human rights defender

Fatemeh Sepehri

Urgent support needed

Medical assistance. Fatemeh Sepehri's last cardiac examination was conducted on May 1, 2024 during which doctors recommended that she undergo heart check-ups every three months. However, since then, she has been deprived of the necessary medical examinations and is now facing serious issues such as an irregular heartbeat, severe chest pain, and back pain

HRD's year of birth

1964

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

In prison (sentenced)

HRD's bio and work

Fatemeh Sepehri is a prominent Iranian political and civil activist known for her criticism of the policies of the Islamic Republic and her support for human rights. She lost her husband during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. Sepehri was one of the signatories of the letter by 14 civil activists calling for the resignation of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. Due to her political activism, she has been arrested multiple times and sentenced to more than 37 years in prison. Sepehri continues to be recognized as a leading figure in defending human rights and civil liberties.

Detained since

Sep 21, 2022

Charge(s)

  • Anti-government propaganda
  • Spreading fake news

Sentence

37 years and 6 months in prison

Latitude: 36.33897989378956

Longitude: 59.49015211534547

Geolocation of detention

Country or area of detention

Region of detention

  • Asia: Southern Asia

Location of detention - City/Town

Mashhad

Location of detention - Facility

Mashhad, Vakilabad Prison of Mashhad

Allegations / reports of ill-treatment

Fatemeh Sepehri, a political prisoner held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, is facing severe health issues. Despite doctors' recommendations and the need for continuous medical care, she has been denied access to appropriate treatment. https://www.hra-news.org/2024/hranews/a-50372/

Recent case update / evolution

Fatemeh Sepehri has been transferred to Shariati Hospital in the city of Mashhad. This transfer took place following severe heart palpitations, chest pain, and low blood pressure.

Any other relevant documents

2024 Humanitarian Award Presented to Fatemeh Sepehri https://nufdiran.org/media_center/2024-humanitarian-award-presented-to-fatemeh-sepehri/

Fatemeh Sepehri – USCIRF Profile https://www.uscirf.gov/religious-prisoners-conscience/forb-victims-database/fatemeh-sepehri

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