More than Iranian citizens and civil activists sign statement protesting "four decades of oppression of Iranian women", highlighting case of Sepideh Rashno.
Sepideh Rashno, a 28-year-old writer and artist who has been detained for more than two months for refusing to wear a mandatory hijab while on public transit, has been released on temporary bail.
Iranian authorities have abruptly called off dozens of music concerts and cultural performances in recent weeks following pressure and intimidation by hard-liners who claim such events undermine Islamic values.
Protests follow appearance of ‘tortured’ writer on state television, while human rights group warn forced confessions on the rise as hijab laws hardened