Stories about Iran
Iran’s new president must address repression of artists, dissidents at UN Assembly
"Forced confessions, work bans, and restrictions on mobility as lesser-known tactics of the Iranian regime, which nonetheless have powerful effects on victims."
In Iran, persecuted minorities can also turn into persecutors
For the past four decades, the Islamic Republic has systematically repressed religious minorities. However, within society, some oppressed minorities have mirrored this behavior and become oppressors themselves.
Taiwan International Documentary Festival honors Myanmar filmmakers
Taipei hosted in May the 14th edition of the Taiwan Independent Documentary Festival showcasing over 200 movies with a focus on Myanmar, Ukraine, and Taiwan’s own history of documentary filmmaking.
‘I dreamed I was executed by a firing squad in Iran’
Actress Maryam Palizban's journey into exile, as she navigated life between Germany and Iran, constantly concerned about being photographed without a hijab, until she embraced the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement.
Azerbaijan speaks of peace while cracking down on Islam
Just last month, scores of religious believers were rounded up across the country. According to rights defenders, over 500 believers have been arrested just in the past year and a half.
Portraits of exile: Musical resistance to oppression from Iranian singer Faravaz
Faravaz defied borders and societal norms, moving from early recognition in Iran to facing backlash, exile, and activism in Germany. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of Iranian women against oppression.
Religious minorities in Iran face cultural violence
Over the last 45 years, the Islamic Republic has weaponized textbooks, religious debates, movies, city walls, and even cemeteries to impose cultural violence, particularly over religious minorities, but it faced resistance.
Exiled Iranian crown prince awarded US LGBTQ+ award for speaking up for Iran's queer community
The Iranian LGBTQ+ community is kept invisible by the Iranian opposition, but a US LGBTQ+ award to exile Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi seems to signify changes in attitudes.
Portraits of exile: Iranian ‘soldier of justice’ Sholeh Pakravan
In a heart-wrenching moment behind prison walls in Iran, Sholeh receives news about her daughter Reyhaneh's execution for killing a former intelligence ministry worker who had attempted to rape her.
Is there a double standard in how foreign-funded Persian media covers the opposition?
Four experts explain why there is a double standard in how the foreign-funded big Persian media are covering the Iranian opposition, neither criticizing them nor demanding transparency.
Israel's latest conflict with Hamas: A geopolitical perspective
Achieving a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict entails recognizing Palestinians' historical rights, ending apartheid practices, and stopping illegal settlement activities.
Portraits of exile: Iranian journalist Maryam Mirza
Journalist Maryam Mirza draws inspiration from the brave women of Iran, prompting her to share her own story and to chronicle the experiences of other Iranian women in exile in Berlin.
Iran’s women, digital rights and human freedoms
While the Iranian government’s tactics reflect a global issue, the world must remember and celebrate the unique courage of Iran’s women, who stand tall in the face of adversity.
The six countries invited to join the BRICS club
"The expansion and modernization of BRICS is a message that all institutions in the world need to mould themselves according to changing times."
Is the exiled Iranian queer community finally getting acceptance in the Iranian diaspora?
Punishable by death in Iran, homosexuality is also condemned by many member sof the Iranian diaspora. Yet thanks to a few exiled activists, things could be changing outside the country.
State suspected of gas attacks on schoolgirls in Iran
Women and girls' resistance traps the regime in a catch-22 situation; They are unable to compromise on gender apartheid while facing persistent demands for women's rights.
As resistance in Iran continues, the regime strikes back
Propelled by shifting dynamics in its relationship with the West, the Iranian regime has resorted to lashing out at activists and dissidents, both domestically and internationally in recent weeks.
The controversial role of Islam in protestors’ executions in Iran
Despite the harsh interpretation of religion by Iranian authorities, there are those who contend that politicians within the religious institution manipulate religion to justify their actions or further their objectives.
Unfreedom Monitor Report: Access
Advox research into internet access, shutdowns and interruptions is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
‘Manifesting my struggles in my painting’: An interview with Iranian artist Zeynab Movahed
Her work communicates the ongoing fight for equal rights in a country that can be described as a “gender-apartheid” state, despite the fact that a large number of its women are highly educated.
A gay Iranian photographer's journey of survival
Despite the challenges, Ashkan Shabani remains determined to fight for LGBTQ+ freedom and equality in Iran and worldwide. He longs for a future where he can return home without fear.
