Progress Amid Resistance

IRAN 135judiciary, Ali Reza Jamshidi, stated that the moratorium was consideredonly advisory and not binding. 41In mid-2006, a group of lawyers, academics, and activists inside andoutside Iran formed the Campaign to Stop Stoning Forever, which hasbeen relatively effective in exposing the practice, providing legal assistance,and conducting advocacy work. In the subsequent months, the groupidentified and provided legal representation for nine women and two mensentenced to death by stoning, which resulted in reduced punishment inseveral cases. As of July 2009, a bill that would ban stoning was underconsideration by the government. 42Sexual relationships are only permissible within the construct of alegal, heterosexual marriage. Homosexual acts between men are illegaland punishable by death under Article 109 of the penal code. Proof isestablished by the testimony of four male witnesses; the testimony ofwomen—even in conjunction with men—may not establish the crime.Homosexual acts between women (mosaheqeh) are outlawed underArticle 127, and while the standard of proof is the same, the punishmentis far less severe. Women convicted of mosaheqeh are subject to as manyas 100 lashes under Article 129, unless they repent before witnesses givetheir testimony. If a woman is convicted for a fourth time, the punishmentis death under Article 131. 43Violence against women is a frequent topic of discussion in the mediaand within NGOs, but political and cultural factors have prevented systematicstudies on this issue. It can take a number of forms—physical,sexual, psychological, financial, and political—and is not limited to thehome or family, as women can encounter violence in the workplace or inthe community due to societal prejudices or biases in the law. 44During the reform era that lasted from 1997 to 2005, the mediawere able to conduct investigative reports that uncovered various formsof violence against women throughout Iran. However, coverage hasbeen more limited as media restrictions have increased in recent years.Sporadic reports indicate ongoing “honor killings” and serial killings ofwomen in different regions. Close to 50 women were murdered during2008 in four reported cases of serial killing in Abadan, Karaj, Varamin,and Gilan. According to one report, even the state-run newspaper Iranwas pressured to refrain from publishing information related to thesemurders. 45