The Brock University Faculty Association calls for the immediate release of Professor Homa Hoodfar, who is a Concordia University professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. She is being detained in Evin Prison in Tehran.
Professor Hoodfar is a well-respected anthropologist with an international reputation. She studies topics such as family relations and the challenges facing women in the Middle East and takes a balanced view toward these issues.
Although Professor Hoodfar is being held in prison in Iran, to our knowledge, she has not been charged with any offense. We also understand that she is in need of medical care and has not yet had the benefit of legal representation. She has been forbidden to leave the country and has had her possessions seized.
We are extremely concerned with her arrest and interrogation. In the name of academic freedom, legitimate international scholarly research, and basic human rights, we urge your government to act quickly and decisively to do everything in its power to secure her release and safe return to Canada.
Formal letters sent to:
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada and Dr. Hassan Rouhani, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Regards,
Linda Rose-Krasnor, Ph.D.
President, Brock University Faculty Association
Professor, Department of Psychology
Phone: 905-688-5550, ext. 3870
[email protected]
EMAIL RESPONSE
From: Prime Minister/Premier Ministre [[email protected]]
Sent: June 28, 2016 5:41 PM
To: Brocku Faculty Association <[email protected]>
Cc: Stéphane Dion, P.C.,M.P. <[email protected]>
Subject: Office of the Prime Minister / Cabinet du Premier ministre
Dear Professor Rose-Krasnor:
On behalf of the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, I would like to acknowledge receipt of your e-mail regarding the detention of Professor Homa Hoodfar in Iran.
Thank you for sharing your concerns with the Prime Minister. You may be assured that your comments, offered on behalf of the Brock University Faculty Association, have been carefully reviewed. I have taken the liberty of forwarding your message to the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who, I am certain, will appreciate being made aware of your interest in this case.
Thank you again for writing to the Prime Minister.
M. Bredeson
Executive Correspondence Officer for the Prime Minister’s Office
Agent de correspondance de la haute direction pour le Cabinet du Premier ministre
