U.S. State Department Official to VOA: Human Rights Situation in Iran, Especially Women's Rights, Has Deteriorated

Robert Gilchrist, a senior official at the U.S. State Department's Office of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, expressed concern on Monday, April 22, regarding the worsening human rights record of the Islamic Republic in 2023, particularly the situation of women's rights in Iran. This American diplomat, in response to a question from Gita Arian, a reporter for VOA's Persian section, about the existence of bills in Congress regarding new sanctions against senior officials of the Islamic Republic due to ongoing human rights violations, stated that the U.S. State Department is committed to implementing all laws passed by Congress. Speaking at the unveiling of this year's State Department report on the human rights situation in various countries, he expressed concern that over the past year, members of religious and ethnic minorities, as well as civil and human rights activists in Iran, have faced persecution by the Islamic Republic. Gilchrist further noted that the situation for Iranian women is worsening day by day; they struggle with discrimination and are punished and imprisoned for opposing the compulsory hijab imposed by the government. This senior State Department official highlighted the ongoing repression of Iranian protesters, especially following the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini in the custody of the morality police and the increase in executions, reminding that the United States has imposed extensive sanctions on officials and institutions of the Islamic Republic. The violent crackdown on protesters following Mahsa Amini's death and the expansion of military relations between the Islamic Republic and Russia have prompted Western countries, led by the United States, to impose extensive sanctions on officials and institutions responsible for the Iranian government in this regard. American officials have repeatedly expressed their strong support for Iranian citizens opposing government repression and have promised to hold Islamic Republic officials accountable. The latest report from Human Rights Watch indicates that the crackdown on protests has been accompanied by 'sexual assault.' Narges Mohammadi recounts the transfer of Dina Ghalibaf to Evin 'with a bruised body': the authoritarian government has brought a full-scale war to the streets. The ongoing harassment of religious minorities in Iran; fifteen Baha'i women summoned to the Revolutionary Court in Isfahan. The conviction of Saman Yasin to five years of exile in Kerman; the lawyer of this imprisoned artist: I will protest. The ongoing threats against women despite widespread protests; the police: the 'Noor' plan will continue with strength.