June 12 is Global Day of Action to Free Prisoners of Conscience in Iran.

Why June 12?

Almost a year has passed since the flawed presidential election in Iran, which spurred to action the people of Iran, who joined together, regardless of demographic, to protest their stolen votes, and later to advocate for their civil & human rights. Movements like these are rarely witnessed in Muslim countries.

June 12, 2010 will mark one year since the initial systematic human and civil rights crackdowns following the election, which has led to the arrests and detainment of thousands of activists, students, writers, minorities, and everyday citizens.

For the day, prominent international human right NGOs, grassroots groups, networks, university campuses, and individuals will join forces to support the civil and human rights movement in Iran and call the Islamic Republic of Iran on its blatant human rights abuses.

In addition to promoting this Global Day of Action, we at Nasawiya have taken it upon ourselves to call for  the release of Hengameh Shahidi, about 35, a journalist and political activist who is currently serving a six-year sentence in Evin Prison, Tehran. The six- year prison term includes five years for “gathering and colluding with intent to harm state security” and one year for “propaganda against the system.” She is a prisoner of conscience.

In April 2010, Shahidi, while meeting her mother in Evin prison, sent a message despite the trend of illegal detention, interrogations and also an approved heavy sentence from Court of Appeals, she respects what is defined as punishment for her and have prepared herself for serving a 6 year sentence. (You can read her full message here.)

On June 12, whether you’re tweeting, blogging, writing, thinking or talking to friends, please take a few moments to remember all the imprisoned Iranian activists and freedom fighters, our partners in the struggle for justice.

Secularism has been a critical demand in Lebanon ever since the declaration of independence. Unable to counter the confessional and sectarian loyalties in the years of the civil war, the question of a secular state rises once again to the fore of political life in Lebanon. This question reflects the need of the Lebanese people to be assured that the present years of civil “peace” will not be interrupted.

Taking place on 25 April 2010, the Laïque Pride march represents a sincere initiative by citizens who would like to have a direct relationship with the state, without a mediator in between. Secularism in a country as diverse as Lebanon represents true coexistence, while the current sectarian system represents a crisis.

Women’s interest in a secular state goes in parallel with their struggle for equality, justice and full citizenship. Women’s call for a secular state goes hand in hand with the demands for protection from family and gender-based violence. Secularism allows women to be emancipated from sectarian laws that effect their lives and choices, including marriage, inheritance, and custody among other issues.

We call upon all concerned citizens, women’s rights NGOs, women from all sects and religions, and women of conforming and non-conforming sexualities to march with us in the Nasawiya feminist block, as we demand a secular state in Lebanon.

For more information on how to join us, contact us on 01-447 192 or write to farah[at]nasawiya.org.

For more information on Laïque Pride, see the event’s Facebook Page.