Nasrin Sotoudeh’s trial for not wearing the hijab (head covering) was postponed Tuesday after the detained human rights lawyer complained of insufficient notice. A new court date has been set for February 16.
The news comes from Sotoudeh’s husband, Reza Khandan, who briefly met with her in the courthouse corridor. He told Zameneh that the charge was brought against Sotoudeh after she made a video recording for the Italian Human Rights Committee, which had awarded her a prize. “Unable to attend the ceremony, she recorded a message of thanks in which she was not wearing a headscarf,” said Khandan.
Sotoudeh was only told on Tuesday morning that her trial would be held that same day, said her husband. Normally, she must be informed at least five days in advance.
Khandan said his wife is even denied pen and paper to prepare her defence.
Sotoudeh was arrested last September and spent several months in solitary confinement.
Another court processed several charges against her: activities against national security, propaganda against the regime and membership in the Human Rights Defenders Centre. She was sentenced to 11 years in prison and she is banned from practising law or traveling abroad for 20 years.
Khandan said Sotoudeh’s lawyers have appealed the sentence, and a final decision is likely months away.
