Iranian activist Reza Khandan has been at the forefront of fighting for human rights and women’s rights in Iran. Along with his wife, Nasrin Sotoudeh, he has been a vocal advocate for change in his country, even at the risk of imprisonment and persecution. In this article, we will delve into Khandan’s experience of life in Evin Prison and his unwavering fight against mandatory hijab laws.
Evin Prison, located on the outskirts of Tehran, has been notoriously known as one of Iran’s most notorious prisons. It has housed thousands of political prisoners, journalists, and activists, often in inhumane conditions. Reza Khandan first experienced Evin Prison in 2011 when he was arrested for his peaceful activism alongside his wife Nasrin Sotoudeh. They were both charged with spreading anti-government propaganda and sentenced to prison.
Khandan recalls the appalling conditions inside Evin Prison, with overcrowded cells, lack of basic hygiene, and constant surveillance. He describes being confined to a small cell with six other prisoners, including his wife. The couple was only allowed to see each other for 15 minutes every other day, which was the only solace they had in that desolate place.
The couple endured physical and psychological torture during their imprisonment, including being threatened and beaten by guards. Khandan remembers how even the simplest act of requesting to see a doctor was seen as a political statement and could result in harsh repercussions. However, this did not deter him or his wife from continuing their fight for justice and human rights.
One of the main issues that Reza Khandan and Nasrin Sotoudeh have been advocating for is the end of mandatory hijab laws in Iran. Since the Iranian Revolution in 1979, women have been required to cover their hair and body in public. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement of women protesting against this mandatory dress code, arguing for the freedom to choose what they wear.
Khandan had been an advocate for women’s rights long before he was arrested, and he remained adamant about the importance of this cause even during his imprisonment. In an open letter to the Tehran Prosecutor, he wrote, “The legal status of women in Iran is a mark of shame for the entire nation. It’s an insult to women and to men who have not stood up against it. This must be changed. Women have every right to determine what to wear, what to think and how to live.”
The couple’s fight against mandatory hijab laws gained international recognition when Sotoudeh went on a hunger strike to protest against being denied access to her lawyer. She was also protesting against the unjust treatment of political prisoners, including herself, in Evin Prison. Her hunger strike lasted for 49 days and caught the attention of human rights organizations and activists around the world.
For Khandan and Sotoudeh, the fight against mandatory hijab laws is not just a political cause; it is a personal one as well. They have a daughter who has grown up in a society where women are discriminated against, and they want a better future for her and all women in Iran.
Khandan and Sotoudeh’s relentless efforts have not gone unnoticed, and their courage has inspired many in Iran and around the globe. In 2018, they were awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought by the European Parliament. The award recognized their activism and sacrifices in the face of government repression.
Despite being released from prison, Khandan and Sotoudeh continue to face harassment and intimidation from the Iranian government. But they remain determined to stand up for what they believe in and fight for the rights of all oppressed individuals in Iran.
Reza Khandan’s story shows us the harsh reality of life for activists in Iran and the courageous struggle for change. It also highlights the importance of individuals like Khandan and Sotoudeh, who risk their freedom and lives to fight for human rights and equality. Their unwavering determination and sacrifice serve as an inspiration to all of us and remind us of the power of speaking up against injustice.
As a society, we must stand in solidarity with individuals like Reza Khandan and Nasrin Sotoudeh in their fight for a better and more just world. We must condemn the violation of their rights and support their vision
