Monireh Arabshahi

Additional Name(s): منیره عربشاهی

Gender: Female

Perpetrator: Iran

Religion or Belief: Muslim – Shi'a

Health Concerns: Thyroid issues

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: Yes

Appeal: 5 Years, 6 Months' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: April//2019

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Religious Appearance Resisting State-Imposed Religious Systems Women’s Rights

Nature of Charges: Illegal Assembly Immorality Spreading Propaganda & False or Misleading Ideas, Information, or Materials

Monireh Arabshahi

Extra Bio Info:

Monireh Arabshahi was imprisoned for her women’s rights activism against compulsory religious veiling.

In April 2019, authorities arrested Arabshahi for protesting compulsory hijab by handing out flowers on the metro while not wearing a hijab.

In July 2019, a Tehran court sentenced Arabshahi to one year in prison for “propaganda against the state” (Art. 500 IPC), five years in prison for “assembling and colluding to act against national security” (Art. 610 IPC), and ten years for “encouraging people to immorality or prostitution” (Art. 639 IPC).

In February 2020, an appeals court reportedly resentenced Arabshahi to seven months for “propaganda against the state” (Art. 500 IPC), three years and six months for “assembling and colluding to act against national security” (Art. 610 IPC), and five years and six months in prison for “encouraging people to immorality or prostitution” (Art. 639 IPC). Arabshahi is expected to serve five years and six months in prison as the sentences run concurrently.

In May 2021, Arabshahi was granted a medical furlough to have surgery on her thyroid.

In July 2021, Arabshahi returned to prison. 

In August 2021, Arabshahi was granted a medical furlough.

In October 2021, Arabshahi returned to prison reportedly despite not completing her treatment. 

In May 2022, it was reported that Arabshahi had been taken to a hospital outside of prison due to her deteriorating health reportedly linked to her thyroid condition.

On February 15, 2023, it was reported that Arabshahi had been released from prison.

Arabshahi was repeatedly dispatched to outside hospitals for quick treatment without prolonged medical furlough. She was reportedly denied adequate medical care in prison.

Sources: