Sotoudeh Ends Hunger Strike Following Trial Session

Nasrin Sotoudeh’s first trial was held today at Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, presided by Judge Pir-Abbasi. A source knowledgeable about Sotoudeh’s prosecution told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that, “She was very weak and has lost a lot of weight. After the trial, she took the advice of her lawyers and husband and agreed to break her hunger strike.” According to this source, Judge Pir-Abbasi agreed to reconsider the order to renew Sotoudeh’s detention. “The trial was held in the presence of Sotoudeh’s lawyers, Abdolfattah Soltani, Mina Jaafari, and Nasim Ghanavi. The lawyers presented their defense in relation to charges of ‘acting against national security,’ ‘collusion and gathering with intent to disturb security,’ and ‘cooperation with the Defenders of Human Rights Center,’” he told the Campaign. Reza Khandan, Sotoudeh’s husband, was not allowed to attend the court session but was able to talk to his wife for a few minutes afterwards. Sotoudeh’s next court session is scheduled to be held on 24 November 2010. Sotoudeh has been in detention since 22 September in solitary confinement. She spent a total of 50 days on hunger strike, not even taking in liquids at some points.