Free Iranian woman journalist, human rights and civil society activist

To:  United Nations Commissionaire of Human Rights, and Iranian Authorities

We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the arrest of Dr. Mahbobeh Abbasgholizadeh, the Iranian woman journalist and civil society activist, a prominent advocate of human rights and gender justice. She is currently the director of Iranian NGO's Training Center, which provides training and services for NGOs active in human rights, development and women’s empowerment, and she is editor of Farzaneh, the first women's studies journal in Iran.

Dr. Abbasgholizadeh was arrested on Monday 1st November 2004 at her home, Her computer and personal belongings were confiscated and then she was taken to her office and further materials were removed. Her family, in particular her two daughters, are deeply upset and concerned about their mother's whereabouts and fate so far. Her arrest follows a wave of arrests of web-log writers and closure of on-line journalists.

We express our astonishment that a woman who has served her country, has devoted her life to the improvement of women's lives and has come to be known as one of the most vocal and respected representatives of Iranian women in the international community, should be treated in this way. We are extremely worried that her arrest marks the start of a campaign against women’s NGOs and their struggle for the creation of civil society organizations in Iran.

We urge that Dr. Mahbobeh Abbasgholizadeh be released immediately and unconditionally.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Free Iranian woman journalist, human rights and civil society activist Petition to United Nations Commissionaire of Human Rights, and Iranian Authorities was created by Iranian Women Rights Activists and written by Dr. Nayereh Tohidi (hr@voicesofthemiddleeast.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.

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