Human Rights: Imprisoned Iranian rights activist Nazar Ahari, awarded inaugural "Advocate Behind Bars" award

The American Islamic Congress today gave its inaugural "Advocate Behind Bars" award to Shiva Nazar Ahari, an imprisoned Iranian human rights activist. Ahari is in Tehran's Evin prison facing charges of "rebellion against God," endangering national security, and anti-state propaganda. Ahari, slated to go on trial on Saturday, could face the death penalty.

"Shiva Nazar Ahari is a courageous advocate for human rights and inspiring role model for women in the region" said American Islamic Congress Executive Director, Zainab Al-Suwaij. "Only 26 years old, Shiva has educated Iranian street children and Afghan refugees, rallied Iranians for the 'One Million Signatures' campaign for women's equality, and demonstrated compassion for victims of terrorism, including Americans."

Ahari is the spokeswoman for the Committee of Human Rights Reporters, an independent Iranian human rights group. She has been harassed by Iranian security forces on numerous occasions, including being jailed for participating in a candlelight vigil for the victims of 9/11. Ahari was forced to quit university by Iranian officials upset over her advocacy.

Al-Suwaij remarked: "As we approach the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we honor a woman who responded to the horror of 9/11 with solidarity and humanity. Shiva represents the courage and generosity of many Iranians stifled by the regime. Iranian authorities should release Shiva immediately and drop all charges against her."

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About Shiva Nazar Ahari: The Committee of Human Rights Reporters has set up a webpage for Shiva in English http://www.chrr.biz/shiva/index-en.php.

About the "Advocate Behind Bars" award: The "Advocate Behind Bars" award is granted to outstanding civil society activists who have demonstrated leadership, had an exceptional impact, and are unjustly imprisoned.

About the American Islamic Congress: With the motto "passionate about moderation," AIC is a civil rights organization promoting tolerance and the exchange of ideas among Muslims and between other peoples. AIC runs offices in Washington, Boston, Cairo, and Basra. See http://www.aicongress.org.

About Zainab al-Suwaij: A native of Iraq, Al-Suwaij co-founded AIC in the wake of the September 11 attacks, and has published in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. She has led numerous training workshops for human rights activists in the Mideast.

Source: American Islamic Congress