Anoosheh Ashoori and Evin University: Surviving the Iranian dungeon

On this week's episode of The New Arab Voice, we sat down with Anoosheh Ashoori.

British-Iranian Anoosheh was arrested in Tehran in 2017. He was accused of espionage and sentenced to 12 years in prison.

It was widely agreed that Anoosheh, with other dual nationals, was being held hostage by Iran, who were demanding that the British government return the money that was paid to them for tanks, prior to the 1979 Iranian revolution.

During his time in prison he helped to form a poetry society. The inmates would recite poems and would also write their own about their experiences inside the prison, and how they longed for the outside.

Other classes soon started up. Anoosheh called it Evin University.

We spoke with Anoosheh about Evin University, his experiences inside, and the response of the British government.

This podcast is produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Music by Omar al-Fil (@elepheel). 

Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email hugo.goodridge@alaraby.co.uk