Iran: Fears for the Safety of Women’s Rights Defender Esha Momeni

Esha Momeni is a graduate student in the USA and a member of a branch of the Campaign for Equality in California. She had been in Iran to visit her family and to conduct research for her Master's degree thesis on the Iranian women’s movement.

She was detained by officials who identified themselves as traffic police whilst driving in Tehran. She was escorted to her family’s home, which was searched, and her computer and footage of the interviews she had conducted for her research confiscated. She was then taken to Evin Prison.

Esha Momeni was released from Tehran's Evin Prison on 10 November. Her bail of 2000 million rials (approximately US$ 200,000) was met by the deeds to her family’s apartment. Her  father has reportedly said that she was expected to appear in court on 11 November to face charges of 'acting against state security' and 'propaganda against the system'. He also said that she is not permitted to leave Iran, but hoped that she would be able to return soon to Los Angeles.

Esha Momeni is reported to have lost about 7 kilograms in weight since her detention on 15 October, but otherwise is said to be in good health.

Take action: urge the Iranian authorities to drop any charges against Esha Momeni relating to her peaceful activities in connection with the Campaign for Equality.