While in the Kurdistan Region, Maysoon remained actively engaged in political, civil, and artistic efforts, advocating for the rights of Kurdish and Iranian women. Following the tragic death of Zhina (Mahsa) Amini at the hands of Iranian authorities and the subsequent nationwide protests the Iranian regime, Maysoon intensified her activism. In response, the Iranian government increased its pressure on Iranian activists residing in the Kurdistan Region, frequently targeting offices of Kurdish opposition parties and assassinating four Iranian Kurdish political and civil activists.

Due to mounting pressure from the Iranian regime, the Iraqi government refused to renew the political residency permits of Iranian activists. As a result, Maysoon Majidi and her brother were forced to leave the Kurdistan Region and sought refuge in Turkey, with the intention of securing asylum in a European country. Unfortunately, they fell victim to human traffickers, losing over $16,000, and were left homeless in Istanbul. Later, with the assistance of their father, family, and friends, they were able to raise sufficient funds to undertake the perilous sea journey to Italy. However, upon arrival on December 31, 2023, Maysoon was arrested by Italian authorities and has been imprisoned for over eight months, accused of aiding the captain of the vessel.

These accusations are based on the testimonies of two individuals who alleged that Maysoon distributed food and water during the journey. However, both individuals—one from the UK and the other from Germany—have since refuted these claims, asserting that Maysoon was merely a fellow passenger. They further explained that their statements were inaccurately translated, and they are prepared to testify in court to correct the record.

Maysoon's physical and psychological health has significantly deteriorated during her imprisonment, with her weight dropping to below 38 kilograms. In protest of her unjust detention, she initiated a hunger strike, which continued until her first formal court hearing on August 24, 2024. The court has scheduled four additional hearings, with the second hearing set for September 18, and proceedings expected to continue through November 5.

We urge the Italian government to prioritize the prosecution of human traffickers operating from North Africa and Turkey, rather than targeting vulnerable individuals stranded at sea.

As the Hana Human Rights Organization, we declare that Maysoon Majidi is a victim of an oppressive and dictatorial regime that consistently disregards human dignity. She has tirelessly fought against this regime for the freedom and rights of Kurdish and Iranian women. We are deeply concerned about her deteriorating physical and mental health and respectfully call upon the Italian judiciary to conduct a fair and impartial review of her case. We also appeal to international organizations, such as the Red Cross and Human Rights Watch, to provide support for Maysoon Majidi.

**Hana Human Rights Organization**  
... September 2024

news@hana-hr.org
HANA-HR.ORG