Persistence of families in front of Evin results in additional releases

Human Rights and Democracy Activists in Iran

The gathering of families of (recent) detainees across the main gate of Evin prison resulted in the release of a number of prisoners.

On the evening of Sunday February 14th, families of political prisoners, recently released prisoners, the Mourning Mothers, and other citizens of Tehran gathered in front of Evin to demand the unconditional release of their detained family members and friends.

In order to disperse the demonstrators, the prison wardens announced that no prisoner would be freed that night. The protesters refused to leave and vowed to return every night until their loved ones were released.

Around 8:15pm, the persistence of the protesters paid off when the wardens began releasing a number of those arrested on Ashura and 22 Bahman (February 11, 2010). As of an hour ago [editor's note: the original Farsi article was written on the 14th of February. The number of released prisoners may have increased] sixteen people have been released. The released political prisoners were embraced and met with tears of joy from their loved ones. The sound of clapping, whistling, and Salavaat (Shia chant) turned the cold winter of oppression behind the gates of Evin into the spring of happiness and freedom.

The released political prisoners lifted their hands and smiled in a gesture of gratitude to the gathered protesters.

The families distributed food, water, and sweets. The sense of solidarity that permeated the event is indescribable. The families of those released in the past nights were also present and distributing sweets. The demonstrations continued until 11:30pm.

Families of recent detainees have been gathering in front of Evin prison since Ashura (December 27, 2009) to demand the immediate and unconditional release of their loved ones