From the Organisation for Women's Freedom in Iraq
In January 2004 an Islamic militia group called Jaish Alsahaba, "Army of Sahaba", sent an email containing a death threat against Yanar Mohammed, chairperson of the Organisation of Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI) and editor of the Al Mousawat (Equality) newspaper.
Again for the second time a few days ago Yanar received another email from this group. This time they are threatening to assassinate and blow up Yanar and other activists who work with her.
This militia group is one among many others that are supported and empowered ideologically by Iran and Saudi Arabia. They are terrorizing women and threatening the women's rights activists of OWFI. These two threats were made as a result of Yanar and OWFI activities against Sharia Law, and our calling for secular law based upon full equality between women and men.
Despite these threats Yanar continues with her determinism and fight to achieve equality, and liberation for women in Iraq. In her letter to us recently she wrote:
"Please tell all the good friends that supported me that I'm doing well and that we just cannot quit our fight that easily. We are here to do more and more."
We need to protect a women's rights activist like Yanar, whose work and ideals are very much needed in Iraq. You can make a huge difference by joining our Committee to Defend Yanar, together with all the activists of OWFI.
- Sign our online petition
- Send letters of protest to Paul Bremer, head of the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq: Paul Bremer, Chief US Administrator, US Department of State 2201 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20520, USA or choose "Foreign Policy Opinions" via this online form
- Send your support letters directly to Yanar Mohammed in Baghdad via email: yanar2002@hotmail.com
- More details from Houzan Mahmoud of the Committee to defend Yanar Mohammed, tel 07956 883001, yanar2002@hotmail.com, www.equalityiniraq.com
Iraqi women mark International Women's Day
The Organisation of Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI) is organising a demonstration on 5 March 2004, and a solidarity event on 13 March to celebrate International Women's Day which, 8 March, in solidarity with women in Iraq.
It is also an event to protest against the Ruling Council in Iraq which has decided to change this day for women in Iraq, from 8 March to 18 August.
The demonstration will take place on Friday 5 March, 11am-1pm, outside Downing Street, London.
Solidarity event, 6-11pm, 13 March, Caxton House, London.
