Cartoon 76: Punishing Families

Imprisoned activist Bahareh Hedayat has been experiencing serious health issues that could potentially leave her sterile if left untreated, her husband told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran. “Bahareh suffers from chronic reproductive system problems and the doctors believe that if her treatment is delayed, she may not be able to have children in the future,” Amin Ahmadian said.

Student and women’s rights activist Bahareh Hedayat, now 32, is a former member of the Central Council and the Spokesperson for the nationwide student organization Daftar-e Tahkim-e Vahdat. A Tehran court sentenced her to a total of nine years and six months in prison, comprised of two years for “insulting the Supreme Leader,” six months for “insulting the President,” and five years for “acting against national security and publishing falsehoods.” She was also sentenced to an additional two years in prison for “acting against national security through holding a protest gathering for women” on June 12, 2006, currently suspended.