British PEN Calls for Immediate and Unconditional Release of Mahvash Sabet

On Thursday, January 10, the British PEN Association called for the immediate and unconditional release of Mahvash Sabet, a Baha'i poet and teacher, and many other Iranians imprisoned due to violations of the right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest by the Islamic Republic of Iran. This human rights advocacy organization highlighted the history of Mahvash Sabet's arrests and her imprisonment on 'false charges,' announcing her as an honorary member of PEN England and urging its members to express solidarity with her. The British PEN Association noted that Mahvash Sabet is a prominent poet and teacher in Iran, adding that in 2017, she was chosen by her fellow poet, Michael Langley, as the winner of the PEN Pinter Prize for courageous writers. The organization also expressed serious concern over reports indicating that Mahvash Sabet has been tortured during her detention. Mahvash Sabet's daughter stated, 'If my mother goes back to prison, she will lose her life.' Human rights activist Jinoos Forutan expressed serious concerns about Mahvash Sabet's situation, particularly regarding her potential return to prison after the end of her sentence suspension. Ms. Sabet, 71, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in December 2022 by Branch 26 of the Islamic Revolutionary Court of Tehran for 'forming and managing a group or gathering with the intent to disrupt national security,' along with a two-year travel ban, a prohibition on residing in Tehran, a ban on social group activities, and the confiscation of several digital tools. This sentence was confirmed by Branch 36 of the Tehran Court of Appeals. Forutan noted that after Sabet's second arrest, doctors confirmed in writing that she suffers from osteopenia and tendonitis, making it difficult for her to endure prison conditions, which could worsen her health. The human rights activist added that Sabet has undergone open-heart surgery, has a tumor in her lung, and suffers from chronic bronchitis, emphasizing that these health issues are the result of years of neglect and lack of medical care in prison. She also stated, 'Mahvash Sabet's life reflects the situation of dozens of other Baha'is who have been systematically oppressed under false pretenses.' She added that these individuals are not only deprived of their human rights and fundamental freedoms but are also denied the opportunity to serve the community and contribute to improving the situation in Iran. Forutan emphasized that enduring such pain and suffering solely because of being Baha'i is incompatible with any human, ethical, or human rights principles, and Mahvash Sabet should never return to prison. Baha'i citizens have been systematically subjected to execution, widespread social and political discrimination, and illegal actions, including arrests and desecration of their cemeteries, since the Islamic Revolution of February 1979. Unofficial sources in Iran indicate that over 300,000 Baha'i citizens live in Iran, but the Iranian Constitution does not recognize the Baha'i faith. Repression and restrictions against Baha'is in Iran have intensified in recent years. The United Nations estimates that at least 70 Baha'is are currently detained or serving their sentences in Iran, while another 1,200 are under legal prosecution or have been previously convicted. Human Rights Watch described the Iranian government's actions against the Baha'i minority as 'crimes against humanity' in a report earlier this year. The New York-based organization stated that the persecution of Baha'is in Iran falls under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. The Baha'i community of France has called for the immediate release of Mahvash Sabet, as has the Professional Writers' Association of Spain and the global Baha'i community. Human Rights Watch has reported that imprisoned activists in Iran are denied access to medical treatment.