human rights defender

Azadeh Chavoshian

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

Azadeh Chavoshian, a women's rights activist from Gilan Province, was arrested for participating in peaceful protests and advocating for women's rights. Along with several other activists, she was tried by the Rasht Revolutionary Court and convicted on charges of "assembly and collusion against national security." As a prominent defender of women's rights, Azadeh has faced significant security and judicial pressures and was transferred to Lakan Prison in Rasht to serve her sentence. Her activism in support of women's rights is part of the broader women's rights movement in Iran.

Detained since

Jul 13, 2024

Charge(s)

  • Subversion

Sentence

6 years, 1 month, and 17 days of imprisonment

Geolocation of detention

Country or area of detention

Region of detention

  • Asia: Southern Asia

Location of detention - City/Town

Rasht

Location of detention - Facility

Lakan Prison in Rasht

Recent case update / evolution

Ms. Chavoshian was sentenced to six years, one month, and 17 days of imprisonment by Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court in Rasht, presided over by Judge Mahdi Rasakhee. This sentence was ultimately upheld by Branch 11 of the Appeals Court of Gilan Province, presided over by Judge Mohammad Sadegh Iran Aqideh.

Azadeh Chavoshian returned to Lakan Prison in Rasht after the end of her leave

Any other relevant documents

Iran: Mass Arrests of Women’s Rights Defenders https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/08/19/iran-mass-arrests-womens-rights-defenders

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