PRESS RELEASE
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Glendale, California
`Free Silva’ Effort to Secure Release of Iranian Prisoner Launches Web Site
FreeSilva.org Asks Concerned Public to Join Silva’s Family in a Global
Online Appeal
A worldwide online appeal has launched for the release of Silva
Harotonian, a young Armenian-Iranian woman detained by Iranian
authorities since June 2008.
The international Web site []
`will help us bring global attention to Silva’s
situation and build a broad, cross-border appeal for her release,’
said Klara Moradhkan, a cousin of Silva’s, whose family has
established the site and accompanying online petition.
Silva, now 34 years old, was hired in late 2007 to serve as a program
coordinator in Yerevan, Armenia, for the International Research and
Exchanges Board (IREX). IREX, a non-governmental, non-profit
organization, was establishing an international exchange for Iranian
healthcare professionals to share best practices with American
experts.
The Maternal and Child Health Education and Exchange Program (MCHEEP)
was based on a program previously supported by Iran in 2006 and run by
another independent organization. Silva’s job included coordinating
logistics for the 20 Iranian participants, managing budgets and
travel, briefing participants and overseeing other administrative
details.
During a visit to Iran in late June 2008 to meet with participants,
Silva was arrested for allegedly participating in efforts to overthrow
the Iranian government through `soft revolution.’ She stood trial and
was sentenced to three additional years in prison on January 19,
2009. An appeal is now underway.
`Silva is a gentle and compassionate person, who hoped to help others
and improve her home country of Iran through her work,’ said
Moradkhan, a Los Angeles-area resident of Armenian descent. `Silva was
working to build a better life for herself and her family through this
job, and she has sadly become caught in a misunderstanding.’
Visitors to [] FreeSilva.org can sign an
appeal `respectfully urging the leaders of the Islamic Republic of
Iran to grant the release of our loved one, Silva Harotonian.’ They
can also register for email updates from Silva’s family members as
they work toward her release.
Since its launch on Sunday, the online appeal has already collected
almost 600 signatures from 38 countries, `a sign of the many voices of
encouragement for Silva’s well-being and safe return,’ said Moradkhan.
`Many friends and loved ones of Silva’s have asked for a way to help
secure release for my beloved cousin. She needs our voice, so we must
speak up,’ she said. `On behalf of Silva’s mother, who is currently in
Iran, and other family members, we are touched by the support of the
Armenians, Iranians, Americans and citizens of other countries who
have already joined us in this effort.’
Since Silva’s detainment, her family has utilized multiple avenues to
secure her release. In addition to following the legal process in
Iran, Moradhkan and others have pursued diplomatic channels and have
written directly to Iranian officials.
Iran and Armenia share deep cultural, economic and religious
connections that benefit both countries and their communities. `For
decades, the Islamic Republic has ensured the safety and religious
freedom of its Armenian community,’ said Moradkhan. =80=9CSilva’s
release would represent yet another gesture of generosity toward
Iran’s Christian Armenian minority.’