UPDATE: Narges Mohammadi was released from Evin prison on July 1 after three weeks in detention. She fell ill while in prison and was hospitalized on July 3. Read more.

Iranian authorities arrested human rights defender Narges Mohammadi in her home on June 10 in an attempt to stop the work of the Defenders of Human Rights Centre. Mohammadi is the Vice President of the independent organization founded by Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi.

The arrest came on the eve of the one-year anniversary of the disputed June 12 election. Since returning to power, Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has continued to suppress political opposition with extreme violence and repression.

Calls for the release of Narges Mohammadi will be heard around the world today. In an opinion piece in the Guardian this week, Shirin Ebadi recognized the courage of the Iranian women activists at the forefront of the push for human rights and democracy, arguing that the latest crackdown will only strengthen their resolve.

Mohammadi is a journalist, human rights activist, and mother of two. She is Vice President of the Defenders of Human Rights Center, the Executive Director of the Iranian Peace Council, and 2009 recipient of the Alexander Langer Award.

LEARN MORE

Watch a video message from Shirin Ebadi marking the anniversary of the June 12 election.

The brutal crackdowns only make Iran’s women stronger, The Guardian, 8 June 2010.

TAKE ACTION

Write to Ayatollah Ayatollah Sadeq Larijani, Iran’s Head of the Judiciary, to protest the arrest of Narges Mohammadi, and to show solidarity with women human rights activists in Iran.

Sign FIDH and Reporters Without Borders’ petition calling for the release of all prisoners of conscience in Iran.

Join United4Iran’s global day of action by participating in the online campaign or attending a local event.