Accessibility links

Breaking News

Family Of British-Iranian Woman Held In Iran Appeal For Release


The family of a British-Iranian woman being held in Iran have appealed for her release.

Ghoncheh Ghavami, 25, was detained after going to a men's volleyball match in June.

She was arrested outside a Tehran stadium where women were protesting a long-standing ban on female spectators at sports stadiums.

Her brother Iman said she was "simply willing to enter the stadium and watch the match."

He said he doesn't know if his sister, who is now reportedly being held in Tehran's Evin prison, is being held under any charge.

The British Foreign Office said it is "following up" the case, adding that the Iranian authorities are "unlikely to grant any consular access."

Women in Iran were banned from attending sports events after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, but some exceptions have since been made.

Based on reporting by the BBC

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG