Source:

August 2, 2010

Civil activist Hengameh Solouki has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison. She was arrested on 27 December during the Ashura protests which were quickly turned violent by Iran’s security forces.

According to the RAHANA news agency, after imprisonment in ward 209 of Evin prison, the civil activist was temporarily released on bail before the start of the Iranian New Year in March 2010.

The charges against her include “colluding and assembly” (24 months in prison) as well as “propagating against the establishment” (six months in prison). “Sending widespread text message and calling for assembly” were cited as one of the pieces of evidence in handing down her sentence. This is despite the fact that article 27 of the constitution of the Islamic Republic guarantees the freedom of assembly, provided that arms are not carried and that gatherings are not detrimental to the principles of Islam.

On 27 December 2009, many Iranians turned out to participate in peaceful anti-government protests which were soon crushed violently by the police, Basij and plain-clothed militia. Scores of people were killed, inured or arrested following the demonstrations. Many of those arrested faced charges as Moharebeh (warring against God), a crime punishable by death.