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DemocracyAlerts

From time to time, the World Movement for Democracy issues alerts concerning participants and other colleagues who are, or may be, facing personal danger due to their work on behalf of democracy and for whom a vigorous response from around the world may be critical.

To see previous alerts go to www.wmd.org/democracyalerts/democracyAlerts.html.

(April 26, 2007)

Update: Campaign for Sentenced Women Activists Sentenced in Iran

The Women's Learning Partnership for Rights, Development, and Peace (WLP) has issued an alert and began a writing campaign to help four women's rights activists who were sentenced to prison last week for their role in organizing the June 12, 2006 peaceful protest demanding equal rights for women in Iran. Fariba Davoudi Mohajer was sentenced to 4 years in prison, three of which are suspended. Parvin Ardalan and Noushin Ahmadi Khorasani were sentenced to 3 years, of which two and a half years are suspended. Sussan Tahmasebi received 2 years, of which one year and a half years are suspended.

The women will be required to serve the suspended sentences if "found guilty of another crime" during the next five years. WLP claims the government is using the suspended sentences as a way to pressure activists into ceasing their activities. All activists were tried in absentia, because when they walked outside the courthouse to stop police from beating supporters and friends assembled to hear the outcome of their cases, they were arrested and prevented from returning to the courthouse to be present at their own trial.

To protest the sentencing of the four activists, WLP asks you to please write to the following individuals:

info@leader.ir

Irjpr@iranjudiciary.com

jzarif@un.int

Go to: www.learningpartnership.org/advocacy/alerts/iranwomenarrests0307