Free Atena, Imprisoned for Drawing Cartoons in Iran

  • by: Amnesty International Canada
  • recipient: Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Head of the Judiciary, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
On 1 June, Atena Farghadani, a 29-year-old painter and activist, was sentenced to 12 years and nine months in prison simply because she was seen to be critical of the Iranian regime in her art and through her peaceful activism.

Atena used her right to freedom of expression by drawing a cartoon to show her dissent for a new government Bill. She also associated with the families of political prisoners; and posted anti-government messages on Facebook.

Call on Iran to release her now.

Atena is a prisoner of conscience — she has committed no real crime. She is being unfairly punished simply for exercising her right to free speech, association and assembly.

Please sign the petition and call on Iran's Supreme Leader and the Head of the Iranian Judiciary to release Atena immediately.
Your Excellencies the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Head of the Judiciary, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran,

I call on you to:

- Release Atena Farghadani immediately and unconditionally, as she is a prisoner of conscience

- Ensure that Atena's conviction and sentence are quashed

- Not punish citizens for expressing their right to free speech, including through artistic activities, as they are protected by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Iran is signatory to.

[Your comments here]

Sincerely,
[Your name]
Update #17 years ago
GREAT NEWS! Iranian artist & activist Atena Farghadani is free! Thank you for speaking out for Atena, who was imprisoned for 18 months following an unfair trial for drawing a political cartoon. Atena's release came on May 3 after an appeal court in Tehran dramatically reduced her original 12-years and nine months sentence to 18 months. You can read more about this success here.
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