Feminist Activist Released from Iranian Prison

Esha Momeni, a feminist activist, was released from Evin prison in Iran Monday where she had been held since October 15. She was originally arrested on supposed traffic violation charges while working for the One Million Signatures Campaign, part of the Change for Equality project, which collects signatures in support of Iranian women's rights. According to CNN International, Momeni, an American graduate student from California State University-Northridge was released on bail.

Momeni's case is under preliminary investigation by Iranian authorities, according to Agence France-Presse. The charges against her now include national security offenses.

CNN reports that in 2007, several women were arrested who were connected to the One Million Signatures Campaign. All are currently facing prison time. The campaign was initiated by Iranian women's rights activists who seek to collect one million signatures against the legal discrimination women face under Iranian law. According to The Earth Times, Momeni interviewed activists involved in this campaign in order to make a film addressing the position of Iranian women and profiling activist Parvin Ardalan, who leads the One Million Signatures Campaign.

Media Resources: CNN International 11/11/2008, Agence France-Presse 11/11/2008; Feminist Daily Newswire 10/21/08; The Earth Times 10/21/08

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