2013 Briefing Book - Print Version - Aipac

IRAN
The Regime Has a Long History of Repressing Its People
Iran has reminded the world time and again that despite presidential and parliamentary elections,
it remains a religious—and increasingly a military—dictatorship. The supreme leader retains
final veto authority over all government decisions and has empowered the Islamic Revolutionary
Guards Corps (IRGC)—a U.S.-designated terrorist organization—and IRGC-affiliated politicians
to manage many aspects of Iran’s domestic and foreign policy, as well as much of its economy.
TORTURES AND KILLS OPPONENTS AFTER FRAUDULENT ELECTION
The June 2009 presidential election was a stark reminder of the lack of democracy and fundamental
freedoms in Iran. In addition to severely limiting the ability of candidates to run for the office—
only 4 out of 476 prospective candidates were allowed to compete—this election was marked by
significant voter fraud. When millions of Iranians took to the streets to protest President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad’s stolen electoral victory, the government unleashed the Revolutionary Guard and the
paramilitary Basij militia to violently suppress the demonstrations.
In the immediate aftermath of the fraudulent election, as many as 200 people were killed and
another 4,000 were arrested as part of the initial crackdown on opposition activists. Thousands
more have since been arrested. In addition, reports of rape, torture and executions of political
prisoners remain commonplace.
IMPOSES HARSH
CENSORSHIP AND DENIES
FREEDOM OF THE PRESS
Claiming the need to protect
the “fundamental principles
of Islam,” the Iranian regime
restricts freedom of speech and
of the press, creating a vast
system of censorship and selfcensorship.
The regime suppresses
all criticism of Islamic rule and
routinely imprisons journalists
who dare to defy its dictates.
Reporters Without Borders has
In 2009, Iranian citizens initiated mass protests after fraudulent
presidential elections.
134