Born: July 12, 1998 (Tehran, Iran)
Biography:
Saba Kord Afshari is an Iranian political prisoner who has garnered international attention for her defiance of the mandatory hijab law in Iran. Born in Tehran, Iran, on July 12, 1998, Saba grew up in a society where strict adherence to Islamic principles was the norm. However, she dared to challenge the status quo, becoming a symbol of resistance and a voice for women’s rights in her country.
Saba’s journey towards activism began when she started appearing in public without a headscarf, a direct violation of Iran’s strict dress code for women. She took to social media to express her thoughts and experiences, openly discussing her decision and the importance of personal freedom. Her actions quickly gained traction, attracting supporters and critics alike.
On August 2, 2018, Saba’s bold defiance of the hijab law led to her arrest by Iranian authorities. She was subsequently charged with disrupting public order and faced trial at Branch 28 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Moghiseh. Despite international outcry and pleas for her release, Saba was sentenced to one year in prison.
However, her activism did not end with her arrest. During her imprisonment, Saba joined forces with fellow political prisoners, Maryam Akbari Monfared and Yasaman Aryani, to address the dire conditions within Iranian prisons. Together, they penned a powerful letter denouncing the inhumane treatment and calling for justice.
Sadly, this was not the end of Saba’s struggles. On June 1, 2019, she was rearrested, and her trial took place on August 19, 2019. Even her mother, Raheleh Ahmadi, faced arrest in a distressing attempt to silence Saba’s activism. In a shocking turn of events, on September 26, 2019, Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran, under Judge Iman Afshari’s jurisdiction, sentenced Saba to a staggering 24 years in prison.
Her charges included promoting corruption and prostitution through appearing without a headscarf in public, propaganda against the state, and assembly and collusion with an intent to commit a crime against national security. The severity of the sentence sent shockwaves through the international community, drawing condemnation and worldwide support for her release.
Despite the initial verdict, Saba’s sentence was later reduced to 9 years, and eventually further reduced to 5 years. In December 2020, she was transferred from Evin prison to Qarchak women’s prison, where she faced numerous health challenges, including chronic ulcers, which went untreated. Additionally, she contracted COVID-19 at least once during her incarceration, further worsening her already dire conditions.
Finally, on February 8, 2023, after months of protests, Saba was granted release from prison as part of a mass amnesty to commemorate the Iranian Revolution. Her release was a momentous occasion, providing a glimmer of hope for the countless individuals fighting for human rights and freedom in Iran.
Saba Kord Afshari’s defiant stand against the mandatory hijab law has made her a symbol of resistance, inspiring countless individuals in Iran and around the world. Her unwavering dedication to women’s rights and personal freedoms has garnered international attention, leading to widespread condemnation of the Iranian regime’s treatment of political prisoners.