Source:

Frankfurter Rundschau: [ID 8952]

Source:

Behjat Moaali: [ID 8955]

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Government intensified its crackdown on "un-Islamic dress" in 2007; reports that force was used in several cases ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22875]

"[...] During the year, the government intensified its crackdown on "un-Islamic dress" or "bad hijab." In June, according to deputy police chief Hossein Zolfaghri, the government brought a total of 2,265 cases, against men and women, to the judiciary for trial on the charge of noncompliance with the Islamic dress code. According to a domestic press report, during the year the government warned more than 527,000 persons and arrested more than 20,000 persons, who were then released conditionally.

Police denied the use of force in these instances, but there were reports that force was used, including one widely-circulated image of a girl's face covered in blood after being beaten by police for un-Islamic dress. According to press reports, the Tehran police chief said that the girl had "instigated the incident herself.""

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Iranian government continues to prohibit or forcibly disperse peaceful demonstrations ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23024]

"The constitution permits assemblies and marches, "provided they do not violate the principles of Islam;" however, in practice the government restricted freedom of assembly and closely monitored gatherings to prevent antigovernment protests. Such gatherings included public entertainment and lectures, student meetings and protests, labor protests, women's gatherings and protests, funeral processions, and Friday prayer gatherings.

Paramilitary organizations such as the Ansar-e Hizballah, a group of vigilantes who seek to enforce their vision of appropriate revolutionary comportment upon society, harassed, beat, and intimidated those who demonstrated publicly for reform. They particularly targeted university students. [...]

[...] On March 4 [2007], days before International Women's Day on March 8, police arrested more than 30 women demonstrating outside a Tehran courthouse, protesting the trials of five women's rights activists charged for peacefully demonstrating in June 2006. All were later released but continued to face harassment by the authorities at year's end. [...]

[...] Some participants arrested during the 2006 International Women's Day commemoration remained in prison at year's end."

Document(s): Open document

10.01.2008 - Source: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

Query response on enforcement of the Official Dress Code (2005 - December 2007) ("Enforcement of the Official Dress Code (2005 - Dec. 2007) [IRN102671.E]") [ID 22507]

"Women in Iran are required by Iranian penal law to maintain "Islamic dress in public" [...] and therefore must cover their hair and neck completely and wear clothing that does not reveal the shape of the body (...; Reuters 18 Apr. 2006). Men cannot wear shorts and women cannot reveal their hair or ankles (RFE/RL 19 Apr. 2006).

Sources describe violations of the dress code to include wearing colourful scarves or tight coats, men sporting "Western" hairstyles (RFE/RL 2 May 2007), women wearing loose-fitting scarves or shortened trousers which expose skin (The Guardian 20 Apr. 2006; BBC 21 Apr. 2006) and women wearing makeup (US 6 Mar. 2007, Sec. 1.c).

Detentions and other punishment on the basis of "un-Islamic appearance" have extended to "young men playing loud music in their cars" (RFE/RL 2 May 2007) and persons who walk pet dogs in public (The Guardian 20 Apr. 2006; RFE/RL 14 Sept. 2007; BBC 21 Apr. 2006).

[...] According to a report of the Danish Immigration Service, the legal basis for Iranian clothing rules is found in the penal code which "stipulates that women that show themselves in public places without Islamic clothing should be sentenced to from ten days to two months imprisonment or a fine" (Denmark Apr. 2005, 12).

Other sources note that people who violate the dress code may have to sign "statements pledging not to violate the dress code" (RFE/RL 2 May 2007) or may receive verbal reprimands (UK 27 Feb. 2007), lashes (Reuters 18 Apr. 2006; UK 27 Feb. 2007) fines (Reuters 18 Apr. 2006) and/or up to three months' imprisonment (UK 27 Feb. 2007). [...]"

Document(s): Open document

05.12.2007 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Women activists rally against discriminatory laws; since start of campaign, 40 activists have been prosecuted ("Women Rejecting The 'Little Miseries'") [ID 22134]

Document(s): Open document

02.12.2007 - Source: Guardian

General practitioner dies in custody after arrest for sitting with her fiancee in the park; police say she committed suicide ("Young woman doctor who fell foul of Iran's 'love police' was strangled") [ID 21824]

Document(s): Open document

07.11.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Sanandaj: 2 women's rights activists detained; they are at risk of torture and other ill-treatment; both women are active members of the Campaign for Equality, which is seeking an end to legalised discrimination against women ("Urgent Action 297/07 [MDE 13/130/2007]") [ID 21733]

Document(s): Open document

14.09.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Legal system discriminates against women ("International Religious Freedom Report 2007") [ID 21196]

"The legal system discriminates against religious minorities. Article 297 of the amended 1991 Islamic Punishments Act authorizes collection of equal "blood money" (diyeh) as restitution to the families for the death of both Muslims and non-Muslims. Prior to the 2004 change, the law gave a lesser monetary amount as "blood money" for non-Muslims than for Muslims.

All women [...] are excluded from the equalization provisions of the bill. Restitution for the death of a woman is half that of a man.

[...] The Government propagated a legal interpretation of Islam that effectively deprived women of many rights granted to men. Gender segregation was enforced, generally throughout the country, without regard to religious affiliation. Women of all religious groups are expected to adhere to Islamic dress in public. Although enforcement of rules for conservative Islamic dress eased in previous years, the Government periodically cracks down on "un-Islamic dress," particularly during the summer months. The crackdowns on "un-Islamic dress" during the reporting period were much harsher than in recent years.

The Government's 12‑point contract model for marriage and divorce limits the rights accorded to women by custom and traditional interpretations of Islamic law."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Teheran: On 8 March 2006 police dispersed a rally commemorating the International Women's Day ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 20747]

"On March 8, police dispersed a rally in Tehran commemorating International Women's Day. Participants were reportedly attacked and beaten by police (see section 5)."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Women serving in high-level political positions ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 20972]

"There were no female cabinet ministers, although one of the nine vice presidents is a woman, and several women held high-level positions. There were 12 women serving in the Majles during the year, and one woman was elected to the Majles in the December 15 by-elections.Five Majles seats are reserved for religious minorities. Other ethnic minorities in the Majles include Arabs and Kurds. There were no non-Muslims in the cabinet or on the Supreme Court."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Provisions in the Islamic civil and penal codes, especially family and property law, discriminate against women ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 21068]

"The constitution says all citizens, both men and women, equally enjoy protection of the law and all human, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, in conformity with Islamic rights. Article 21 states the government must ensure the rights of women in all respects, in conformity with Islamic criteria.

Nonetheless, provisions in the Islamic civil and penal codes, in particular those sections dealing with family and property law, discriminate against women. Shortly after the 1979 revolution, the government repealed the 1967 Family Protection Law that provided women with increased rights in the home and workplace and replaced it with a legal system based largely on Shari'a practices. In 1998 the Majles passed legislation that mandated segregation of the sexes in the provision of medical care. In 2003 the Council of Guardians rejected a bill that would require the country to adopt a UN convention ending discrimination against women."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Tehran: Security forces attacked a rally commemorating the International Women's Day on 8 March 2006; many demonstrators were reportedly beaten by the police ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 21069]

"On March 8, security forces attacked a rally in Tehran commemorating International Women's Day (see section 2.b.). An estimated 400 demonstrators gathered, and the police forcibly dispersed the demonstration. Many demonstrators were reportedly beaten by police, including septuagenarian writer and activist Simin Behbehani. According to one women's rights activist, the rally organizers applied for a demonstration permit, but it was denied minutes before the rally was scheduled to begin."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Government radically rejects feminist views ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 21070]

"On April 22, government spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi called feminist views and Western views of women's rights "unrealistic" and "unethical" and stated the issue was manipulated for international political purposes. [...]

In 2005activists [sic!] on women's issues expressed concern that the woman selected by President Ahmadinejad to lead the Center for Women's Participation, which is affiliated with the office of the president, did not have a background in women's issues. In addition the government changed the name of the organization to the Center for Women and Family, raising concern that the organization sought to reorient debate on women's problems to focus only on those related to the home, concerns that proved accurate. During the year this office published reports on feminism with a negative slant. In one article it drew comparisons between feminism and prostitution."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

On 12 June 2006 security forces forcibly dispersed a women's rights demonstration calling for gender equality under the law; 70 to 80 persons, including a former Majles deputy, were arrested ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 21071]

"On June 12, security forces forcibly dispersed another women's rights demonstration and arrested approximately 70 to 80 persons, including former Majles deputy and activist Ali Akbar Mousavi Khoini. Demonstrators called for gender equality under the law, including equal rights in divorce, child custody, inheritance, and court testimony."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

UN resolution on 19 December 2006 expresses serious concern at "the continuing violence and discrimination against women and girls in law and in practice" ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 21072]

"The December 19UNGA resolution on country's human rights expressed serious concern at "the continuing violence and discrimination against women and girls in law and in practice." Early in 2005 a UNSR on violence against women visited the country and, at her final press conference, spoke out against legal gender bias.

The report found the government had taken significant but insufficient steps to address the problem of violence against women, and it called on the government to ratify the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, which was proposed by parliament in 2003."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Spousal abuse and violence against women occur, reliable statistics are not available; abuse in the family is considered a private matter and seldom discussed publicly ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 21073]

"Although spousal abuse and violence against women occurred, reliable statistics were not available. Abuse in the family was considered a private matter and seldom discussed publicly, although there were some efforts to change this attitude. Rape is illegal and subject to strict penalties, but it remained a widespread problem.

According to the government's 2005report on the rights of the child, the Center for Women's Participation and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) organized the first educational workshop on women's and girls' human rights in January 2005. Freedom from violence was one of the workshop's topics. The report also stated that in 2004 the Center for Women's Participation established a national committee, based in the Health Ministry, to combat violence against women; however, during the year there was no information on committee activity since its formation."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Honour killings especially in the Western and South-western provinces; the punishment for perpetrators is often a short prison sentence ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 21074]

"According to a 2004 report on the country from the Independent Researchers on Women's Issues, there were no reliable statistics on honor killings, but there was evidence of "rampant" honor killings in the western and southwestern provinces, in particular Khuzestan and Elam. The punishment for perpetrators was often a short prison sentence."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Prostitution is illegal, but "sigheh" or temporary marriage, is legal ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 21075]

"Prostitution is illegal, but sigheh, or temporary marriage, is legal. Accurate information regarding the extent of prostitution was not widely available, although the issue received greater attention than in previous years. Press reports described prostitution as a widespread problem, with a mediaestimate of 300,000 women working as prostitutes. The problem appeared aggravated by difficult economic conditions and rising numbers of drug users and runaway children. "

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Matrimonial law: Minimum-ages for marriage; Islamic law permits a man to have up to 4 wives and an unlimited number of temporary partnerships (sigheh) ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 21076]

"The law requires court approval for the marriage of girls younger than 13 and boys younger than 15. Although a male can marry at age 15 without parental consent, the 1991 civil law states that a virgin female needs the consent of her father or grandfather to wed, or the court's permission, even if she is older than 18.

The country's Islamic law permits a man to have up to four wives and an unlimited number of temporary partnerships (sigheh), based on a Shi'a custom in which a woman may become the wife of a Muslim male after a simple religious ceremony and a civil contract outlining the union's conditions. Temporary marriages may last for any length of time and are used sometimes by prostitutes. Such wives are not granted rights associated with traditional marriage."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Divorce law: Unequal divorcing standards between wives and husbands ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 21077]

"Women have the right to divorce if their husband signed a contract granting that right or if he cannot provide for his family, is a drug addict, insane, or impotent. However, a husband is not required to cite a reason for divorcing his wife."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Discrimination against women in law and practice: Disproportionate punishments, testimony, blood money; a married woman must obtain the written consent of her husband before travelling abroad ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 21079]

"The penal code includes provisions for stoning persons convicted of adultery, although judges were instructed in 2002 to cease imposing such sentences. In addition a man could escape punishment for killing a wife caught in the act of adultery if he was certain she was a consenting partner; the same rule does not apply for women. Women may also receive disproportionate punishment for crimes, including death sentences (see section 1.a.).

In August the government reportedly authorized judges to resume the sentence of stoning (see section 1.c.). In October human rights groups and activists called on the government to end the practice. Activists reportedly published a list of 11 persons who had been sentenced to stoning during the year and noted reports that two persons were stoned in May. Government officials continued to deny that stoning sentences were imposed or implemented.

The testimony of two women equates with that of one man. The blood money paid to the family of a female crime victim is half the sum paid for a man. A married woman must obtain the written consent of her husband before traveling outside the country (see section 2.d.)."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Reportedly 60 percent of the university students are women but they represent only 11 percent of the working force ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 21097]

"Women had access to primary and advanced education. Reportedly over 60 percent of university students were women; however, social and legal constraints limited their professional opportunities. Women were represented in many fields of the work force, including the legislature and municipal councils, police, and firefighters.

However, their unemployment rate reportedly was significantly higher than for men, and they represented only 11 percent of the workforce. Women reportedly occupied 1.2 percent of higher management positions and 5.2 percent of managerial positions."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Women practically excluded from high ranking political position ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 21098]

"Women cannot serve as president or as certain types of judges (women can be consultant and research judges without the power to impose sentences). Eighty-nine women registered to run for president in 2005, but all were rejected by the Council of Guardians. This year women's rights activists made an effort to allow women to run for the Assembly of Experts.

The constitution requires that Assembly of Experts candidates have a certain religious qualification. Citing this requirement, some religious leaders gave qualified support for the candidacy of women in the Assembly of Experts elections. Two women took the religious qualification exam, but neither passed.

"

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

UN expresses concern about persistent discrimination against girls especially in the educational system ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 21101]

"[...] The UN committee noted positively the provision of free education for all citizens up to secondary school. However, it expressed concern about persistent discrimination against girls and recommended the government review all legislation to ensure it was nondiscriminatory. Among its recommendations, the committee urged the government ensure all children were registered at birth and acquired permanent nationality without discrimination."

Document(s): Open document

04.03.2007 - Source: Minority Rights Group International

The situation of women in Iran ("State of the World's Minorities 2007") [ID 22403]

"Women in Iran remained subject to severe restrictions on their rights in accordance with Iran’s interpretation of the tenets of Sharia law, including the requirement that married women receive their husbands’ permission to work.

Iran’s ruling clerics rejected a suggestion from President Ahmadinejad at the time of the 2006 World Cup that women be allowed to attend football matches, ruling that it was un-Islamic for women to look at strange men’s legs.

Human Rights Watch reported that, in June 2006, police brutally assaulted hundreds of peaceful protesters in Tehran who were demanding an end to legally sanctioned discrimination against women."

Document(s): Open document

01.2007 - Source: Human Rights Watch

No tolerance for peaceful protests and gatherings: The example of woman's rights activists in Tehran in March and June 2006 ("World Report 2007") [ID 18993]

"The Ahmadinejad government, in a pronounced shift from the policy under former president Mohammed Khatami, has shown no tolerance for peaceful protests and gatherings. In January 2006 security forces attacked striking bus drivers in Tehran and detained hundreds. [...]

In March police and plainclothes agents charged a peaceful assembly of women’s rights activists in Tehran and beat hundreds of women and men who had gathered to commemorate International Women’s Day. In June as women’s rights defenders assembled again in Tehran, security forces beat them with batons, sprayed them with pepper gas, marked the demonstrators with sprayed dye, and took 70 people into custody."

Document(s): Open document

24.11.2006 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Conservatives are pushing to increase the segregation of men and women in public ("Iran: Debate Sharpens Over Gender Segregation") [ID 18013]

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2006 - Source: US Department of State

New model for marriage and divorce discriminates against women ("International Religious Freedom Report 2006") [ID 17644]

"In 1986 the Government issued a twelve‑point contract to serve as a model for marriage and divorce, which limited the privileges accorded to women by custom and traditional interpretations of Islamic law. Many female Muslims were seeking to eliminate laws and practices that discriminate against women, arguing that relegating women to a lesser status due to, inter alia, their being considered "deficient in reason" was not a precept of Islam, but rather a non-Islamic accretion to Islamic practices."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

Criticism of UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women after visiting Iran ("Annual Report 2006") [ID 18901]

"The UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women visited Iran in January and February. She criticized the arbitrary arrest, torture and ill-treatment of women, including women human rights defenders, and called on Iran to adopt a national action plan to promote and protect human rights that would eliminate violence against women. She also expressed particular concern at discriminatory laws and failures in the administration of justice which result in impunity for perpetrators and perpetuate discrimination and violence against women.

The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing noted discrimination against women in relation to housing and a lack of safe houses for women who are victims of violence."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Call for investigation after suicides of female prisoners ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46058], [ID 18474]

"The report [of the supervising and inspection committee for preserving citizens' rights] also called for an investigation of suicides by female inmates in Rajai'i Shahr prison."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Female journalist addressing women's issues arrested and beaten ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46058], [ID 18711]

"In October 2004 Fereshteh Ghazi, a journalist addressing women's issues for the daily newspaper Etemad, was arrested on a variety of charges. According to press accounts, at least part of the time she was held in an undisclosed location and beaten for refusing to confess. Upon release in December 2004, she was immediately hospitalized."

Document(s): Open document

18.09.2005 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

New security measures by government include appointment of provincial governors-general with security background and crackdown on social malefactors ("Iran: New Security Measures Not Welcomed By All") [#36835], [ID 8895]

Document(s): Open document

03.08.2005 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Khatami's achievements for Iranian women ("Iran: Women Weigh Khatami's Legacy On Gender Issues") [#34806], [ID 8897]

Document(s): Open document

08.2005 - Source: Freedom House

Women ("Freedom in the World 2005") [#41317], [ID 8898]

"[...]Although women enjoy the same political rights as men and currently hold several seats in parliament and even one of Iran’s vice presidencies, they face discrimination in legal and social matters. A woman cannot obtain a passport without the permission of a male relative or her husband, and women do not enjoy equal rights under Sharia (Islamic law) statutes governing divorce, inheritance, and child custody. A woman’s testimony in court is given only half the weight of a man’s. Women must conform to strict dress codes and are segregated from men in most public places. In August, a 16-year-old girl was executed after being sentenced to death for “acts incompatible with chastity.”[...]"

Document(s): Open document

15.03.2005 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Girl sentenced to death by stoning for being raped by her brother ("Report of Asma Jahangir, Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief - Summary of cases transmitted to Governments and replies received (E/CN.4/2005/61/Add.1)") [#30271], [ID 8899]

"[...]140. On 20 October 2004, the Special Rapporteur, jointly with the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture and the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences transmitted an urgent appeal to the Government regarding J.I., aged 13, who was reportedly sentenced to death by stoning in Marivan for adultery and was at risk of imminent execution. According to the information received, she was raped by her 15-year-old brother and became pregnant. She gave birth to her baby about two weeks before the urgent appeal was sent. It was reported that J.I. would not have the possibility to appeal the sentence, which was said to be carried out in the following days. Her brother was sentenced to 100 lashes, in accordance with Islamic laws. He was in prison in Tehran awaiting his punishment.[...]"

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2005 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Iran's laws permit violence against women ("Civil and political rights [E/CN.4/2005/NGO/310]") [#30293], [ID 8900]

"[...]According to the UN’s top official on women’s rights, Yakin Erturk, Iran’s laws “do not provide protection for victims of domestic violence and make it difficult to escape violence through divorce,” and suffering wives face “time-consuming judicial procedures and stigmatization.” Moreover, women complaining of rape run the risk of being charged for adultery. “Victims of rape face obstacles in seeking justice, and if they cannot prove they have been raped, they face sentences.”[...]"

Document(s): Open document

04.03.2005 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Written statement by the International Federation for Human Rights Leagues (FIDH) on freedom of expression, torture, women rights, discrimination against minorities and the death penalty ("Question of the violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in any part of the world [E/CN.4/2005/NGO/158]") [#30291], [ID 8901]

"[...]Women do not enjoy the same rights as men within the judicial process. The responsibility under criminal law for the girls is 9 years old, while it is 15 years for the boys. They could even be condemned to the death penalty. On the contrary, they are responsible under civil law when they reach 18 years old, except if a court states that the child is mentally mature. According to article 300 of the Islamic Penal Code, the blood money for a woman is half as much as that of a man. If a woman kills someone (a man or a woman), she may be condemned to the death penalty. However, according to Art. 209 of the Islamic Penal Code, if a woman is murdered by a man, the family of the victim must pay (half of the blood price of the murderer) to the family of the murderer in order to allow that the murderer be judged by a court and condemned to the death penalty.The legal value of a woman's sworn testimony has half the value of a man's testimony
The state takes half a couple estate if a husband dies in the absence of other heirs than his wife. The wife inherits only half of the estate. When wives die in the same circumstances, husbands are entitled to the entire estate. The outgoing parliament adopted a bill to address that discrimination in May 2004. However, the Council of Guardians didn't approve the reform yet.
It should also be noted that women need to get an authorisation from their husband in order to travel or work.[...]"

Document(s): Open document

04.03.2005 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Written statement by the Research Institute for Rehabilitation and Improvement For Women's Life on situation of women ("The right to development [E/CN.4/2005/NGO/189]") [#30292], [ID 8902]

Document(s): Open document

28.02.2005 - Source: US Department of State

Women ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2004") [#29525], [ID 8904]

"[...] After the revolution, the judicial system was revised to conform to an Islamic canon based on the Koran, Sunna, and other Islamic sources. Article 157 provides that the Head of the Judiciary, currently Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahrudi, shall be a cleric chosen by the Supreme Leader. The head of the Supreme Court and Prosecutor General also must be clerics. Women are barred from serving as judges. [...]

Vigilante violence included attacking young persons considered too "un-Islamic" in their dress or activities, invading private homes, abusing unmarried couples, and disrupting concerts or other forms of popular entertainment. Attackers targeted women whose clothing did not cover their hair and all parts of their body except the hands and face or those who wore makeup or nail polish. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

28.02.2005 - Source: US Department of State

Discrimination & societal inferiority of women ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2004") [#29525], [ID 8905]

"[...]Although spousal abuse and violence against women occurred, statistics were not available. Abuse in the family was considered a private matter and seldom was discussed publicly. Rape is illegal, and subject to strict penalties, but remained a widespread problem. The UNSR published statistics provided by the IHRC indicating that, at the end of 2001, an estimated 1,000 of approximately 3,000 active files were related to women's issues.

In July, the Supreme Court voided the death sentence against Afsaneh Noroozi and ordered the case re-investigated by the original court. Noroozi has been jailed since 1997, having been accused of killing a police chief on Kish Island in the southern part of the country. Noroozi's lawyers claimed the act was legally permitted ("mashru"), as the official had tried to rape her, and the country's Islamic penal code allows citizens to take proportionate action to defend "life, honor, chastity, property, or freedom." In November 2003, after lobbying by female Majlis representatives and international attention, judiciary head Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi-Shahrudi lifted her death sentence and returned the case to the Supreme Court. On December 21, the Kish Island court began a new trial of Nooroozi.

Prostitution was illegal. Accurate information regarding the extent of the problem was not widely available, although the issue received greater attention as a result of the public's growing interest in social problems. Press reports described prostitution as a widespread problem, and government statistics showed the average age of prostitutes to be dropping.

In December, human rights groups reported that "Leyla M," an 18-year-old with a mental age of 8 years, faced imminent execution for "morality-related" offences arising from her being forced into prostitution by her parents as a child. In late November, she was sentenced to death by a court in Arak, and the sentence was subsequently passed to the Supreme Court for confirmation. According to November press reports, social workers tested her mental capacities repeatedly, and each time they have found her to have a mental age of 8 years. However, she has apparently never been examined by the court-appointed doctors and was sentenced to death solely on the basis of her explicit confessions, without consideration of her background or mental health.

Provisions in the Islamic Civil and Penal Codes, in particular those sections dealing with family and property law, discriminate against women. Shortly after the 1979 revolution, the Government repealed the Family Protection Law, a hallmark bill adopted in 1967 that had given women increased rights in the home and workplace, and replaced it with a legal system based largely on Shari'a practices. In 1998, the Majlis passed legislation that mandated segregation of the sexes in the provision of medical care. In August 2003, the Council of Guardians rejected a bill that would require the country to adopt U.N. conventions on eliminating torture and ending discrimination against women. [...]

The testimony of a woman is worth half that of a man in court. The blood money paid to the family of a female crime victim is half the sum paid for a man. A married woman must obtain the written consent of her husband before traveling outside the country (see Section 2.d.).

Women had access to primary and advanced education. Reportedly 60 percent of university students were women; however, social and legal constraints limited their professional opportunities. Women were represented in many fields of the work force, and the Government has not prevented women from entering many traditionally male-dominated fields; however, their unemployment rate reportedly was significantly higher than for men. Women can own property in their own name, own businesses, and obtain credit at a bank. Women are barred from seeking the presidency and from appointment to the judiciary. The law provides maternity, child care, and pension benefits. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

28.02.2005 - Source: US Department of State

Women must obtain male permission to leave the country ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2004") [#29525], [ID 8906]

"[...] Women must obtain the permission of their husband, father, or another male relative to obtain a passport. Married women must receive written permission from their husbands before being allowed to leave the country. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

24.02.2005 - Source: BBC News

The court dismissed teenage girl's claim that she was raped, and sentenced her to 100 lashes; international concerns about women's rights in Iran continue to be raised ("Iran girl gets 100 lashes for sex") [#29224], [ID 8907]

Document(s): Open document

14.02.2005 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Written statement by the Organization for Defending Victims of Violence (ODVV) on violations of women's rights ("Integration of the human rights of women and the gender perspective: violence against women [E/CN.4/2005/NGO/72]") [#30289], [ID 8903]

Document(s): Open document

13.01.2005 - Source: BBC News

Woman sentenced to death for killing a police official she said had tried to rape her, pardoned after victim's family agreed to accept compensation instead of seeking her execution ("Iranian rape case woman pardoned") [#28253], [ID 8908]

Document(s): Open document

11.01.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Leyla Mafi, who was sentenced to death for "morality-related" offences arising from her being forced into prostitution as a child, is no longer in imminent danger of execution ("Iran - Further Information on UA 332/04") [#28176], [ID 8909]

Document(s): Open document

29.12.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Women are being systematically discriminated by Islamic Shari'a laws ("Women are terrorized") [#28014], [ID 8910]

Document(s): Open document

16.12.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Girl is at risk of imminent execution after her death sentence for adultery was upheld by the Supreme Court; she could allegedly be stoned to death as early as 21 December; her unnamed co-defendant is at risk of imminent execution by hanging ("Iran - UA 336/04") [#27656], [ID 8911]

Document(s): Open document

10.12.2004 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Girl, who has a mental age of eight, is reportedly facing imminent execution for "morality-related" offences arising from her being forced into prostitution as a child; she was reportedly sentenced to death by a court in Arak when she was 18 ("Iran - UA 332/04") [#27573], [ID 8912]

Document(s): Open document

08.10.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Woman reportedly sentenced to death for killing her husband ("Sentenced to death for killing abusive husband") [#26326], [ID 8913]

Document(s): Open document

07.10.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Woman sentenced to death for the murder of her husband, who allegedly tried to rape her daughter from a previous marriage; she is at risk of imminent execution ("Iran - UA 281/04") [#26206], [ID 8914]

Document(s): Open document

14.09.2004 - Source: Presse

Interview with activist Shirin Ebadi on situation of women ("Interview: Ebadis Leben mit der Angst - "Frau ist nur die Hälfte wert"") [#25527], [ID 8915]

Document(s): Open document

14.09.2004 - Source: Standard

Interview with activist Shirin Ebadi on situation of women (""Unterm Schah wäre ich nicht hier gesessen"") [#25528], [ID 8916]

Document(s): Open document

02.08.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Iran's Supreme Court quashed death sentence of woman convicted of murder of senior police official, who had tried to rape her; Supreme Court "found deficiencies in her case" ("Iran - Further Information on EXTRA 44/03") [#24384], [ID 8917]

Document(s): Open document

27.07.2004 - Source: BBC News

Woman convicted of killing an intelligence officer she claimed tried to rape her, has had her death sentence quashed ("Iran 'killer of rapist' reprieved") [#24314], [ID 8918]

Document(s): Open document

12.07.2004 - Source: BBC News

Iran's morality police have made several raids in Tehran, in an apparent crackdown on women who flout the strict Islamic dress code ("Iran police in fashion crackdown") [#23944], [ID 8919]

Document(s): Open document

21.06.2004 - Source: BBC News

Iran's government has launched a crackdown on women who flout the strict Islamic dress codes during the summer months ("Iran cracks down on summer dress") [#23473], [ID 8920]

"The hardline police chief in Tehran said his force was now determined to enforce the Islamic measures and punish the offenders.

Such announcements are usually common at the beginning of summer when many women defy the rules by wearing shorter, tighter and brighter coats.

But reformist politicians in Iran fear that this time the conservatives - who have reasserted their power after general elections, in which many pro-reform candidates were banned from standing - may really intend to try to enforce such measures.

Reports say that in recent weeks raids on mixed-sex parties and coffee shops, where young people flirt over a burger or coke, have increased.

But most observers say the crackdown would be counter-productive in a country where two-thirds of the people are under 30 and women play an important role in society."

Document(s): Open document

09.06.2004 - Source: Asian Centre for Human Rights

Women activists celebrating International Women's Day in Tehran beaten up by Basij volunteer group ("EU-Iran Dialogue on Human Rights: One step forward, two steps back (ACHRF/24/04)") [#23237], [ID 8921]

"There is little freedom of association and assembly. On 8 March 2004, members of the vigilante Basij volunteer group beat up women activists celebrating the International Women's Day in Tehran. Several people were reportedly arrested."

Document(s): Open document

11.05.2004 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

A bill granting women equal inheritance rights to men has been approved by Iran's reformist parliament ("Reformists propose equal inheritance rights for women") [#22116], [ID 8922]

Document(s): Open document

03.03.2004 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Report focused on violence against women - individual cases documented ("Violence against women: Report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women its causes and consequences, Yakin Ertürk E/CN.4/2004/66/Add.1") [#21425], [ID 8923]

Document(s): Open document

27.02.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Mohsen Mofidi, charged with possessing the illegal satellite dish, alcohol and with fostering the corruption of his younger sisters, died after flogging while in detention ("Iran: Justice denied to man who died after flogging") [#19821], [ID 8924]

Document(s): Open document

13.02.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Mohsen Mofidi and his two sisters sentenced to prison sentences and flogging on charges including possession of an illegal satellite dish, alcohol consumption and corruption/the sisters fled to Canada, but the man's sentence could be carried out at any time ("Iran - UA 65/04") [#19405], [ID 8925]

Document(s): Open document

04.02.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Qazvin: woman, who was sentenced to execution and flogging in connection with running a brothel, was hanged ("Iran - Further Information on UA 11/04") [#19165], [ID 8926]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

03.02.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Woman, convicted of murdering a man she apparently planned to marry, sentenced to death/ she may be executed at any time ("Iran - UA 34/04") [#19160], [ID 8927]

Document(s): Open document

15.12.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

Woman at risk of imminent execution/ she was sentenced to death for the premeditated murder of her mother-in-law in 2000, and her husband, the victim's son, has demanded that the death sentence be carried out ("Iran - UA 364/03") [#18266], [ID 8928]

Document(s): Open document

05.12.2003 - Source: World Organisation Against Torture

2003 Nobel Peace Prize Winner threatened by Hezbollah members while going to University of Tehran Azzahra (reserved for women) to make a speech on women rights and the right of custody for the mothers ("Iran: Threats against Mrs Shirin Ebadi [IRN 005/1203/OBS 067]") [#18078], [ID 8929]

Document(s): Open document

19.11.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

7 women who allegedly showed disrespect during the month of Ramadan sentenced to 50 lashes in Shiraz; 4 men sentenced to death by stoning by a court in Mashhad ("Iran: Alarming spiral of human rights violations mar positive steps") [#17730], [ID 8930]

Document(s): Open document

23.10.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

Following national and international pressure, the Head of the Judiciary, Ayatollah Hashemi Shahroudi, has reportedly ordered that the execution of Afsaneh Norouzi should be delayed ("Iran - Further Information on EXTRA 44/03") [#17063], [ID 8931]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

15.07.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

Simin Mohammadi reportedly held in solitary confinement at Evin prison, in the capital Tehran/ she does not have access to a lawyer, and may be at risk of torture or ill-treatment ("Iran - Further Information on UA 181/03") [#14335], [ID 8932]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

02.12.2002 - Source: BBC News

BBC: ("Iran women get more divorce rights") [#9806], [ID 8947]

Document(s): Open document

10.2002 - Source: UK Home Office

UK Home Office: Two types of marriage sanctioned by current Iranian law: permanent marriage and temporary marriage ("Country Assessment - October 2002") [#9556], [ID 8934]

"5.136. Current law in Iran sanctions two types of marriage: permanent marriage and temporary marriage (called sigheh or mut'a). Temporary marriage is limited by a period of time, normally specified in the marriage contract, which may vary from 1 hour to 99 years. The husband may terminate the marriage at any time. Men are allowed up to four permanent wives and an unlimited number of concubines or temporary wives. Muslim men are free to marry non-Muslim women, but marriage between Muslim women and non-Muslim men is not recognised.

5.137. The marriage rate increased by only 4per cent from 1987 to 1995, whereas the divorce rate increased by 9per cent over the same period. [3(b)] The showing of the film “Leila” in Teheran in 1997 generated public debate about the status of married women, and of multiple marriage in particular. [10(b)] The minimum legal age for marriage is 9 years, [4(f)] although the Majles have passed a bill raising the age to 13 for girls and 15 for boys. Although marriage at the minimum age is rare. All women must have the permission of the father or a living male relative to marry.

5.138. Following the 1979 Revolution in Iran, Islamic leaders told the populace to procreate and produce an army of 20 million. The population subsequently grew by up to 4per cent per annum. However, the clerics now support the notion of contraception with teachings from the Koran, and the population growth rate has halved.

5.139. Iran' s reformist parliament passed a bill on 27 August 2002 which wouild alow donation of foetuses for the first time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution but the bill needs approval by the conservative Guardian Council of Clerics to become law."

Document(s): Open document

10.2002 - Source: UK Home Office

UK Home Office: Divorce applies to permanent marriage only ("Country Assessment - October 2002") [#9556], [ID 8935]

"5.140. Divorce applies to permanent marriage only. A husband wishing to divorce is required to obtain court permission to register the divorce if his wife does not agree to the divorce, but registration can only be delayed by the court, not prevented. A husband is not required to cite a reason for divorcing his wife. The conditions under which a woman may divorce depend on the year that she married, and the legislation that was in effect at the time of her marriage. On 28 September 2002 it was reported that the Guardian Council had returned, to the Majlis, for further consideration, a bill which would allow women greater rights to divorce their husbands. Divorced women, particularly in rural areas, may find themselves socially isolated and may face financial difficulty.

5.141. In 1986 the government issued a 12-point model contract for marriage and divorce which limited the privileges traditionally accorded to men under Islamic law. A divorced woman's rights to a share of the matrimonial properties and to increased alimony rights were recognised.

5.142. In the event of divorce, the father traditionally has legal custody of his children, unless a women can show her spouse to be an unfit father and applies under legislation passed in November 1998 to obtain custody. The civil code provides for custody of a male child to belong to the mother until the child is 2 years old, and of a female child until she is 5. Women who remarry are forced to give up custody of children from earlier marriages to their father.

5.143. The position of a divorced woman and further relationships after divorce can be fraught, with accusations of “immoral behaviour” and possible “adultery” brought to the Ershad.

5.144. The phenomonon of husband killing, punishable by death, is on the rise in the male dominated society, some point to abuse or philandering as factors."

Document(s): Open document

10.2002 - Source: UK Home Office

UK Home Office: Legality of abortions unclear under Iranian law ("Country Assessment - October 2002") [#9556], [ID 8940]

"5.145. The position of whether it is legal to perform abortions is unclear in law, and many doctors are reluctant to proceed. This is irrespective of a fatwa by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that abortion may be undertaken in cases of medical necessity, such as when thalassemia has been detected. Illegal abortion clinics have been prosecuted in recent years.

5.146. There are a number of women's organizations (semi-official as well as non-governmental) that have been created since the Revolution and in particular in the last few years such as the Cultural and Social Council for Women, the Women's Affairs Commission, Women's Affairs Bureau, Women's Sports Department, International Office for Women, Bureau for Promotion of Rural Women's activities, Rural Women's Cooperative, Women's Solidarity Societies, etc."

Document(s): Open document

10.2002 - Source: UK Home Office

UK Home Office: Under the Islamic Penal Code those found guilty of adultery, witnessed by at least three others, are subject to execution by stoning ("Country Assessment - October 2002") [#9556], [ID 8943]

"5.177. Under the Islamic Penal Code adopted by the Majlis in November 1995, those found guilty of adultery, witnessed by at least three others, are subject to execution by stoning. If a husband discovers his wife in an adulterous act he may kill her and her partner without legal consequence; a wife who discovers her husband with another woman does not have the same right. There have been several reports of execution for adultery in recent years.

5.178. One IRB report has qualified understanding of the law regarding adultery, stating that the standard of proof and punishment concerning adultery reflects the contradictory practices and decisions of the Iranian Islamic courts. In essence, rural small town courts are more likely to inflict harsher sentences and perverse judgements than courts in Tehran. Reporting in 1997, the source stated that there were no recent cases of stoning in Tehran. Stoning for adultery is held not to be a widespread phenomenon. However, in July 2001, Amnesty international has received a reported case of a stoning to death of a woman for adultery, the sentence undertaken in Evin prison, Tehran.

5.179. Temporary marriage (Sigheh in Farsi) is often used as a means of smoothing problems over; a woman's first temporary marriage requires her father's written permission.

5.180. The sentencing to death by stoning in January 1998 of a German businessman for having been found guilty of intercourse with a Muslim woman was classed as punishment for adultery because he was not Muslim. The accused countered the charges by claiming his conversion to Islam, A Mehrabad Court of Appeal upheld the death sentence in October 1998. By February 1999 the case had been returned to the Teheran justice department for further review. He was eventually acquitted for lack of evidence but fined 20 million rials and allowed to leave Iran in January 2000.

5.181. The case of Mohammad Ali Ghasemi from Teheran was also publicised in late 1995. He was convicted of three adulterous relationships with women and illegal drug use, resulting in a sentence of 170 lashes. Flogging is the standard punishment for single males involved in adultery: such cases do not carry the death penalty.

5.182. Enticing a person to commit adultery is an offence, with lashes as punishment left to the judge's discretion. Such punishment may be dictated to the married person even if they are the unwilling