Canadian-Iranian professor Homa Hoodfar has been released from Iran’s notorious Evin Prison and is believed to be on her way Canada. The professor, who had taught at Concordia University in Montreal, was arrested in June while on a visit for personal and research purposes.
Hoodfar was charged with collaborating with a hostile government against national security and with propaganda against the state. Iran’s prosecutor was quoted as saying she was “dabbling in feminism.” The professor has written about sexuality and gender in Islam.
Grave health concerns
Colleagues and family expressed grave concern about Hoodfar’s health. She suffers from a rare neurological condition that causes severed muscle weakness. Family members say she was hospitalized at one point during her detention in Iran and could barely walk or talk.
The prime minister of Canada issued a statement saying the government was actively and constructively engaged at the highest levels in Hoodfar’s case, but since Canada has no diplomatic office in Iran, credit was given others who “were instrumental in helping secure” her release. These included Oman, Italy and Switzerland.
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.