human rights defender

Masoumeh (Akram) Akbari

HRD's Gender

Woman

Type of HRD

  • Social and community leader

HRD's thematic area of engagement

  • Civil and political rights
  • Women's rights

Current Status

Released

HRD's bio and work

Masoumeh (Akram) Akbari is an Iranian civil activist known for her work in supporting women's rights and social justice. She has participated in protests related to women's rights and International Women's Day, which has led to her repeated arrests. Masoumeh was convicted on charges of "propaganda against the regime" and "assembly and collusion to act against national security" and is currently imprisoned in Evin Prison. She is considered one of the influential voices in Iran's human rights struggles and continues to advocate for women's rights despite facing security pressures.

Detained since

Oct 28, 2023

Date of release

Aug 23, 2025

Charge(s)

  • Anti-government propaganda
  • Subversion

Sentence

2 years in prison

Geolocation of detention

Country or area of detention

Region of detention

  • Asia: Southern Asia

Location of detention - City/Town

Tehran

Location of detention - Facility

Tehran, Evin Prison

Recent case update / evolution

Masoumeh Akbari, a civil activist who was serving her sentence in Qarchak Prison in Varamin, was released on August 23, 2025 through a furlough connected to the end of her sentence.

There is no new information available about Ms. Akbari. She is currently serving her sentence in Evin Prison.

Any other relevant documents

Women Activists in Iran: Arrest, Imprisonment, and Ban https://iliberty.org.uk/women-activists-in-iran-arrest-imprisonment-and-ban/

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