From the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, Sept. 5:

Release Human Rights Lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh
The International Campaign for Human Right in Iran called for the immediate release of prominent human rights lawyer, Nasrin Sotoudeh, who was arrested at Evin prison on 4 September 2010, and for all charges against her to be dropped.

Sotoudeh is a leading human rights lawyer widely respected for her efforts on behalf of juveniles facing the death penalty and for her defense of prisoners of conscience. Sotoudeh, a mother of two, had earlier been charged with threatening national security. Her office and home were searched on 28 August and her assets frozen.

Nasim Ghanavi, Sotoudeh's lawyer, told the Campaign that Sotoudeh was summoned to Evin Prison court on charges of "propaganda against the state," and "collusion and gathering with the aim of acting against national security."

Ghanavi accompanied Sotoudeh to the court summon on 4 September but was not permitted to be present during questioning. After her questioning, Sotoudeh was arrested and held in Evin prison.

"This arrest is nothing more than a crude, arbitrary political move to make it more comfortable for the Iranian government to persecute its citizens," stated Aaron Rhodes, a spokesperson for the Campaign.

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