Sasan Chamanara, a Kurdish artist and former political prisoner, and his sister Parastou Chamanara, a university employee, have been temporarily released from Ilam Central Prison after 36 days in detention, the Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN) has learned.
The siblings were arrested on 16 March when security forces raided Parastou Chamanara’s home in Ilam. According to information received, the agents used force during the arrest.
Sasan Chamanara had previously been warned by security forces on multiple occasions to stop his activities on social media and had been threatened with detention.
He was released on bail of 50 billion rials, while his sister was released on bail of 20 billion rials
A case has reportedly been opened against both on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security” and referred to the Ilam Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office.
Throughout their detention, the two were denied access to legal counsel of their choosing and were not permitted to receive family visits.
Sasan Chamanara was previously arrested multiple times, including during the anti-government protests of the “Women, Life, Freedom” uprising. He was previously sentenced by the Islamic Revolutionary Court to a combination of prison terms, fines and restrictions on public and online activities due to his artistic and political activities.
