Human Rights Watch Calls for Immediate Release of Shahnaz Karim Beigi

Human Rights Watch condemned the arrest of Shahnaz Karim Beigi, the mother of one of the victims of Ashura in 2009, as "shameful" and urged the Iranian government to release her immediately. In a report on Thursday, February 17, the organization addressed the conditions of Shahnaz Karim Beigi, mother of Mostafa Karim Beigi, during her detention, stating that she has not had access to a defense lawyer. Shahnaz Karim Beigi was arrested on January 26 and has been held in Evin Prison since then, while Human Rights Watch cites informed sources indicating that it is unclear what charges she is facing. The organization emphasizes that Iranian authorities must either release Shahnaz Karim Beigi immediately or quickly present specific criminal charges against her and ensure a fair trial. The report includes statements from Sarah Leah Whitson, head of Middle East affairs at Human Rights Watch, who described Ms. Karim Beigi's detention as "arbitrary." She stated, "The arbitrary detention of someone who has always sought justice for her son is truly shameful. The judiciary should focus on finding her son's killer instead of prosecuting Karim Beigi for her peaceful activities." Mostafa, Shahnaz Karim Beigi's son, was shot in the head during the Ashura protests in 2009 near Noeufel-Louchateau Street and was killed. His family initially believed he had been arrested, but ultimately received his body 15 days later. Since then, Shahnaz Karim Beigi has become more socially and politically active, calling for the release of political prisoners in Iran on various occasions.