DROI Chair calls for release and urgent medical help for women human rights defenders in Iran
Alarmed by the detention of two women human rights defenders in Iran, the Chair of the Human Rights Subcommittee (DROI), Mr Pier Antonio Panzeri (S&D, IT), made the following statement:
"I am gravely concerned by the detention and reported cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment of Atena Daemi and Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee at Shahr-e Rey prison. They are regarded as prisoners of conscience by credible human rights organisations. They are serving lengthy and unjust prison sentences that were handed down solely for their peaceful human rights work.
Therefore I urge the Iranian authorities to release them immediately and unconditionally.
Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee and Atena Daemi should also be given urgent and adequate medical attention and care due to their fragile and deteriorating state of health as a result of their lengthy hunger strike and ill-treatment, including previous harassment and physical attacks by other inmates and guards. I call on the prison administration and the relevant authorities to guarantee regular contacts with family members, including prison visits and phone calls. I also call on the authorities to take immediate steps to improve the detention conditions and facilities at Shahr-e Rey prison."