Continued Uncertainty Surrounding Sharifeh Mohammadi in Sanandaj Prison; Legal Case Opened Against Her Husband

Reports from Iran indicate ongoing uncertainty regarding the health and case status of Sharifeh Mohammadi, a labor activist imprisoned in Sanandaj. 'Bidarzani', a media outlet of a group of women's rights activists, reported on the situation of this imprisoned labor activist who was arrested by government forces in Rasht 57 days ago, stating that she has had no contact with the outside world for the past 25 days, and nearly two months after her arrest, the case investigator continues to refuse to respond to her family. According to the report, concerns about Ms. Mohammadi's condition have increased, especially following reports last week of visible signs of beating on her face and an infection on her finger in Sanandaj prison, which has raised alarms for her family. Bidarzani and several labor organizations also reported that a legal case has been opened against her husband, Sirous Fathi, after he pursued information about his wife's situation, with the reason being 'efforts to learn about the detention process and the security case against her.' Previously, Mr. Fathi had written in an open letter about his pursuit of her case: 'Every day I go, they give evasive answers and tell me to come back in ten days. Even the investigator refuses to meet with me. For several days now, they have not allowed me into the courthouse.' He also wrote: 'The legal rights of individuals and citizen rights are only inscribed on paper and have no practical application. My dear Sharifeh, my family and I know that baseless and absurd accusations have been attributed to you.' Sharifeh Mohammadi, a resident of Rasht, was arrested on December 5 in that city and later transferred to Sanandaj prison for interrogation. Bidarzani pointed out that 'the investigator of Branch Four in Rasht has deprived Sharifeh Mohammadi of all her legal rights' and emphasized: 'The responsibility for her life and any incidents lies with the judicial authorities, the prison organization, and the security forces of Gilan province.' Three weeks of uncertainty for the imprisoned labor activist in Sanandaj; Sharifeh Mohammadi's family is worried. Sanandaj intelligence has pressured Sharifeh Mohammadi to obtain a 'forced confession.' A labor organization stated that Sharifeh Mohammadi is being held in Sanandaj Central Prison 'in a state of uncertainty.'