Progress Amid Resistance

IRAN 129because she has acted as legal counsel for a number of Baha’is; the governmentdoes not recognize the Baha’i faith and considers its adherents tobe apostates. On January 14, Jinous Sobhani, one of Ebadi’s Baha’i colleagues,was arrested without cause. She was released on March 11, withbail set at 700 million rials (US$70,000), pending the determination ofher trial date.The DHRC is the main human rights organization in Iran that providespro bono services to those accused of political crimes and offerssupport to families of imprisoned political activists. It publishes regularreports on the situation of human rights in Iran. Hadi Ghaemi, directorof the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, noted that “theclosure of the DHRC signals a shift in the approach of security forcesand attests to the lack of tolerance on their part, not only for dissent bypolitical and social activists, but also for any defense, even legal defense incourt.” 28 If Ebadi, given her international prestige, is not immune fromthis type of pressure, then other women human rights defenders are ateven greater risk. The crackdown was also interpreted as a bid to silencevoices of dissent and criticism ahead of the 2009 presidential election. 29RecommendationsF The government should immediately stop all forms of harassment andattacks against women’s groups that are pursuing gender equalitythrough peaceful and transparent means.F The Majlis should pass legislation establishing effective citizencomplaintmechanisms and criminal penalties for security personnelwho engage in verbal harassment, physical abuse, or arbitrary arrest,particularly while enforcing rules on personal attire and appearance.NGOs should create telephone hotlines and other programs to providelegal advice and assist victims in pursuing complaints.F The Expediency Council should promptly review and approve theMajlis’s ratification of CEDAW, which has been delayed for severalyears. This will facilitate the legal reform process with respect to polygamy,diyeh, and stoning, among other issues.F Since the women’s NGOs cannot simply wait for or rely on the CEDAWratification, they should both pursue major campaigns like Change forEquality and continue to create smaller movements focused on individualissues, like equality in inheritance and access to justice for victimsof domestic violence.