According to the 1995 annual report prepared by the Bureau of Prisons, Security and Corrections of the Islamic Republic of Iran,

Educational services are offered to illiterate prisoners, youths who are still completing compulsory education, as well as any interested inmate. Classes from elementary school through high school levels are available (n.p.).

The following information was provided during a 26 June 1997 telephone interview with a representative of International Prison Watch in Lyon, France.

The source stated that Iranian prisoners are allowed to pursue their studies at the elementary and secondary levels, but not higher education such as at college or universities. The source could not provide additional information on the criteria consider by prison authorities when granting permission to pursue a high school diploma.

The following information on this subject was provided during a 8 June 1997 telephone interview with a specialist on Iran based in England and who contributes to Jane's Intelligence Review.

The source stated that prisons located in major cities provide teaching services for inmates. The source added that when such a service is provided, the teachers visit the prisons. The source could not provide additional information on the criteria considered by prison authorities when granting permission to pursue a high school diploma.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

References

International Prison Watch, Lyon, France. 26 June 1997. Telephone interview with representative.

Islamic Republic of Iran, Bureau of Prisons, Security and Corrections. 1995. 1995 Yearly Report.

Specialist on Iran based in England. 8 June 1997. Telephone interview.

Additonal Sources Consulted

Al-Raida [Beirut]. Summer 1993 - 1996. Quarterly.

Arabia Monitor [Washington]. November 1992 - August 1993. Monthly.

Arabies [Paris]. January 1989 - 1997. Monthly.

Arab Law Quarterly [London]. 1993 - 1997. Quarterly.

Arab Studies Quarterly [Lake Forest, Ill.]. 1995 - 1997. Quarterly.

Dialogue [London]. October 1993 - 1997. Monthly.

Gulf Newsletter [London]. February 1992 - December 1994. Three per year.

Iran: A Country Study. 1987. Edited by Helen Metz. Washington, DC: Secretary of the Army.

The Middle East [London]. November 1988 - 1997. Monthly.

Middle East International [London]. January 1991 - 1997. Bi-weekly.

Mideast Mirror [London]. April 1995 - 1996. Daily.

Middle East Report [Washington]. September 1990 - 1997. Bi-monthly.

Monde Arabe Maghreb-Machrek [Paris]. January 1989 - 1997. Quarterly.

News From Middle East Watch [New York].

On-line search of the LEXIS-NEXIS database.

Two oral sources did not have information on this subject.