TEHRAN, Iran — Accused of “acting against state security” and “taking part in illegal gatherings,” two Iranian Christian women have been held in a Tehran prison for more than a month in a crowded cell with no access to legal representation.
Amnesty International, in an appeal for urgent action, reported that authorities have made the accusations known but have imprisoned the women without filing official charges.
The organization called on Iranian authorities to release them and expressed concern for their health. Maryam Rostampour, 27, and Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad, 30, who were active in church activities and distributing Bibles, were arrested March 5.
They are being held in the detention center of Evin Prison, which has drawn criticism for its human rights violations and executions in recent years. Their families have presented the title deeds of their homes as bail but are still waiting for approval from the judge.
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