Urgent appeal: Immediate and unconditional release of Reza Khandan!

We strongly demand the immediate and unconditional release of Iranian human rights defender Reza Khandan, husband of renowned human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh.

Reza Khandan was arrested by the Iranian security forces on December 13, 2024 – the exact day on which the new repressive law on the compulsory wearing of the hijab, which further exacerbates discrimination and oppression of women in Iran, was due to come into force.

The arrest is in connection with a six-year prison sentence that was imposed on him in 2019. He was accused of membership of a “criminal organization” and the “conspiratorial production and distribution of patches against the hijab obligation” – an absurd and politically motivated sentence that criminalizes his peaceful campaign for women’s rights and freedom of expression.

For years, Khandan and his family have been subjected to massive state persecution because they have tirelessly campaigned for fundamental rights, the rule of law and human dignity.

It is particularly alarming that Reza Khandan is currently being held in solitary confinement because he went on hunger strike in protest against the brutal treatment of his family by the security forces. Relatives who merely demanded a table visit with him were harassed and violently rejected.

We call on the international community, human rights organizations and governments worldwide to immediately urge the Iranian authorities to secure the release of Reza Khandan and stop the ongoing repression of human rights defenders in Iran.

  Vienna – 03.02.2025

Dr. Behrouz Bayat
Komitee zur Verteidigung der Menschenrechte im Iran, Österreich

Prof. Dr. Siroos
MirzaeiMedical Professionals for Human Rights in Iran – Austria