USCIRF Calls for Release of Iranian Prisoner of Conscience Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Vice Chair Gayle Manchin on Sunday again called on the government of Iran to release Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee, for whom Vice Chair Manchin advocates as part of USCIRF’s Religious Prisoners of Conscience Project.
Nov 28, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 28, 2018
USCIRF Calls for Release of Iranian Prisoner of Conscience Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee
USCIRF Vice Chair Gayle Manchin calls for Iraee’s release on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
WASHINGTON, DC – United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Vice Chair Gayle Manchin on Sunday again called on the government of Iran to release Golrokh Ebrahimi Iraee, for whom Vice Chair Manchin advocates as part of USCIRF’s Religious Prisoners of Conscience Project.
Iraee is an Iranian author and human rights advocate who wrote pieces and Facebook posts discussing political prisoners and criticizing the official policy of stoning women for adultery. Following a conviction on charges of “insulting Islamic sanctities” and “spreading propaganda,” she was sent to the women’s ward of the notorious Evin Prison. Here she has been subjected to violence including beatings and psychological torture.
“On this day when thousands across the world call for an end to violence against women,” said Vice Chair Manchin, “I want to take the opportunity to highlight the case of Iraee, who is suffering a terrible injustice for courageously advocating for others’ rights. Despite being subjected to repeated physical and psychological abuse, Iraee has shown great strength and resilience. I call on the government of Iran to release her immediately and to cease perpetrating violence against women.”
Since 1999, the State Department has designated Iran as a “country of particular concern” for engaging in systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom.
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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze and report on threats to religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected] or Kellie Boyle at [email protected] or +1-703-898-6554.