'Release Shiva immediately and unconditionally!'

Shiva Nazar Ahari, a 26-year-old Iranian citizen and human rights defender is illegally detained in one of the world’s most notorious prisons for defending the rights of others. Her trial is set for September 4, 2010. She is charged with conspiracy, collusion and most worryingly the charge of Moharebeh (waging war against God), an offence with the maximum penalty of death.

Since 2004 she has been sent to Tehran’s Evin prison on three separate occasions and spent long periods of her detention in solitary confinement. Her last arrest was on December 20, 2009 and Shiva has lived in a state of limbo for most of her long detention because until June 2010 the Judiciary failed to provide any answers or specifics on her charges

A group of activists and human rights defenders have united to launch a global campaign that focuses on shedding light on the illegal detention of Shiva Nazar Ahari.

The main message of the Campaign is simple: Release Shiva from prison immediately and unconditionally.

The Campaign utilizes various communication methods to take Shiva’s story on an international level. Thousands of supporters have already sent letters to the United Nations, Iranian embassies, and the media to urge all organizations to take action for Shiva Nazar Ahari.

As a next step supporters around the world are urged to participate in the campaign from their home or office by submitting a video message or picture of support. Also, world renowned human rights and non-partisan organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Reporters Without Borders have taken a firm stance against Shiva’s imprisonment and demanded her immediate release.

The Campaign views any charges against Shiva’s humanitarian activities as false. Shiva is a freedom-loving person whose activism work has always consisted of defending the rights of forgotten or abused Iranian citizens.

On August 2 and 3, 2010 human rights supporters will gather outside Islamic Republic Embassies and wear Shiva Nazar Ahari face masks to demonstrate their solidarity with her.

TAKE ACTION NOW FOR SHIVA!

1. Submit a Video Message of Support for Shiva:

Submit a video message (10-30 seconds) to show your support for imprisoned human rights activist Shiva Nazar Ahari.

IT’S VERY EASY: grab your camcorder or web cam and record your message. Hold or display a picture of Shiva to make the message more powerful. Your message can include the phrases “Free Shiva Nazar Ahari” and “We Are All Shiva” or you can come up with an original message. Submit your video to the official email address for the Campaign to Free Shiva Nazar Ahari: cmpgnforshiva@gmail.com

2. SEND E-LETTERS in support of Iranian journalist & activist Shiva Nazar Ahari

3. Sign the Petition: Release Shiva Nazar Ahari!

4. WRITE LETTERS to international organizations and media outlets to demand or request the immediate release of Shiva Nazar Ahari.

5. Organize or join a demonstration near you on 2 or 3 September (list of locations coming soon) wearing a face mask of Shiva. Take a photograph and send the photo to: cmpgnforshiva@gmail.com

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