On Wednesday, the Iranian government released women's rights activists Maryam Hosseinkhah and Jelveh Javaheri (pictured at right, photo credit) from Evin prison, where they were being held pending trial on charges of "inciting public opinion, propaganda against the state, and publication of false information." The charges stem from the women's involvement in the One Million Signatures Campaign. The One Million Signatures Campaign is designed to raise awareness about and press for the reform of laws that discriminate against women. (Sign the petition here). Sarah Leah Whitson, the Middle East Director at Human Rights Watch, observes, "There seems to be no end in sight to the Iranian government's persecution of women's rights activists. . . . They are bringing new charges against women faster than they can try them." Although Hosseinkhah and Javaheri were able to post a reduced bond on Wednesday, they continue to face charges stemming from their peaceful advocacy on behalf of Iranian women.
