Shakila Monfared Goes on Hunger Strike in Protest Against New Charges in Prison

Shakila Monfared, a political prisoner, has gone on a hunger strike in Evin Prison in protest against the 'fabrication of cases' and new charges against her. Ashkan Monfared, the brother of this political prisoner, stated on Wednesday, August 1, that Evin prison officials arrested his sister with 'beating' just one day before the end of her medical leave. Ms. Monfared is now facing two charges of 'destruction' and 'disturbing public order.' Mr. Monfared noted that due to 'pressure from interrogators and ongoing case fabrication,' an additional 'four years and six months' has been added to his sister's sentence, which was supposed to end in a few months due to her 'medical issues.' He also mentioned the efforts of this political prisoner and her family to meet with prison officials, stating that 'dozens of letters to the judiciary and requests for investigation and retrial have reached a deadlock due to the interference of interrogators.' Human rights sources reported last March that Shakila Monfared was sentenced to an additional 15 months in prison and other supplementary punishments in a new case. According to her brother, this sentence was issued on charges of communication with him and was labeled as 'communication with elements opposed to the regime.' Human rights sources indicate that this is the third case initiated against her during her imprisonment. Shakila Monfared was sentenced in 2020 to four years and two months in prison for 'propaganda against the regime' and 'insulting sacred values.' In another case in January 2021, she was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison and a fine of 10 million tomans for 'membership in opposition groups' and 'spreading falsehoods.'