Change for Equality reports: In an unprecedented and unexpected development Delaram Ali ‎was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months and 10 lashing in appeals court. Delaram Ali was ‎tried originally on 29 May 2007 for her participation in the June 12, 2006 protest in support of ‎women's rights in Hafte Tir Square which was violently broken up by police. Delaram was ‎beaten severely during this protest, dragged on the ground by several police officers and ‎subsequently arrested (see picture above). She suffered a broken arm as a result of these ‎severe beatings. Complaints were filed against police for use of excessive force and violence ‎during the protest, by a number of women including Delaram. Last month though the judiciary ‎found the police innocent in the case, and instead has now upheld a substantial portion of ‎Delaram's original sentence through an appeals court ruling.‎
In her original trial Delaram was sentenced to 2 years and ten months prison term and 20 ‎lashings, which was reduced to 2 years and 6 months and ten lashings in a ruling issued by ‎the appeals court announced this morning. The courts have contacted Delaram in regards to ‎implementing her sentence by the end of the week.‎
Iranian women's rights defenders appeal to the national and international community to take ‎swift action condemning the unjust ruling of the court in the case of Delaram Ali.‎