IRAN: Afghani Women's Rights journalist freed

10 June 2008

Update # 1 to RAN 16/08

The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN welcomes the release of editor Ali Muhaqiq Nasab, on 28 May 2008. Nasab had been held by without charge in Iran since 4 May 2008.

Background:

Nasab was detained by Iranian officials in Qom, near the Iranian capital Tehran, on 4 March 2008. Documents, mobile phones and a computer were reportedly confiscated from his home at the time of his arrest. Nasab's wife was reportedly denied access to any information about him, and officials from Iran's embassy in Kabul had declined to comment on the case. Although Iranian officials did not formally charge Nasab, International PEN was seriously concerned that Nasab was being held for his writings in support of womens' rights. For previous alert click here: http://www.internationalpen.org.uk/internationalpen/index.cfm?objectid=F5CCB1A3-E0C4-ED84-07B0EE4470ECB269

Thank you to all who sent appeals on his behalf.

For further information please contact Cathy McCann at International PEN Writers in Prison Committee, Brownlow House, 50/51 High Holborn, London WC1V 6ER, Tel.+ 44 (0) 20 7405 0338, Fax: +44 (0) 20 7405 0339, email: cathy.mccann@internationalpen.org.uk