Sepideh Roshno's Letter to Sarvnaz Ahmadi: 'Women's Ward of Evin is the Frontline of Woman, Life, Freedom'

Sepideh Roshno, an activist against compulsory hijab, released an audio letter addressed to Sarvnaz Ahmadi, a prisoner and children's rights activist, referring to the 'Women's Ward of Evin' as 'a prison within a prison' and 'the frontline of woman, life, freedom.' Roshno noted the cut-off of communications and visits and the failure of Ahmadi's mother to contact her, stating, 'Resistance in women is different.' In her letter, Roshno highlighted the bravery of imprisoned women, saying, 'For me, the frontline of woman, life, freedom is the Women's Ward of Evin. It is right in the ear of tyranny. The frontline of all that is not happening, of lack, and of coercion. The frontline of fighting for a little more time to stay in the yard and see the sky. To take a pill and ease a bit of pain.' Roshno expressed her hope that her letter would reach Ahmadi, but added that she might end up in prison before her letter does. She mentioned, 'I have prepared as much nail polish as the cypress trees of the Women's Ward. I hope it reaches all of you. Maybe I will bring it with me.' In her closing, Roshno urged Ahmadi to embrace the hands of other imprisoned women who are at the forefront of the struggle. Sarvnaz Ahmadi, a social worker and children's rights activist, was arrested during protests over the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini alongside her husband, Kamyar Fakour, a journalist and labor activist. After being released on a 500 million tomans bail, she was re-arrested in May of this year and has been in Evin Prison since then. Reports indicate that Ahmadi currently faces restrictions including a ban on communication and visits. Sepideh Roshno has been sentenced to four years in prison for opposing compulsory hijab, which she described as 'utter foolishness' of the Islamic Republic's judiciary, emphasizing that 'four years of black captivity cannot change the truth.' Roshno was arrested in July 2022 for protesting against 'compulsory hijab' and resisting the interference of a woman known as 'Rayhaneh Rabiei' regarding her attire, and was forced to make 'coerced confessions' on state television. Roshno's name appears in the BBC's list of 100 inspiring and influential women of 2023.