I myself have not talked with any of them yet and there is no news regarding the release of them on any site but close friends (their and mine) are telling me on messengers that the people who were arrested last night, were freed last night 1:30 AM. Just wanted to update you :)

quoting from we-change.org

Change for Equality: June 12, 2008; Eight women’s rights activists were arrested today, on the anniversary of the national day of solidarity of Iranian women (22nd of Khordaad, June 12). Those arrested are: Aida Saadat, Nahid Mirhaj, Nafiseh Azad, Nasrin Sotoodeh, Jelve Javaheri, Jila Baniyagoub, Sarah Loghmani and Farideh Ghaeb. These women were arrested outside the Rahe Abrisham Gallery, where a seminar was scheduled to take place in honor of the anniversary of the day of solidarity of Iranian women.

When women’s rights activists arrived at the Seminar hall, they found the doors closed. Security officers were present in large numbers outside the Seminar Hall. The owner of the Gallery was forced to close the doors of his seminar hall, after being pressured by security forces.

Aida Saadat and Nahid Mirhaj had stayed behind to inform participants about the cancellation of the seminar. But they were arrested by security police. Following their arrest, Nasrin Sotoode and Jilla Baniyaghoub were arrested when they came to follow up on the situation arrest of their friends. According to those present at the scene, Nafiseh Azad, Sarah Loghmani, Jelve Javaheri and Farideh Ghaeb were arrested shortly afterwards.

According to a statement issued by the coordinating committee of the seminar, officials have systematically denied women’s rights activists permits to hold peaceful public demonstration and protests. Even small protests by women’s rights activists have been violently attacked by security forces and police. Additionally, women’s rights activists have been systematically denied the right to convene meetings and seminars and meetings in their private homes too have been broken up. It is unfortunate that security forces fear the convening of simple meetings with limited participants of about 100-150 to such a degree.

Please stay tuned for further news on these arrests, as well as information on potential other arrests.

Dear Jedi,

My name is ###### and I'm from the Philippines.

I came across your blog and I thought it was really interesting. I'll be traveling on my own, arriving in Tehran on June 3. I plan to go to Shiraz, Persepolis, Esfahan, (maybe Yazd) and Tabriz before making my way overland to Van in Turkey. Now, I don't want to get in trouble while in Iran but at the same time I don't want to restrict myself too much if it's unnecessary. I get conflicting information about what women are allowed to wear in Iran, the customs there etc. I guess shaking hands is out of the question. In any case, if you have time, can you tell give ma some tips what I should remember while in Iran? I guess I have to bring a headscarf from abroad instead of buying it there in the airport! I also read that people invite tourists to their house but I'm not sure if it's safe for a single 25 year old girl to accept that!

I'll really appreciate it!

Thanks,

Hi there ####,

In Iran you have to cover your head / hair with a scarf and wear a semi long shirt which may not be too tight. It is better to buy a scarf outside of Iran and have it when you are entering Iran.

Shaking hands is OK. Although it is illegal in Islam but the police wont arrest you because of that :) It is normal. Ah, Let me attach a photo of a normal Iranian girl in the street. This is not VERY different country. Just enter and see yourself :) The only strict limitations are:

- No Alcohol. You can find it at the cities but do not try to import it with you
- Wear a scarf and non-revealing cloths outside the houses. There is no need to cover all of your hairs, just a loose scarf.

The other tips are same as any other country. Do not carry a lot of money with you. Do not enter strangers houses unless you know what are you doing. Oh! The most important thing:

- You can not spend Visa card, master card or any other international credit card easily. Bring CASH!

Attached is a photo of 3 "just on the border" girls. I mean this is the most stylish girl you might see on a street. Go one step furture and you will have problem with the Moral Police and go two steps backward and you will be "safe" :)

Jadi

Attached:

Read this interesting article article from washington post. It is about the new round of censorship in Iran.
Link