An Iranian-Canadian Professor Arrested by the IRGC's Intelligence Protection

An Iranian professor of anthropology at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, who traveled to Iran for a "research trip," has been arrested by the Intelligence Protection of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The family of Homa Hoodfar stated in a statement released on Wednesday, June 9, that on March 9, 2016, two days before her departure from Iran, IRGC forces raided her home, confiscating all her personal belongings, including her laptop, identification documents, research papers, phone, passports, and some personal books, and informed her that she was banned from leaving the country. According to Hoodfar's family, the professor was released on bail after some time, but interrogation sessions continued until she was arrested again on Tuesday, June 7, after being summoned to the Security Prosecutor's Office without prior notice. The statement indicates that Hoodfar's lawyer and family members have not been allowed to visit her, and the reason for her arrest has not been disclosed to them. Hoodfar's family has stated that she suffers dangerously from a neuromuscular disease called myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness) but has not been allowed to receive her medications. They emphasize their serious concern for her health. The statement reminds that Hoodfar is "not political" and has only been engaged in scientific and research activities, particularly regarding the improvement of women's status in Islamic societies. In conclusion, Hoodfar's family, noting that she holds Iranian, Canadian, and Irish nationalities, has urged all three governments to seriously pursue her situation and facilitate her release. Homa Hoodfar is 65 years old. The arrest of individuals with multiple nationalities in Iran has a history. Zahra Kazemi was an Iranian national who also held Canadian citizenship and was imprisoned and killed after traveling to Iran. The Islamic Republic does not recognize dual citizenship.