Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh was released on furlough from Gharchak Prison on 7 November 2020, because of her deteriorating health.
Sotoudeh, arbitrarily detained since June 13, 2018, was able to reunite with her family, after she was released on furlough, in order to receive the medical care that her health condition requires.
Sotoudeh, began a hunger strike on 11 August 2020. In a letter detailing her reasons for starting a hunger strike, Ms. Sotoudeh has demanded the release of prisoners held for political motives who are at risk of catching Covid-19. Ms. Sotoudeh was hospitalized on 19 September after her health was rapidly detoriating. Despite having cardiac issues, she was returned to prison on 23 September. On 26 September, Sotoudeh ended her hunger strike. Despite serious medical issues that required her hospitalization, Sotoudeh was moved to the notorious Gharchack Prison in the city of Varamin on 20 October 2020.
In a message shared through social media channels, Sotoudeh has thanked colleagues around the world for their support following her temporary release for medical treatment.
‘Dear friends and human rights activists,
‘With your love and care, I have returned home on medical leave to pursue my treatments. Every day that I spend out of prison, I am waiting to hear the news of the release of all political prisoners. I’d like to express my gratitude for all national and international organizations in Iran and abroad, bar associations in various countries, human rights organizations as well as different individuals such as artists, writers, politicians, civil rights activists, defenders of human rights, news outlets and my dear colleagues around the world.
‘It is because of your love and support that political prisoners can endure prison.Hoping for the release of all political prisoners.’
Sotoudeh’s sentence has been widely condemned by the international legal profession. Lawyers for Lawyers and many of our partner organizations have repeatedly called for the release of Sotoudeh.
