w w w . H e l p N a z a n i n . c o m

 

Updates

June: STOP CHILD EXECUTIONS



For the latest updates about Nazanin Fatehi and the 70+ other minors on death row in Iran please go to www.stopchildexecutions.com. There you can sign the petition to put a permanent end to child executions and save the life of minors who are in an imminent situation of being executed by hanging or by stoning.

March 20: Happy Persian New Year Nazanin Fatehi

Today Nazanin Afshin-Jam spoke with Nazanin Fatehi and reported that she sound "extremely happy". Nazanin Fatehi has registered at school and will start school after the Persian New Year Holidays. Her attorney, Mr. Mostafaei visited her and provided her with household items including a telephone and television for her new house. She sounded very much adjusted and happy to have her new found freedom. She said that sometimes her old inmates phone her and ask her what freedom feels like and want her to explain everything that is going on for the Persian New Year. They really miss her.

When asked about her her experiences in prison, Nazanin revealed that it was an extremely hard time for her in prison. She said most of the women were really nervous and stressed all the time. Most of them had lost hope and were waiting to die. She said that when she first received the news of her execution she became out of control and broke a lamp in her prison. For this she was sent to solitary confinement for months. She said that while she was in solitary confinement sometimes the guards would check up on her as the prisoners were supposed to be asleep by 10pm. Whenever they saw that Nazanin was still awake, the next morning they would take her to "hefazat" (protection division) and they would beat her, sometimes with electric chains. She still has marks from this brutality. When she was in solitary confinement she said it was very cold and she had to sleep on the ground sometimes with no blanket and so now she has back problems.

When she was released from prison she had visited the law offices of Mr. Mostafaei and Shadi Sadr and she is now excited of the prospect of one day becoming a lawyer and fighting injustice.

"With the strength and hope in her voice I believe it could happen." Nazanin Afshin-Jam said.

Nazanin Afshin-Jam and Stop Child Executions Campaign wish a happy and healthy Iranian New Year to Nazanin Fatehi and her family. www.stopchildexecutions.com

March 8: International Women's Day




A Women's Rights group, Carzareh Zanan, who have supported the Save Nazanin Campaign, organized a rally a few days ago in support of International Women's Day. Here is the message I wrote in support of their rally:

Dear Jamileh, CARZAREH ZANAN, and guests,

It is only by speaking aloud about the human rights injustices that are taking place in Iran, especially for women that we will be able to make advancements.

Civilizations are supposed to move forward in enlightened thought and progress, so why is it that Iran has returned to the dark ages and has suppressed women's rights and freedoms? Iran had passed the women's emancipation laws in 1935, why is there no longer gender equality?

Why can't women become judges or run for presidency? Why are women forced to wear hijab? Why must women ask for permission from their husbands or fathers to travel and obtain a passport? Why are women regarded as half citizens and their lives worth half that of a man under Sharia Law? Why are women still being stoned for adultery or lashed for having encounters with the opposite sex? Why are women in Iran being beaten with batons and thrown in jail for gathering in peaceful rallies to demand these rights?

The least we can do outside of Iran, like here in Canada, is make use of our rights and freedoms and speak on behalf of the voiceless. Support the heroes from within the country who are speaking up under great risk. We must spread awareness and become sisters in the campaign that was started by a group of women's rights activists called "One million signatures to end Discriminatory laws in Iran".

Congratulations for coming out today, without people like you there would be no change. By gathering together we were able to save Nazanin Fatehi, the young 17 year old girl who was on death row for having defended herself from three men who attempted to rape her and her 15 year old niece. We must now help all "Nazanins". Drop by drop we can create an ocean of change and end the discriminatory laws that exist in Iran.

If we can, we must.

Nazanin Afshin-Jam

March 7: Stop Child Executions!!!



Exactly two years ago, 17 year old Nazanin Fatehi faced the horror of three men who attempted to rape her and her niece. At first she was wrongfully sentenced to death by hanging. With much international outcry she was given a retrial where the five judges unanimously recognized that the act was unintentional and one of self defence. Nazanin’s life was saved and she was released from prison.

There are currently over 25 minors on death row in Iran. Alongside lawyers in Iran, Amnesty International, human rights groups and individuals we have started a huge campaign to permenantly end child executions. Instead of trying to save one life at a time, we must concentrate our energy towards solving the problem from the root and changing the laws in Iran regarding executions of those who have allegedly committed an offence before the age of 18.

We have created www.stopchildexecutions.com to keep you updated on individuals who are up for execution and provide solutions on how you can help. Please join the campaign. Together we can make a difference.

March 4: Nazanin’s lawyer Shadi Sadr arrested

Fifty women's rights activists were arrested in front of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran including one of Nazanin Fatehi’s lawyers Shadi Sadr.

The security police forces attacked a peaceful gathering of women's rights activists that had taken place at 8:30 am in front of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran in objection to the recent governmental oppressions and the summoning of some of these activists. The police forces used violence to scatter the crowd. Shadi Sadr was sent to Evin prison (the same prison where Nazanin Fatehi was held). A woman’s rights group is gathering petition signature at http://www.meydaan.com/English/petition.aspx?cid=52&pid=11.

March 3: World Net Daily article

Campaign to discontinue teen executions moved up notch:
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=54524

March 1: Reza alinejad facing execution



During my February speaking tour, I received an email titled "VERY URGENT" from an unknown sender named Ali Alinejad. I was shocked to learn from Ali that his brother Reza had been imprisoned for 5 years and was now facing imminent execution for a murder he claims he committed in self-defence when he was 17 years old. I had not heard of this case and it was not reported with Amnesty International. I immediately forwarded the message to Nazanin Fatehi’s lawyer Mr. Mostafaei to see if he could help in any way. After reviewing the file, Mr. Mostafaei agreed to take on Reza’s case.

This week Mr. Mostafai sent me a letter he had written to Ayatollah Shahroudi, head of judiciary of the Islamic Republic of Iran, asking for an appeal and re-trial. In his plea, Mr. Mostafaei explains that Reza was eating with his friend on the sidewalk, in the city of Shiraz, when they were approached by two men who started harassing them with profanities. They proceeded to attack Reza and his friend with Nunchaku (a Japanese weapon used in marshal arts). Reza's friend testified that the two attackers had surrounded them and they were not able to run away. Reza was seriously injured by a blow to the head. While Reza was defending himself, one of the two attackers was stabbed and killed. Another person who had witnessed what had happened testified that Reza was defending himself. The friend of the man who was killed also testified that the fight was initiated by them and that they attacked Reza and his friend with Nunchaku.

In his letter, attorney Mr. Mostafaei, concluded that the murder was unintentional. He stressed that due to the fact that Reza was only 17 years old at the time of offence, he should not be executed because Iran is signatory to UN covenants that prohibit the executions of minors for alleged crimes committed below the age 18.

Reza is one of dozens of minors on death row sentenced by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Reza needs your help. According to Mr. Mostafaei, he only has one month to live.

Please write a letter to Iranian head of Judiciary Ayatollah Shahroudi asking for a stay of execution and a fair re-trial.

Head of the Judiciary,
His Excellency Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi
Justice Ministry BLDG. - Panzdah-Khordad (ARK) Sq.
Tehran, Iran


Email:
(In the email subject line write: URGENT LETTER TO AYATOLLAH HASHEMI SHAHROUDI )
Comment box through his website:
http://iranjudiciary.org/contactus-feedback-fa.html
(The fields are written in Persian. The first line is for your name, 2nd your email, 3rd the subject which should read 'URGENT LETTER TO AYATOLLAH HASHEMI SHAHROUDI' and 4th field is for your comments)

Feb 16: Save Delara Darabi!



Nazanin Fatehi is very concerned for the other women in prison who claim their innocence. Nazanin once said in her interview “Don’t just help me, help all Nazanins”.

One young woman who is in desperate need of your help is 20-year-old Delara Darabi. She was sentenced to death at age 17 and after various hearings, the Supreme Court of the Islamic Republic of Iran has upheld her sentence and she is now in imminent risk of execution. Delara maintains her innocence.

Delara is a talented artist and has used paintings to express her feelings. The prison has taken away her art supplies and has been extremely hard on her. As a result she has become emaciated (35 kg) and has attempted suicide. Please help spread awareness, sign the petition and follow the same steps you have taken to help Nazanin Fatehi in the “what you can do" section of helpnazanin.com.

Sign the Petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/DL2222/petition.html
Learn more about Delara:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delara_Darabi
To see some of Delara’s paintings created in prison:
http://www.womeniniran.net/EG/delara/delarasiteEn.html
Write your comments and letters to Delara:

Amnesty International report:
http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGMDE130012006?open&of=ENG-IRN

Feb 16: Nazanin laughing and happy

I spoke with Nazanin Fatehi this morning and she was in great spirits and was laughing a lot. She said that she is being showered with love and affection from her family and she is very happy. She says that even when she goes out she has an entourage of family members who do not want to leave her side. She would like to start school as soon as possible. She said that eventually she would like to become a lawyer. Along with Nazanin’s family, and lawyer Mr Mostafaie, we are exploring various options so that her future will be happy safe and fruitful.

Feb 11: Speech in Frankfurt

Nazanin and Mina continue their speaking tour in Frankfurt.




Feb 10: Speech in Gothenburg

Nazanin and Mina speak in Gothenburg.

Feb 09: Meeting with Member of Parliament in Sweden

Nazanin and Mina met with Member of Swedish Parliament Brigitta Ohlssun about human rights related issues in Iran. They introduced a motion for the Swedish Parliament to put pass to put the needed pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran to abolish death penalty for those who have allegedly committed an offence before the age of 18.



Feb 08: Speech in Stockholm

Nazanin Afshin-Jam has been invited by the International Committee Against Execution to speak with Mina Ahadi about the Save Nazanin Campaign and the future plans to help abolish the death penalty of minors in Iran. They are doing a speaking tour and media circuit in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Frankfurt.

http://www.svd.se/dynamiskt/utrikes/did_14603399.asp http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/nyheter/story/0,2789,997623,00.html



Feb 07: European Parliament: Resolution to end executions of minors

Nazanin Afshin-Jam is a guest speaker at the European Union in Brussels ata women's rights conference entitled ""Harmful Traditional Practices and the Empowerment of Women". Nazanin and Mina present the European Parliament a Motion for a Resolution to end Executions of Juveniles in Iran. This will be in circulation in Strasbourg in the next week.



Feb 06: Radio Interview with Nazanin Fatehi



Listen to her short Radio interview in persian.

These are Nazanin's replies to the questions:

"I was very happy to be free and my freedom is like a new birthday.

When taken in to custody I did not think that I would end up being imprisoned for almost three years. I was innocent but the judge did not believe me and it wasn't until the re-trial that the witnesses told the truth and judges believed me.

When I heard the news of my death sentence I was devastated. I wished to die than being executed.

While in prison I received some news of the activities for my freedom. If it wasn't for all the efforts on my behalf, I would not have been released. I thank Nazanin Afshin-Jam and Mina Ahadi for their efforts as well as everyone who worked so hard to gain my freedom. I also thank everyone who made donations to make the payment of the bail possible. I wish I could do something in return but there is not much that I am capable of doing at this time.

There are so many innocent inmates in prison but there is nothing that they can do. Many innocent people have been in prison for few years and still unsure of their cases outcome. Shahla Jaahed, Zahra and many others there were sentenced to death.

I am hopeful that they all be freed with the efforts from outside. They also are hopeful that their innocence be also proven so they too can be free.

I want me and my sisters to study and finish school.

Thank you so much."

Translations by David Etebari

Feb 05: Meeting with former Crown Prince of Iran Reza Pahlavi



Nazanin Afshin-Jam met with former Crown Prince of Iran Reza Pahlavi to discuss human rights issues in Iran. Also in attendance was Amir Abbas Fakhravar leader of the Confederation of Independent Iranian Students.

Feb 02: Simon Fraser University presentation

Nazanin Afshin-Jam is a guest speaker on the discussion about "Women's rights in Perspective in Iran" organized by SFU Amnesty Club and SFU Persian Club. Other guests included "The Tale of Two Nazanins" director Hossein Fazeli, and second unit director Maryam Najafi and Human Rights lawyer Negar Azmudeh

Feb 02: Nazanin Afshin-Jam's Upcoming Events

Feb 2: Guest speaker on discussion about "Women's rights in Perspective in Iran" organized by SFU Amnesty Club and SFU Persian Club
Feb 4: Voice of America and Radio Farda interview in Washington DC and the Conservative Voice.
Click Here to view VOA Interview
Click Here to view Conservative Voice article
Feb 7: Guest speaker at the European Union's conference on "Harmful Traditional Practices and the Empowerment of Women"
Feb 7: Nazanin and Mina Ahadi present the European Parliament Motion for a Resolution on Executions of Juveniles in Iran 2007
Feb 8-11: Nazanin on European Speaking Tour in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Frankfurt

Feb 01: Conversation with Nazanin and Photos

I spoke with Nazanin Fatehi for the first time ever yesterday while she was celebrating her release with her family and friends. With a sweet soft voice, she couldn't stop saying how happy she was to be reunited with her family and how thankful she was to everyone who helped her gain her freedom. I asked her what she wanted to do from now on, and she said that aside from spending time with her family, she wants to have the opportunity to go to school and study hard. She said she also wants to help some of the other innocent women who were in prison with her to gain their freedom.






Jan 31: NAZANIN IS FREE!!!

Nazanin had a very emotional reunion with her family members. She could not believe that this day had arrived. She cried in her mothers arms and took turns embracing her siblings and father.

After she finished greeting her family, Nazanin's lawyer Mr. Mostafaei said that she told him that she now wants to go to school and study hard to get her life back. Soon after, Mr. Mostafaei got a phone call from some of Nazanin's inmates saying that they missed her already.

More details to follow.

Jan 28: Nazanin not released today

Thirty people including Nazanin Fatehi's family and lawyer waited for two hours outside the prison gates with flowers in hand to greet Nazanin.

Despite the fact that Nazanin's lawyer Mr. Mostafaei had the signed court documents in hand for her release, the prison administrator said there were oustanding issues from the transfer from her previous prison Rajaei-Shahr in Karaj to Evin prison in Tehran where she is now. Due to National holidays in Iran on Monday and Tuesday, the lawyer expects her get her out on Wednesday.

Jan 27: IF ALL GOES AS PLANNED, NAZANIN WILL BE FREE TOMORROW!!!

Thanks to $31,000 USD in on-line donations, $1,000 USD in cheques, $1,000 USD collected in Iran and an extemely generous donation by Member of Canadian Parliament Belinda Stronach who covered the rest of the bail, we have managed to pay the total 400 million Rials (approx $43,000 USD) requested bail payment by the courts in Iran.

Nazanin’s lawyer Mr. Mostafaei is completing all of the paper work necessary for Nazanin’s release. If all goes as planned, she should be free tomorrow, Sunday January 28th. A small congratulatory reception has been organized by her lawyers to celebrate her freedom.

Nazanin Fatehi and her family are ecstatic that she will be home soon. They kept repeating how grateful and thankful they are to everyone that has helped them along the way.

There are still outstanding expenses, so please make a donation on the Donations page and check back later for more details and information.

Jan 18: Nazanin in good spirits

Nazanin's mother spoke to Nazanin by phone and said that she is in good spirits. Normally in prison when Nazanin would hear her name called over the loud speakers she feared that at any moment someone was going to take her to be executed. She says now she is not afraid anymore.

URGENT DONATIONS needed for Nazanin's bail and freedom!

According to Etemaad Newspaper in Iran, which also reported Nazanin's original death sentence in January 2006, three out of the five judges in Nazanin's retrial have ordered that dieh "blood money" be paid to the family of the man who was killed, although the other two had recommended Nazanin's unconditional freedom.

Nazanin's lawyers intend to appeal the payment of blood money, but since this appeal may take several months, they have also requested bail so that Nazanin may be released from prison immediately. The court has set bail at 400,000,000 rials (over US$40,000).

Because Nazanin's family is very poor and unable to make payment of the bail or blood money, immediate financial assistance is required to secure Nazanin's release from prison.

Please visit the Donations section. Details to follow.

Jan 17 :  CONVERSATION WITH NAZANIN FROM PRISON

This is the translation of the full text of an article and interview that was published in Iranian newspaper Etemaad January 16 2007:

She has not seen her home for three years. She has not smelled the Persian New Year vegetable rice for three years, nor been embraced by her father at the turn of the new years. Young Nazanin has spent three years of her life imprisoned while only imagining how her family celebrated the Iranian New Year (March 21). On the other side of the bars, there had not been a sign of happiness in Nazanin's home either.

Her mother's share has only been anxiety and worries about her young daughter. Every night she had the same nightmare of how they were dragging her young daughter to the execution pole. But now everyone knows that with the recent court ruling, Nazanin can live and again think about her future. She can once more think about the good things in life.

Miseries were never ready to leave Nazanin alone. She was only 17 when she had to assume the responsibility of her 15-year-old niece. The memories of that bitter day will never be wiped of the eyes of this young girl. That day, while defending herself and her 15-year-old step-niece, she killed a young man. The dark and heavy shadow of miseries was not yet ready to leave Nazanin alone. Why life has never been accommodating to her? Why in addition to dealing with family poverty, she also had to try to heal the wounds of her niece?

- "Samayeh's body had been burnt with hot spoons. There were wound marks on her body. She only had me to listen to her. When Sameyeh would wake up disturbed in the middle of the nights, she would put her head on my chest to cry. But Sameyeh was more fortunate than I, because at least she could share her sorrow with someone and I could not. I had to endure all the hardships quietly. I could not go to school because my father was very poor. I could not wear nice clothes, because we had problem even feeding ourselves. I never understood that if I was not meant to have a share of this world why was I created? What was I being punished for? When can I taste the true meanings of living? Until when should I look thought the space between the prison bars in search of a sense of freedom? Until when?" Nazanin said.

1. Where did you live?

I was born in Karaj in 1988 (1366 Iranian Calendar) and now I am resident of the township called Sohrabieh in Karaj. My father used to work for the Army but he is now retired. My mother is a housewife. I am the eldest of the family and I have 4 sisters, the smallest one is 12 years old. I have two brothers one is 15 and one is 3 years old.

2. How is your family’s financial situation?

No one is working in our family. My siblings cannot go to school because we are too poor. We had a very hard upbringing and we live in a rental place.

3. What is your level of education?

I studied up to 3rd grade and I could not continue because of my family’s financial situation.

4. What is your opinion of the verdict?

I am innocent. I didn’t mean to kill Yousef. Now I am worried that I won’t be able to pay “dieh” (blood money). My family does not have any money. The only way I will be able to pay “dieh” is through the help of others.

5. How are the conditions in prison?

I had a very hard time in prison, especially when I was in previous prison (Rajayi shahr). These years I have spent in prison felt like ten years but I had to bear it.

6. Did you ever think you would be free from prison one day?

I never thought I would get out of prison, for that reason I just had to bear it. Freedom for me was an unattainable dream.

7. What is your plan after you are free?

I want to be with my family and I never want to leave them ever again. In the time I have been in prison I have realized how difficult it is to live without my family: my mother, brother, sisters and father. If I can I want to study and then work along with them.

8. What is the meaning of life for you?

(While Nazanin heavily cries she says;)

Life was so hard no one would ever be able to understand. I have had such a miserable time that you could not imagine. Some have everything and say, “life is difficult” and so us, without anything, what should we say? I have a lot of things to say but I want to keep it to myself and later I want to share it only with my mother.

9. What do you feel towards the family of the deceased?

I am very sad for the death of Youssef but even last Thursday I gave out “dates’ in prison. Everyone was surprised with why I am doing this. I was not guilty for the death of Youssef, it was his own fault. If he didn’t bother me I wouldn’t have had anything to do with him.

(***Note: Dates or other sweets are often given out as alms for remembering the dead as a sort of good omen)

10. Do you think after you are free you are going to have a normal life?

Perhaps when I am out of prison people will see me as a murderer. This really bothers me and whenever I think about it I cry.

Please help free Nazanin from prison. Please make a Donation by Clicking Here.

Jan 15 :  Amnesty International's report on latest developments about Nazanin

The following is a Public Statement released by Amnesty International titled "Iran: Quashing of child offender’s death sentence highlights need for urgent legal reform":

Go to http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGMDE130022007 to view the news release.

Jan 15 :  News Report - Associated Press

"Five judges reviewed her case, and all of them admitted that what Fatehi did was only self defense," said one of Fatehi's lawyers, Mohammad Mostafaei. "She just defended herself and her niece to avoid rape."

Mostafaei said he expected the court would sentence Fatehi — in accordance with Islamic law — to pay blood money to the family of the man.

Mostafaei said the court set Fatehi's bail at 400,000,000 rials or about US$45,000, and he would meet with her on Tuesday. He asked people to help collect money for Fatehi's bail to help get her released from custody.

Jan 15 :  Nazanin's mother thanks you

In an interview with Persian speaking "radio international" Maryam Fatehi, Nazanin's mother said: "I know how hard each of you have worked to bring Nazanin home and I am grateful to all of you. Nazanin's father and siblings are very happy too. You brought us the only one wish that we had: freedom of our daughter. May God give all of you, our brothers and sisters health and happiness for all that you have done."

Translated by: David Etebari

Jan 14 :  Write a personal message to Nazanin Fatehi

On Sunday the news of Nazanin Fatehi's exoneration gained the number 2 most active myspace "news and politics" blog and the 4th most active blog among more than 400,000 blogs in all catagories. To date, Nazanin Fatehi's myspace page has been visisted 73,000 times worldwide. In an effort to raise awareness and to gain freedom for Nazanin Fatehi, many myspace members have substituted Nazanain Fatehi's ptofile photo for their own.

If you would like to write a personal message for Nazanin Fatehi so that she can read once she is released please go to:

.
Many have been writing poems and songs for Nazanin including: Brent Daniel.

Jan 14 :  FANTASTIC NEWS: NAZANIN EXONERATED BUT...

Nazanin Afshin-Jam and Mina Ahadi spoke with Nazanin Fatehi's lawyers today regarding her retrial that took place on January 10th 2007.

They have received verbal confirmation from the court that she will be exonerated from the charge of murder. The incident that took place in March 2005 has been recognized as an act of self-defense, however the court has ruled that disproportionate force was used by Nazanin while trying to defend herself and her 15-year old niece. Accordingly, they have asked Nazanin to pay “dieh” (blood money) to receive a pardon from the family of the deceased. Once this amount is paid, Nazanin can be released from prison.

Shadi Sadr and Mr. Mostafaei, Nazanin Fatehi's laywers, are appealing this blood money because they believe that Nazanin is innocent for acting in self-defense and therefore she should not have to pay any money. Unfortunately, this appeal may take several months, so in the meantime arrangements may be made to have Nazanin released from prison by paying “bail” money into court.

Formal documentation should be available within days, including further details and specifics like the cost of bail and the cost of blood money.

Jan 12 :  Thanks from Nazanin x 2

Nazanin Fatehi wanted to pass on her appreciation to everyone who has been helping and supporting her. The day after her trial Nazanin phoned her mother and told her that it was the first time she was able to sleep well. From the reports coming back from Iran, it seems that Nazanin and her family were happy with the way her trial went.

NAJ:

Thank you to everyone who has been sending me such kind messages of encouragement and your eagerness to help. Nazanin Fatehi’s written verdict has not been provided. It is anticipated to be given next week; therefore, it is not too late to have your voice heard. Go to the “what you can do” section. I am sorry that I am not able to answer all your individual posts at the moment as you can imagine it is quite a hectic time.

Jan 11 :  Iranin student's report of trial

Iranian Student Committee of Human Rights report of Nazanin Fatehi’s trial on January 10th 2007:
Translated by David Etebari from http://www.cyrusnews.com/news/fa/?mi=6=18764
********NOTE: This report has not yet been confirmed by Nazanin’s lawyers

What happened in court?

The court started at 12:30 pm with a 2-hour delay. Presiding over the trial were four Judges. The four witnesses present were the two boys who were initially with Nazanin and her niece on the day of the incident as well as the two attackers (friends of the man who is deceased). Both families were also present.

After district attorneys read the request for Nazanin Fatehi's death sentence to be commuted, the judges asked the four witnesses to proceed and explain the details of what occurred on that day.

During the hearing, the panel of judges seemed outraged by the conflicting testimonies of the four male witnesses.

Thereafter, Nazanin’s first attorney, Mr. Mostafaei proceeded with his defense:

1. He said that the incident occurred in the quiet side roads in the city of Karaj - a suburb of Iran’s capital Tehran - on a winter day at 2 pm. As such, he said it was an environment where such an occurrence could take place.

2. He said that Nazanin's niece was only 14-years-old at the time of the incident with a history of mental disorder. She had ran away from home in the past and therefore her 17-year-old aunt Nazanin felt responsible for the well being of her younger niece.

3. The defense went on to say that the conflicting testimony of the four male witnesses was proof of Nazanin's innocence.

4. The defence referred back to Nazanin's prior court testimony. He reminded the court that at the time of the incident the prime attacker who was later killed pulled Nazanin off of the motorcycle, pulled her head covering and started touching her breasts. Nazanin warned him that if he did not let her go, she would stab him with the knife that she pulled out but the attackers took Nazanin’s niece Somayeh and forcefully removed her head covering and jacket too. The defence said “any other girl faced with this situation would also have been frightened"

5. The defense stated that there was no evidence of anyone else being present in the vicinity. He said, "How was it expected of Nazanin to leave her niece, whose clothes were partially removed, alone at the scene with 5 men and seek police help?" He ended his defense and said: "If we start punishing those who bravely defend themselves, we weaken such spirit in the society"

II) Afterwards Nazanin's second attorney, Ms. Shadi Sadr started her defense, which seemed to have greatly influenced the audience.

In Nazanin’s previous hearing, the Judge had said that Nazanin could not have been defending her honour and chastity- as she so claimed- because medical reports showed that she was no longer a virgin. Ms. Sadr explained to the court that Nazanin had already been raped once at the age of 15 and the physical marks from this occurrence had also been verified by the court physicians. She said that Nazanin had filed this tragic experience with the police but it was totally disregarded. She said, "When 17 year-old Nazanin was faced with the same difficult situation, she refused to be another victim of rape nor could she allow her younger niece to experience the same horror". She said " If the judges visit Nazanin's home which is located in one the poorest neighborhoods of city of Karaj they would understand that everyday Nazanin is obliged to walk through bare and deserted lots to get home where at anytime she could face an attacker. Therefore, it is considered very logical that she would carry a knife for self defense, especially after her prior difficult life experiences."

The prosecutor in his cross-examination reminded the court that in the previous hearing the judges had determined that the murder was intentional because even if it were considered self-defence the degree was not proportional. He stated that the defense attorneys are making their arguments in reference to defense of

a) LIFE,

b)PROPERTY AND c)CHASTITY, but since the first two claims are not on file this only leaves c)self-defense of her chastity. He then went on to say: “How could a girl who goes to such a deserted location with two boys be so sensitive about her honor?"

The defence responded to the prosecutor’s comments, which was interrupted by shouting of the family of the deceased to the extent that they went to attack Nazanin's family and were forced out of court.

Regardless of the commotion, Nazanin's family seemed content with how the hearing went. The judges adjourned the court.

****Note: None of the above testimony has been confirmed by Nazanin’s lawyers. Although they are hopeful, they say to remain cautious until the final written verdict is announced. It is believed that this should be given sometime next week.

Jan 11 :  Global, Markazi TV (Havaye Tazeh)

Nazanin Afshin-Jam has a series of news interviews on Jan. 11 raising awareness about Nazanin Fatehi and her retrial.

Thursday, Jan. 11/07 – (5:30am PST) - Global (Quebec)
Thursday, Jan. 11/07 - (8:30pm PST) - Markazi TV - Havaye Tazeh

Jan 11 :  Nazanin Trial Photos Released

A series of photos have been released from Nazanin Fatehi's Trial:



Jan 10 :  Nazanin Trial Update

Source APTN (Associated Press)

The court proceedings were supposed to begin at 10:30 local time (07:00 GMT). There was a 2-hour delay due to the massive interest (there were over 200 people cramming to get into the courthouse).

Proceedings, as a result, were carried out in an adjacent amphitheatre. There were four judges presiding over the hearings plus Nazanin's two lawyers. Nazanin's lawyers did most of the speaking, but she presented her side of the story briefly as well.

The court's decision: what Nazanin did was not premeditated murder. The judges added that the previous court's verdict was partly based on unreliable and inaccurate testimony.

The court did not go as far as staying the execution today. But the family expects a formal letter to that effect in the coming days.

Despite the absence of a formal repudiation today, this is very positive news, no doubt, and the family is quite hopeful.

NAJ:

Nazanin's lawyer, Shadi Sadr, said that we must remain cautious until the written verdict is provided in a few days time. Until we receive the written verdict in hand, we encourage everyone to sign the petition and spread awareness of the situation.

Jan 10 :  Nazanin in the Press

The following newspapers have recently profiled the Nazanin Fatehi case:

North American Press:


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