Atena Farghadani: Jailed female cartoonist facing indecency charges for shaking male lawyer’s hand - News - Art - The Independent

An Iranian artist currently serving more than 12 years in prison for criticising the government now faces further charges of “indecency” for allegedly shaking her male lawyer’s hand.

Amnesty International reports that Atena Farghadani, 29, who was jailed after she depicted Iranian government officials as monkeys and goats in a satirical cartoon, may face a longer sentence amid claims over the handshake.

Charges of an “illegitimate sexual relationship short of adultery” have been brought against Farghadani and her lawyer Mohammad Moghimi amid allegations he visited her in jail and shook her hand - which is illegal in Iran.

Farghadani was sentenced to 12 years and nine months in prison earlier this year following the publication of her cartoon which was drawn in protest at plans by the Iranian government to outlaw voluntary sterilisation and to restrict access to contraception.

Atena Farghadani: Jailed female cartoonist facing indecency charges for shaking male lawyer’s hand - News - Art - The Independent

See also::

Iranian artist Farghadani, who drew parliament as animals, sentenced to 12-plus years

Iranian artist, sentenced to 12 years for cartoon, wins CRNI’s Courage award