Iran: Condemn the violence used against Iranian women on international women's day
WLUML is deeply concerned about reports of violent attacks and arrests of women's rights activists, women's groups and human rights defenders on 8 March 2006, International Women’s Day. Those gathered were attacked and assaulted by plain-clothes militia, special anti riot forces of the Revolutionary guards, soldiers and police.
WLUML has previously expressed concern about the escalating campaign to repress civil society groups and human rights activists in Iran. In June 2005 thousands of women gathered in front of Tehran University asking for changes in the constitution with respect to women's rights. Many of the women involved in the protest were subsequently called in for questioning by security forces, interrogated, repeatedly harassed and some organizations were denied permits of operation due to their involvement in the Tehran university protest. Women's rights activists believe that interrogations, harassments, and pressure on their organizations, including closure and arrests will increase as a result of this latest event.
We request action to urge the Iranian authorities to ensure the safety and immediate and unconditional release of those who have been arrested and assurances that such an unprovoked and violent response will not be repeated.
Friends have particularly requested statements of support from women’s groups and human rights organisations based in the region and those in Islamic countries, as they feel that such support will carry greater weight with the Iranian authorities.
We thank you in advance for your continuous support.
In solidarity,
Women Living Under Muslim Laws
We request action to urge the Iranian authorities to ensure the safety and immediate and unconditional release of those who have been arrested and assurances that such an unprovoked and violent response will not be repeated.
Friends have particularly requested statements of support from women’s groups and human rights organisations based in the region and those in Islamic countries, as they feel that such support will carry greater weight with the Iranian authorities.
We thank you in advance for your continuous support.
In solidarity,
Women Living Under Muslim Laws
Iran: Peaceful Iranian women's rights gathering on 8th March, ends in violence (Anonymous)
9/03/2006 The peaceful gathering of women's rights activists, women's groups and human rights defenders in Park Daneshjoo was attacked and women were assaulted by plain clothes militia, special anti riot forces of the Revolutionary guards, soldiers and police. Approximately 1,000 women had gathered in Park Daneshjoo on the occasion of the International Women's Day to emphasize their stance in support of women's human rights and peace. The ceremony which started at 4:00 pm, and was scheduled to last one hour, was charged by security forces shortly after it began, who relentlessly beat the protesters, in an effort to disperse the group.
http://www.wluml.org/english/newsfulltxt.shtml?cmd[157]=x-157-530307
http://www.kosoof.com/archive/2006/Mar/%208/396.php
9/03/2006 The peaceful gathering of women's rights activists, women's groups and human rights defenders in Park Daneshjoo was attacked and women were assaulted by plain clothes militia, special anti riot forces of the Revolutionary guards, soldiers and police. Approximately 1,000 women had gathered in Park Daneshjoo on the occasion of the International Women's Day to emphasize their stance in support of women's human rights and peace. The ceremony which started at 4:00 pm, and was scheduled to last one hour, was charged by security forces shortly after it began, who relentlessly beat the protesters, in an effort to disperse the group.
http://www.wluml.org/english/newsfulltxt.shtml?cmd[157]=x-157-530307
http://www.kosoof.com/archive/2006/Mar/%208/396.php
