State control

Belgique: Interdiction du voile intégral

Les députés belges membres de la commission de l'intérieur de la Chambre ont adopté, mercredi 31 mars, une proposition qui bannit - sans les nommer - la burqa et le niqab de l'espace public. Il prévoit des amendes de 15 à 25 euros et/ou une peine de prison d'un à sept jours pour toutes les personnes qui se présenteraient "le visage masqué ou dissimulé" dans l'espace public.

Iran: Aliyeh Eghdamdoost Charged for Reading History of March 8th

A small group of women being held in Evin Prison held an event on the occasion of March 8th, International Women’s Day. In this event, Aliyeh Eghdamdoost read a small history of this international day. After this event, the head prosecutor of Evin Prison summoned Mrs. Eghdamdoost and has accused her of “reading articles; giving a speech for females on International Women’s Day, and inciting women’s activities; malicious propaganda against the regime; insulting the President and Supreme Leader; and promoting socialism”.

Belgium: Lawmakers Move to Ban Burqas Worn in Public

In a reflection of growing anxiety in Europe over the use of Islamic symbols, a committee of Belgian lawmakers voted Wednesday to ban the wearing of burqas in public, paving the way for the first clampdown of its kind on the Continent. The proposal, which will be put to the full Parliament after the Easter break, highlights the political sensitivity of Islamic dress for European politicians grappling with the challenges of integrating its expanding Muslim population. It came in the midst of debates in France and the Netherlands over the wearing of head scarves or veils, and followed a referendum vote in Switzerland against building minarets.

Iran: Executions send a chilling message

Recent developments in Iran have prompted fears that the Iranian authorities are once more using executions as a tool to try and quell political unrest, intimidate the population and send a signal that dissent will not be tolerated. There was a noticeable surge in the rate of executions at the time of mass protests over last year's disputed Presidential elections. Although many of the executions were for criminal offences committed before the unrest, they sent a chilling message to those involved in protests.

Sri Lanka: Women & the Presidential Manifestos

The manifestos, called Mahinda Chintanaya II in the case of the incumbent President and The Common Minimum Plan in the case of General Sarath Fonseka, have now been released to the public. In an election short on substantive issues and characterized by mud-slinging by both sides, these documents provide the voter an idea of the programmes both candidates wish to prioritize.

UPDATE: Indonesia: Court upholds anti-pornography bill

Indonesia's constitutional court has upheld a controversial anti-pornography law, disappointing activists and cultural groups who had challenged it. The court said that the law's definition of pornography was clear and did not violate the constitution. The law was passed in 2008 and heavily backed by Islamic parties who helped to draft it. But it was opposed by minority groups who say it goes against Indonesia's tradition of diversity and pluralism. The anti-pornography law was passed with an overwhelming majority in the Indonesian parliament. But it has been seen by minority groups as a step towards strict Islamic law, stifling religious and artistic freedom. Update on: Indonesia: Anti-Pornography Law Raises Fears for Minorities

Sudan: President threatens to expel election observers

Sudan's president, Omar al-Bashir, has warned foreign election observers that his government "will cut off their fingers and put them under our shoes" if they urge the country to delay next month's elections. Bashir, who is seeking to win another term in the 11 April polls, was responding to a statement issued last week by observers from the US-based Carter Centre, which said a minor postponement may be required to address logistical difficulties. The vote is scheduled to be the first competitive election in Sudan in 24 years.

Iran: Take action on arrest and detention of human rights defender Ms Mahboubeh Karami

Human rights defender Ms Mahboubeh Karami was arrested on 2 March 2010. Mahboubeh Karami is a member of the One Million Signature Campaign, a movement which aims to end discriminatory laws against women in Iran. Front Line previously issued an appeal in relation to the arrest and detention of Mahboubeh Karami on 2 April 2009.

Iran: Arrestation et détention de la défenseuse des droits humains Mlle Mahboubeh Karami

La défenseuse des droits humains Mlle Mahboubeh Karami a été arrêtée le 2 mars 2010. Mahboubeh Karami est membre de la "Campagne pour un Million de Signatures », un mouvement qui vise à mettre fin aux lois discriminatoires contre les femmes en Iran. Front Line avait déjà lancé un appel concernant l'arrestation et la détention de Mahboubeh Karami le 2 avril 2009.

EU: Intersectionality of Freedom of Religion or Belief & Women’s Rights

The intersectionality of freedom of religion or belief and women’s rights is one of the most complex human rights issues faced by the world today. Down through the centuries, religious extremism and interpretation of holy books have shaped traditions and cultural stereotypes in a number of patriarchal societies. Some of these traditions and stereotypes have been detrimental to women, and have survived until the 3rd millennium. By Willy Fautré, Human Rights Without Frontiers.