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Iran liberates women's rights campaigner Nahid Taghavi from confinement

Iranian authorities have granted freedom to female rights activist Nahid Taghavi, who previously served a 4-year sentence in prison.

Iran Liberates Female Rights Advocate Nahid Taghavi
Iran Liberates Female Rights Advocate Nahid Taghavi

Iran liberates women's rights campaigner Nahid Taghavi from confinement

In a chilling reminder of the ongoing human rights violations worldwide, German-Iranian activist Nahid Taghavi finds herself at the centre of a controversial court case in Iran.

Taghavi, a dual citizen holding both German and Iranian passports, currently resides in Germany. She has been a vocal critic of the Iranian government, advocating for equal rights for all citizens in the Asian nation, which, with a population similar to Germany, is home to millions.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, drafted by the United Nations, outlines human rights, including the prohibition of torture. However, the allegations against Taghavi suggest otherwise. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison by an Iranian court, with reports of torture during her detention.

Torture is not just physical abuse but can also involve psychological torment. The act, a violation of human rights, specifically the right to life and freedom from cruel and unusual punishment, aims to inflict severe pain or suffering on prisoners.

The use of torture is often associated with authoritarian or oppressive regimes, and Iran is no exception. In some countries, including Iran, prisoners are subjected to torture and mistreatment to force confessions or betrayals.

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have investigated the allegations of torture against Taghavi during her detention in Iran. The organisations have reported that the practice undermines the rule of law and the protection of fundamental human rights.

Taghavi visited Tehran, the capital of Iran, in October 2020. It was during this visit that she was arrested by the police. The judges in Iran accused her of propaganda against the state and government.

Despite the prohibition of torture in Germany and many other countries, it seems that the practice continues in some parts of the world. The case of Nahid Taghavi serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights, particularly for women in Iran, who still have fewer rights than men.

It is crucial that we continue to support activists like Taghavi, who bravely fight for justice and equality, and strive to hold governments accountable for their actions. The pursuit of human rights is a global endeavour, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that these rights are respected and protected for all.

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