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Hoodfar was once again summoned for interrogation on Monday but was not released.

Ghahremani said her aunt is not being allowed to see her lawyer or contact family.

“We are unclear as to what the charges are,” said Ghahremani, who lives in Montreal. “(Hoodfar) is not an activist and she has never been political. She has never engaged in anything that could even be remotely be construed as any form of sedition or political activity in any way.”

Hoodfar’s visit to Iran coincided with the country’s parliamentary elections at the end of February, and the first vote since the nuclear deal was signed with the United States.

Authorities have not made clear whether Professor Hoodfar is being charged with espionage, sedition, or propaganda against the state.

At least 14 women — reportedly all reformists — won seats in the election, according to reports.

Ghahremani said her aunt wanted to take advantage of being in Iran during this time to conduct anthropological work.

“She has worked on improving the condition of women across the Middle East in the Muslim context,” Ghahremani said. “And she’s done it through a purely academic lens.”

“Perhaps her work on feminism and on woman’s issues may be an issue here, but I find it would be a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of her work,” Ghahremani said.

The Canadian government says it is working with allies to help Hoodfar.

Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion said he and his parliamentary secretary for consular affairs met a member of her family.

“Will do everything we can,” said Dion, who did not give additional details because of privacy concerns.