Open Letter to Facebook Administration: Speak Out in Support of Hanieh Shotorban

Dear Facebook Administration:

Iranian Facebook user Hanieh Farshi Shotorban has been arrested by the Islamic Republic, detained in Evin prison in Tehran, and held without being allowed to contact her family, all because she used her voice to publicly express herself – on Facebook. She is only one we know about, among many whose names and stories remain unknown.

Facebook has served as a critical outlet for news from Iran since the June 2009 post-election protests, and Facebook has been instrumental in raising awareness and organizing action around the world in support of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani and others detained, tortured, or at imminent risk of execution by the Islamic Republic. As such, Facebook is an integral component of the international community’s humanitarian response to the naked violence of the Islamic Republic against people in Iran.

Hanieh Shotorban was arrested and is being held in one of Iran’s most notorious torture houses for no other reason than the fact that she shared opinions on Facebook.

For all of these reasons, we ask you to issue a public statement in support of Ms. Shotorban.

As the arbitrary arrests, detentions, tortures, and executions of freedom-seeking people continue in Iran, it is time for the world to stand together to announce with one voice that we do not accept the savagery and barbarism of the regime of the Islamic Republic. As the convener of more than 500 million voices around the world, we believe that Facebook too has a voice and should use it now, in defense of free speech, and in defense of Hanieh’s speech.

Sincerely,
[your name]

Please send to the following:
Web Form to Contact Facebook:
1) In the box where it asks for “Suggestion,” enter the following: Hanieh Shotorban arrested for using Facebook
2) Where it asks for “More Details,” copy and paste the text of your letter asking Facebook to issue a public statement in support of Hanieh Shotorban.

Also:
Facebook Headquarters
156 University Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94301-1605
Phone: 650-543-4800
Fax: 650-543-4801

Coverage of Hanieh Shotorban’s arrest and detention:
Translation by Persian2English

RAHANA- On Sunday July 18 at 6:00 am, security agents in Tabriz entered Hanieh Farshi Shotorban’s house and arrested her.

According to RAHANA, security agents investigated her house before arresting her and confiscated her PC, cell phone and other personal belongings. She was first transferred to Tabriz Intelligence detention and later to Evin prison in Tehran.

Hanieh Farshi Shotorban, 28, lives with her elderly mother and has no history of political activities. She has been charged with “insulting the sacred and having ties with foreigners”, accusations which have been said to be related to her activities on Facebook. There is no news available about her status and her family has not been allowed to contact her.