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Women’s Forum Against
Fundamentalism in
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June
25, 2004
Public
Statement
Tehran’s Fundamentalist Regime Launched a
Crackdown on Women who Flout the Strict Islamic Dress Codes During the Hot
Summer Months.
Boston, MA- Recently reported by the BBC News,
the crackdown on women carries a significant message for the Iranians,
particularly the student movement. As usual, the targets in the hot summer
months begin with forcing women to adhere to the strict Islamic dress code but
it does not end there. This news is particularly alarming because the
anniversary of the crackdown on the student movement in Iran is rapidly approaching on July 9th,
it is clear that the ruling fundamentalist regime intends on commemorating this
period by more widespread suppression.
From the crackdowns in July 1999 it
was clear that the tactics of mass suppression of Iran’s fundamentalist regime has not
changed and that it would be a tenant in which everyone is a victim. It has
been reported that after the conservatives won the elections last February,
crackdowns have become even more widespread and that a Tehran General, Morteza Talaei has been quoted on
the record as stating: "anybody caught involved in social corruption will
be punished." Specific punishments include fines, prison time, and
even public floggings to further disseminate fear and intimidation.
The Iranian regime has specifically
chosen the summer months to implement its policy as it has become intolerable
for women to wear the black chador in temperatures that rise to above 104°F (40
degrees Celsius).
Women’s Forum Against
Fundamentalism in Iran condemns this crackdown and all
other forms of violence and suppression against Iranian people. With
reports of an agenda filled with violence pitted towards women, WFAFI strongly
objects this form of coercion and control over the female population and
realizes the need for a democratic change in Iran. To this end, WFAFI supports
the voice of freedom and democracy from all those inside and outside of Iran who believe a woman’s choice is her
own.
###
WFAFI
P.O.Box 15205, Boston, MA 02215
Tel: (617) 590-1665
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