Thirty women were arrested for protesting the government's treatment of women's activists in Iran.

The arrests are the culmination of a year of increasing pressure on women's rights activists, who have been arrested, summoned to court, threatened, and harassed. Their protests have also been disrupted -- in some cases violently -- and their websites have been blocked.

Some observers believe the arrests are aimed at intimidating activists who were planning to hold a gathering on March 8 to mark International Women's Day and to protest injustice against women.

They are also cracking down on activists for two campaigns for human/women's rights. . .

One campaign aims to end the practice of stoning to death convicted adulterers. Authorities, however, deny that stoning sentences are being carried out.

Another campaign aims to gather the signatures of one million Iranians who are in favor of changing discriminatory laws and to present these signatures to the parliament. Islamic laws as applied in Iran deny women equal rights in divorce, child custody, inheritance, and other areas.

Pretty heavy.

via Huliq.com

1 Comments

March 6, 2007 7:16 PM

[0+]  Anonymous said:

in this case, it seems like the bad news is also the good news. it's awful that these women are facing violence and arrest for their protests. but the fact that it is happening means their government sees them as a threat-- just like law enforcement officials saw black civil rights protesters as a threat back in the 60s. i love the resiliance of these women and though it it is probably a bit too optimistic, i can't help but hope that these are the first signs of a major women's rights movement in the region.

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