RFE/RL: As
you know, on [June 12] police forces in Tehran used force to disrupt a peaceful
gathering by activists who were demanding an end to legal discrimination against
women. Witnesses say police forces -- including female officers -- violently
beat the protestors, insulted them, and arrested many. Iranian officials have
confirmed the arrest of 70 people for attending what they have described as an
"illegal gathering." But activists say the gathering was legal under Iranian law
and that it was not political in nature. What is your view as a lawyer, and why
do you think the government took such tough action against the
gathering?
Mehrangiz Kar: I really don't know why
[authorities dispersed demonstrators], but I know that this gathering was not in
any way violating Iran's constitution. One of the principles of the Islamic
Republic's constitution is related to the right to hold gatherings -- which is
free unless people carry weapons or it is correctly assessed that a gathering is
against Islamic principles. Of course, there is a general belief that seeking
justice is not violating Islamic principles. The women [who attended the
gathering] were not carrying guns; the gathering was calm and peaceful, and they
were just protesting against some laws. And in fact they were demanding justice.
Justice according to all Islamic scholars and religious experts is the essence
of Islam. So it is not clear why there was such a violent reaction to the
gathering.
RFE/RL: In recent months and since
last year, women's rights activists have on several occasions launched such
protests. And each time they have been met with a tough government response.
Nevertheless, activists have vowed to continue their protests and take further
action until their demands are met. Do you think that such protests will bring
results?
Mehrangiz Kar:
In all societies, protest begins from some point. And in the beginning,
protests are not usually large -- protests can be very small in their initial
stage, when they are being formed. But if small protests are not met with a
reasonable and wise reaction, gradually they turn into movements that can
sometimes take the form of a riot. In the current situation, it seems that such
reactions have not been successful in ceasing these demands. Iran's laws should
be reconsidered. It's not only the women who are unhappy about these laws, but
also citizens -- whenever they come into close contact with these laws in their
daily lives -- [they] express their dissatisfaction. The [government] response
is not a reasonable response, and we hope that it will be
reconsidered.
RFE/RL: Do you think that there
could be an end to discrimination against women in Iran under the current
establishment?
Mehrangiz Kar: In my opinion, no.
I have doubts that it is possible to end discrimination in the sense that the
establishment -- if it's willing to do so -- would include equality between men
and women in the laws. And I also think that the [political] establishment's
hands are tied in this regard under the current constitution. On the other hand,
all the bodies that are involved in legislation and take decisions in that
regard -- the parliament, the Guardians Council, and the Expediency Council --
all three are under the control of [those] who interpret Islam in a way that
does not result in equality between men and women. But I think that even if in
the current framework there were a will to have a tolerant approach toward
women's demands, then an improvement would have been possible -- but not total
equality of women and men's rights. For example, the power of the Guardians
Council in screening election candidates could have been reduced, approbatory
supervision could have been abolished, and candidates [reflecting] other views
could have entered the parliament. And also the composition of the Guardians
Council and the Expediency Council would have changed. And Islamic scholars who
could give better religious interpretations and reconsider current laws could
have entered these bodies. But even under such circumstances, equality of men
and women under the law would not be achieved -- because religious outlook, as
far as we are informed, does not tolerate the equality of men and women in
Islam, and it determines women's rights based on work distribution and also
based on the distribution of roles it grants men and women.
RFE/RL: Let's talk a bit about you. You are one of Iran's
most prominent human rights activists and defenders of women's rights. You have
published several books and articles about women's issues -- such as violence
against women -- and your work has often put you in conflict with authorities.
What made you choose this path?
Mehrangiz Kar:
Before the [1979] revolution, I worked as a journalist, and I published
many political, social, and cultural articles. And some were dealing with the
situation of women. But, in general, I was not very involved in [women's
issues]. But after the revolution -- because of the necessity and situation that
arose and conditions that were created -- many of the women who were not even
sensitive to the issue of women's rights became sensitive. I think the first
actions after the Islamic revolution created the motivations for this movement.
It began with the compulsory veil (hejab), segregation, the expulsion of women
from the workplace, and many other limitations that were imposed on women. They
all had an influence, and naturally I used my writings skills to express regret
over the conditions that women were facing. And look for solutions and also to
protest against the legal and social situations of Iranian women.
RFE/RL: You've been living in the United States for the
past four years, where you have been involved in academic activities and
research. Could you tell us something more about your current
activities?
Mehrangiz Kar: I did not choose to
emigrate, or to live in exile, or whatever we call it. I came to the U.S. for
medical treatment. But following [the arrest] of my husband [veteran journalist
and cultural figure Siamak Pourzand] and [charges] that I heard were being made
against me in relation to that case, all my friends and informed people told me,
'Don't return to Iran.' In recent years, I have been in contact with Iranian
officials so that I can return to Iran safely and continue my work as a lawyer
-- and [also because] my husband cannot leave the country. I've always expressed
my readiness to bring this family together in Iran, but either there has been no
response or indirect responses have been very negative. Outside Iran, I've been
mostly working in academic environments, and I've also tried to a certain extent
to continue my past activities. I am also writing several books, which I hope I
will be able to publish. I was hoping that everything could be published in
Iran; but since I left Iran, publishers cannot obtain permission to publish
books under my name anymore. Because of that, I have reached the conclusion that
I have to publish my books outside the country.
RFE/RL: Do you think you will be able to return to Iran in
the near future? Are you hopeful?
Mehrangiz Kar:
I'm very hopeful, but my family has suffered a lot -- especially my two
daughters, who tell me that if my security is not [guaranteed], I shouldn't
return to Iran. They say, 'We have practically lost our father, and we don't
want you to be arrested. We'd have again to reach [out to] human rights
organizations.' They are tired of it. Therefore, I am hopeful. But this hope is
only [motivation] for me to continue my life. Otherwise I don't think it will be
anytime soon.
