Activists, Lawyers, and Teachers Battle for Rights in Iran
In this episode of the NCRI Women’s Committee podcast, we have a pressing and alarming topic to delve into—the relentless pressures exerted on women activists from all walks of life to intimidate and terrorize Iranian society, with the aim of stifling any potential uprisings.
Furthermore, we will briefly examine the alarming escalation of executions in Iran and the inhumane treatment endured by the families of execution victims. Lastly, we will address the heartbreaking struggles faced by the families of death row prisoners, highlighting the immense hardships they endure.
Over the past two weeks, approximately 70 lawyers have been summoned by the clerical regime in Iran. This alarming development raises concerns about the freedom of expression and the ability of lawyers to defend their clients without fear of reprisal. It’s important to note that this is not an isolated incident but rather part of a wider pattern of repression and human rights violations targeting lawyers and human rights defenders in Iran.
Lawyers in Iran face numerous challenges, ranging from restrictions on their ability to represent their clients effectively to harassment, intimidation, and even imprisonment. The clerical regime often uses vague and broadly interpreted national security laws to silence lawyers who dare to advocate for justice or take on politically sensitive cases. This not only infringes upon their professional rights but also undermines the principles of a fair and impartial legal system.
The regime has conducted widespread arrests targeting labor activists, women’s rights activists, human rights activists, and journalists. They are summoning journalists who were previously released in February, falsely claiming to have granted them amnesty.
On the eve of Teachers’ Day in Iran, they raided the residence of an imprisoned teacher and arrested several teachers and labor activists.
These women activists and journalists have tirelessly worked to report the truth, improve working conditions, and fight against human rights violations. Unfortunately, their dedication has come at a tremendous personal cost under the oppressive rule of the regime.
Iranian student activists who participated in the 2022-2023 Iran protests are facing similar challenges. The right to education is a fundamental human right, yet many students are systematically excluded from pursuing their studies due to their activism.
Over the past month, numerous students have been summoned and informed that they are not allowed to continue their education. They are either suspended or dismissed from school. However, Iranian students remain resilient and determined to continue their fight for a better future.
The families of death row prisoners in Iran, already burdened with the anguish of having loved ones facing imminent execution, have been subjected to further suffering. Instead of receiving support and empathy, they have faced harassment and intimidation from authorities.
Their cries for justice and pleas to spare the lives of their loved ones have been met with brutality. Several women were beaten up during their protests outside the Qezel Hesar Prison in Karaj. The security forces fired tear gas at them.
The families of prisoners also organized rallies in Tehran, Isfahan, and Bandar Abbas. Despite the risks and threats, these brave individuals gathered in solidarity to demand an end to the escalating executions in Iran. The prisoners’ children held up signs, reading, “Don’t execute my dad!”
We even had a case where the wife of a prisoner who died due to poisoning, was also arrested and imprisoned, leaving her children without any care and support.
We should remember that behind each number and execution order, there are real lives hanging in the balance and grieving families desperate to save the lives of their loved ones.
Morethan 120 prisoners, including three political prisoners, were executed in Iran over the past month, alone. Most of these prisoners were convicted of drug-related charges which according to the international law are not punishable by death!
