Iran News Update | Mahmoud Hakam | 25th November 2024
Tribute to a Courageous Political Prisoner
A collective of intellectuals, human rights defenders, and political figures, including Elisabeth Badinter, Ingrid Betancourt, and Laurence Tubiana, have condemned the Islamic Republic of Iran’s treatment of Maryam Akbari Monfared. Imprisoned since 2009, Maryam is one of Iran’s longest-serving political detainees. Her transfer to Qarchak Prison, notorious for its brutal conditions, has intensified international calls for her release.
A Life Stolen by Oppression
Maryam Akbari Monfared, a mother of three, has endured 15 years of incarceration, starting with a 15-minute trial that sentenced her for “enmity against God” (moharebeh). Her imprisonment stems solely from her family’s opposition to the Iranian regime. Four of her siblings were victims of the state’s extrajudicial killings, including during the 1988 massacre, which the UN Special Rapporteur on Iran, Javaid Rehman, has described as genocide and a crime against humanity.
Despite her sentence being due to end in 2019, Maryam’s imprisonment was extended for five more years after she courageously filed a complaint against these killings. Her demand for justice reflects her unwavering resistance:
“With my head held high and my heart aflame, I continue to demand justice for my stolen life, for the lives of my children deprived of their mother, and for all the innocent people whose lives you have shattered.”
A Call for International Action
Maryam’s transfer to Qarchak in October 2024 marks a new low in her imprisonment. This facility, infamous for inhumane conditions, has prompted organizations like Amnesty International to issue urgent warnings. Her plight is emblematic of the broader crackdown on dissent in Iran, particularly against women activists.
The international community must act decisively. France, along with other European nations, is urged to advocate for her release and condemn Iran’s systematic repression of political prisoners.
A Voice for Justice
Even behind bars, Maryam’s voice has not been silenced. From Evin Prison in 2018, she wrote about the regime’s brutality and urged Iranians to continue their fight for justice. During the 2022 uprisings following the death of Jina Mahsa Amini, Maryam encouraged protesters:
“If you are arrested, do not trust the interrogators. They are our enemy… Families, do not remain silent. Shout!”
Her words resonate far beyond the prison walls, symbolizing the courage of countless Iranians striving for freedom.
Conclusion
Maryam Akbari Monfared’s continued detention underscores the Iranian regime’s contempt for human rights. Her case demands urgent attention from global leaders and organizations. As the call for her release intensifies, she remains a beacon of hope and resistance for those fighting against tyranny.
This article is based on a piece originally published in Le Monde on November 24, 2024, highlighting the collective call for justice for Maryam Akbari Monfared and all prisoners of conscience in Iran.
https://irannewsupdate.com/news/human-rights/maryam-akbari-monfared-a-symbol-of-resistance-in-iran/