PEN America Denounces Imprisonment Of Iranian Writer, Dissident

PEN America has issued a strong condemnation following the sentencing of Sepideh Rashno, a young Iranian writer, poet, and outspoken critic of Iran’s mandatory hijab law.

Rashno, who gained attention after a viral video captured her in a scuffle with a government hijab enforcer in 2022, had her sentence of three years and 11 months in Evin prison enforced on Thursday.

“Writers and artists such as Rashno play a pivotal role, not only by calling out injustices and amplifying the public’s desire for change but also by inspiring everyone to dream of a brighter future grounded in human rights and where women can freely make choices about what they wear,” stated Liesl Gerntholtz, PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Center director at PEN America.

Rashno’s journey through the Iranian legal system has been marked by controversy. Concerns were raised over a televised confession where Rashno appeared with bruises on her face, sparking allegations of coercion. Despite being released on bail in June 2023, Rashno faced a series of charges, including “propaganda” and “encouraging promiscuity,” culminating in her recent sentencing.

Her case is emblematic of the broader struggle against forced hijab in Iran, a movement catalyzed by the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. The opposition to mandatory hijab has become a symbol of the Woman, Life, Freedom protests.

Iran’s crackdown on writers is highlighted by PEN America’s Freedom To Write Index, which reported at least 57 Iranian writers arrested in 2022, making Iran the second-highest jailer of writers globally, following China. Furthermore, Iran leads in the incarceration of female writers.

PEN America said it continues to advocate for Rashno’s release and urges the Iranian government to respect freedom of expression and human rights.