Web life line

Whilst you probably know that the internet is used by people for their work, for socialising, or shopping, you might not think too much about all the range of uses the internet provides. Around the world many people see the internet as their only voice of freedom. In some countries where the government does not allow public expression or dissent against the regime, many young people turn to the internet to highlight their issues to their country people and the world at large.  

Iran is a country whose recent political turmoil has forced young people to look for a medium to express themselves. The internet has the advantages of being highly accessible and hard to police. In Iran, policies effecting women’s freedoms were some of the first areas of conservative reform and women were some of the first to turn to the freedom of the web to voice their concerns. Iranian activist in exile Asieh Amini (who now lives in Norway) says that as the regime gained momentum ‘very stringent laws [were] designed to push women out of the social sphere and strip her of her human rights and responsibilities. Harsh punishments for those who undermined these concepts and laws too were also approved.’ Hijab (Islamic dress) became mandatory, and women began to loose more and more of their freedoms. Under the conservative regime, stories and laws affecting women were to have less and less discussion in the media. In 2006 Asieh (pictured) dared to defy the Government by publishing stories on the internet about a man and women who were stoned to death for adultery. Since then, she has worked to publicise the stoning execution of Atefeh Sahaleah (2003), and Jafar Kiani (2007). She has also been crucial in securing the release of four other women sentenced to death in self-defense cases. Through her blog, although now out of her own country she is still works as an activist for Iranian women.

Journalist couple Masoud Bastani and his wife Mahsa Amrabadi have both been in prison for opposing the regime. Mahsa has been convicted of “propagating against the regime through writing in the press.” “My lawyer has appealed, but my appeals court has not been assigned yet. In fact, I am not hopeful about an appeal. Experience has shown us that these courts mostly act to uphold the decisions of lower courts,” Amrabadi told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran. A Free Masoud Bastani & Mahsa Amrabadi Facebook page has been set up to keep their plight in the media’s attention.

Music is also the subject of censorship in Iran under the current regime. Twenty six year old Iranian Rapper Hichkas (Soroush Laskary) uses music to spread political messages about violence perpetrated by the Government, and their indifference to the people. His music could not be legally released in his home country, but could be downloaded from itunes and from his website for a short period. As his popularity grew, he was arrested, jailed and tortured, but managed to escape and flee to Turkey with his wife.

These are just a few examples of activists using the internet to spread their message and seek aid from abroad. In some instances, being able to publicise and discuss their plight may effectively save their own lives or lives of others.

“In the era we live in, the internet can be utilised as the most powerful tool to project our voice, to highlight injustice and human rights violations.”

Whilst the majority of us use the internet for topics that are amusing, mundane, or social, it is important that you take the opportunity to challenge yourself and look beyond the pleasant to learn about people in need. 

References:
Iran - Inside/Out, ABC Foreign Correspondent, Reporter: Jane Corbin (BBC Panorama)
Asieh’s eyes. A true story by Soheila Vahdati Iranian.com
Asieh Amini: Women And Writing In Iran Shahrazadeu.org
Hichkas: Iranian rap artist Wikipedia
The Green Voice of Freedom

Asieh Amini, photographed by Javad Montazeri