The Iran of pre-1979 revolution was a fundamentally different country from the one we know today. Although political and social tensions existed then as well, it was characterized by a more vibrant and open society, with relative freedom of expression, gender equality, and a certain degree of secularism.
Iran's Secular Past
Women: In the 1960s and 70s, Iran under the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi underwent a rapid modernization process. Women gained rights they did not have before, such as the right to vote, access to higher education, and engagement in various professions. Family laws were changed to improve the status of women, and various organizations were established to promote equal rights.
Examples: Women could dress more freely, without head coverings, and were more involved in public life.
Freedom of Expression: Freedom of expression was indeed limited, but compared to the current situation, there was a more open atmosphere. Journalists could criticize the regime to some extent, and various opposition parties were active. Cultural life flourished, with cinemas, theaters, and art galleries.
Examples: Newspapers could publish articles critical of the government, and people could express their opinions publicly, even if they differed from those of the government.
Secular Lifestyle: The lifestyle of Iranians was more secular. Women were not required to wear a hijab, and there was a wide variety of clothing styles. Alcohol was available, and many entertainment venues were open until the early hours of the morning.
Examples: People could go to restaurants, cafes, and clubs, and have a vibrant social life.
The Islamic Revolution and the Radical Change
The Islamic Revolution in 1979 changed the face of Iran beyond recognition. The new regime, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, turned the country into an Islamic theocracy, where religious laws are the laws of the land.
Iran Today: Extremism and Support for Terror
Iran today is a conservative and extremist country, supporting terror and deepening social gaps. Freedom of expression is extremely limited, and women and minorities suffer from severe discrimination.
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of expression in Iran is almost non-existent. The government controls all media, and any criticism of the regime is seen as a crime. Journalists, bloggers, and human rights activists are arrested, imprisoned, and even executed for their views.
Examples of the Prohibition of Freedom of Expression:
Arrest of Journalists: Dozens of Iranian journalists are currently in prison for their work.
Blocking of Websites: Thousands of websites, including social networks, have been blocked by the government.
Execution of Regime Opponents: Many people have been executed for "harming national security" or "apostasy from Islam."
Concrete Example: An Iranian journalist named Ruhollah Zam, who ran an opposition news website, was executed in 2020 for "harming national security."
Unfair Trials
The judicial system in Iran is not independent and is heavily influenced by the regime. Many trials are unfair, and the rights of the accused are not protected. Often, people are accused of offenses without any evidence and are sentenced to long prison terms or even death.
Concrete Example: In 2018, an Iranian lawyer named Nasrin Sotoudeh was sentenced to 38 years in prison and 148 lashes for her human rights activism.
Abuse of Minorities
Ethnic and religious minorities, such as Kurds, suffer from discrimination and abuse by the government. Their rights are trampled upon, and they are excluded from public office.
Concrete Example: The Kurds in Iran suffer from discrimination in many areas, such as employment, education, and housing. They are also culturally suppressed, and their rights to learn and speak their native language are denied.
The LGBT Community
Members of the LGBT community in Iran face severe discrimination and even violence. Homosexuality is a crime punishable by death, and lesbians are punished by imprisonment and flogging.
Concrete Example: In 2019, two Iranian men were executed for "homosexual acts."
Women
Women in Iran suffer from severe discrimination in all areas of life. Their movement is restricted, their employment opportunities are limited, and their legal rights are less than those of men.
Concrete Example: Women in Iran must obtain permission from their husbands to leave the country, and they are often discriminated against in workplaces.
Young Girls
Many young girls are married at a young age, sometimes even before puberty. This phenomenon is especially common in rural and poor areas.
Concrete Example: According to official figures, about 100,000 girls under the age of 15 were married in Iran in 2020.
Summary
The picture emerging from Iran today is grim. The country, which was once more open and secular, has become an extremist and radical state, where human rights are trampled upon, and women and minorities suffer from severe discrimination.