was arrested, her regular doctor expressed concern about strain on her heart and said she should, “Avoid stress.” As you can see, that has not been possible.
Reza also said that if the Revolutionary Court decides to reimpose Nasrin’s still existing sentence, she will be transfered to Evin Prison. He did emphasize that because of Nasrin’s stature inside Iran, and her tremendous support around the world (that includes you), the authorities are afraid of what might happen if she is forced to serve out her sentence. So at this time, we don’t know what happens next.
Years ago when Marcia and I approached Nasrin about making a documentary about her life, her first reaction was that she’d consider the idea only if it was also about all the other people in Iran’s women’s right movement. That says a lot about her unique character. It also speaks to the fact that as we move forward, when we vigorously call for her release, we should also demand freedom for all political prisoners. That would please Nasrin.
Director Jeff Kaufmann Gives Update On Iranian Lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh – Deadlinehttps://t.co/RihhkbnGVf
— Jabeen (@Jabeen1564032) November 7, 2023
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Iran: Update by Filmmaker Jeff Kaufman about detained rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh
