A Brave Sister's Story: Nasrin Roshan's Journey from Prison to Hope
As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. Nasrin Roshan, a 62-year-old sister from London, was recently freed from Evin prison in Tehran. She is now dedicated to raising awareness about the many sisters still held there. Nasrin was imprisoned in late 2023 for nearly five years because she attended a memorial in Cairo. Thankfully, after her health worsened and her family fought hard, she was released after 17 months.
This wasn't her first time behind bars; back in 1982, at just 18, she spent four years in Ghezel Hesar prison, facing harsh treatment. Despite this, she found hope in the young women she met in Evin who showed great courage and spirit. Many of these women face severe punishments, but their strength signals change. Nasrin said, “This generation is different; the government can't break them like before.”
Soon after her release, Nasrin and her husband returned to Cairo for the memorial, despite risks. She told me, “I’ll keep going for as long as I live.” She also spoke at a peaceful gathering in London marking three years since the tragic passing of Mahsa Amini, a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice.
Though she maintains a brave face, Nasrin carries deep wounds from her time in prison. She developed heart problems, arthritis, and suffers from blackouts. Tragically, her young niece Sara, arrested alongside her, passed away under suspicious circumstances after enduring intense interrogation.
Nasrin formed close bonds with many sisters in prison, cooking for them and sharing strength. “They were like my daughters,” she said. Among them were women sentenced to death or exile, yet their resilience never faded. Even in solitary confinement, their voices echoed with defiance.
Inside the prison walls, the young women’s spirit was so strong that guards often struggled to control them. They protested peacefully, even spending nights outside to honor Mahsa’s memory, despite punishments.
Nasrin believes the regime fears the truth leaking out. Through letters and visits, prisoners shared their stories, revealing the harsh realities inside. She hopes these brave efforts will bring about the fall of the oppressive system.
She also worries about the growing fear and silence among her people back home, where hardships mount daily. “They’re scared,” she said sadly.
Remembering fellow prisoner Someyeh Rashidi, who died due to neglect, Nasrin calls for compassion and justice. Despite suffering untreated illnesses herself and being wrongly accused of self-harm, she stayed strong.
Her journey began soon after the 1979 Islamic revolution, when questioning authority was dangerous. She endured torture and harsh conditions but remained steadfast in her faith.
Nasrin longs to return to her family home near Tehran once peace is restored. She cherishes memories of her garden and loved ones, especially Sara.
She urges the international community, especially the UK, to stand firmly with political prisoners and those oppressed. “Don’t just speak. Raise their voices,” she pleads.
May Allah grant Nasrin and all her sisters patience and strength. Their stories inspire us to never lose hope and to continue striving for justice and freedom with sabr and tawakkul.
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