According to information received by Hana Human Rights Organization, Leila Pashaei and Baran Saedi, two women’s rights activists and former detainees arrested during the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, have been summoned by the Fourth Branch of the Sanandaj Court of Appeal. According to a formal summons, they are required to appear before the court on November 24, 2026, on the charge of “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against internal and external security.”
The two activists were previously arrested in February-March 2025 in connection with organizing events marking International Women’s Day. They were detained for 16 days and subsequently sentenced by the Second Branch of the Sanandaj Revolutionary Court to three months of Ta’zir imprisonment on the charge of “propaganda against the state.” They were acquitted of the charge of “forming an illegal group.”
According to the available information, their renewed summons follows a new complaint filed by the Intelligence Department and the submission of additional evidence. Bringing a new charge at the appellate stage raises questions about the legal basis of the proceedings and heightens concerns over respect for the right to a defence, fair trial guarantees, and the continued use of judicial proceedings to exert pressure on women’s rights activists.