IN IRAN ON BATTLE TO FREE HER
a chance to be normal again, a chance to heal the hurt and pain of the past two years. Gabriella says she wants a little brother, as long as it’s a girl! She really wants to be a big sister.”
Gabriella and Nazanin bond by doing arts and crafts together during visits at Evin prison. But the sessions can leave them both emotionally drained. Richard said: “Nazanin is allowed to cuddle her and hold her because she is under seven – so they can meet in a room with guards and sit at a table, rather than see each other from behind glass.
“But it takes an hour or so of queueing to get into the prison and sometimes Gabriella is tired, or ill, or just not in the mood – and that is so hard for her mum, who has been looking forward to seeing her.”
When Gabriella left England she could speak English but she now uses Parsi, her Iranian family’s language.
Richard added: “Her English has all gone and emotionally I found that difficult, but I am hoping it comes back when we are all together again.” Richard speaks to his wife three times a week and tries to keep her strong – though the calls regularly end in tears.
He added: “In the run- up to Christmas it became increasingly obvious she wasn’t going to be freed this year and she was absolutely distraught. She was really crying all the time and threatening a hunger strike again. It’s really tough but it is my job to keep her strong. But when I get off the phone it hits me.
“All the campaigning and support and the kindness of people helps keep me going.
“I draw strength from that kindness and all the people at Amnesty supporting me.”
Richard spent Christmas with his parents in Fleet, Hants, and spoke to Gabriella by phone. But coping with his own emotions is a constant battle.
He admitted: “It was nice being with family at Christmas but I really hate New Year. I’ve got nothing to celebrate. It marks another year without her.
“I am really hoping 2019 will be happier and she will be freed and we will all be back together again.”