Ryma Seermohammadi Leaves Threats Behind

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In Iran in the 1970s and 1980s, women's rights were on par with European and Western countries under the monarchy of Mohammad Reza, who enjoyed the support of the United States and the United Kingdom.

In 1979 the Islamic revolution overthrew the empire and established the "Islamic Republic" whose top leader was Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, a Shiite cleric who opposed Israel and the United States.

Women's rights were suppressed, they were forbidden to show their hair, and the hijab was imposed. Laws arose that violate the rights of women, ethnic and religious minorities (Kurds, Arabs, Turks, etc.), and LGBT people.

There is no freedom of expression and access to the internet and television is censored.

Meetings, demonstrations, independent political parties, unions, or civil associations are prohibited.

Breaking the law carries severe punishments such as flogging, stoning, or amputation.

There are two blocks in power: political leaders elected by vote, and religious power represented by the Ayatollah. The latter is the General Commander of the Armed Forces, dictates laws, and can even dismiss the president of the government.

Human Rights Organizations have been denouncing systemic violence against the population and police repression.

There is the "morality police" or "Gasht-e-Ershad" in charge of monitoring "morals", especially women.

The man decides if in his house the women can work or study and carry out other activities. Inheritances are distributed among the children, but the men receive twice as much. Also in jurisprudence, a man's life is worth twice as much.

Ameneh Bahrami is a young woman who, for refusing to marry a suitor, was attacked with acid, leaving her blind. She used the "Law of Retaliation" (an eye for an eye) in force in her country to demand justice. They conceded that this man lost an eye – due to the "valor" of the woman in Iran – she appealed the sentence and managed to have the man sentenced to lose both his eyes.

Ameneh forgave him, she only wanted recognition of women's rights.

As a way to avoid "immorality" and formalize extramarital sexual relations and adultery, the State promotes temporary marriage.

In the case of young virgins, it must be consented to by the parents, before payment of the dowry.

Men can have up to four wives and several "temporary wives", another point that many young women disapprove of since they prefer a marriage of two.

Young women also defy the regime, wearing the hijab combined with jeans or leggings, and applying makeup to their faces and nails, especially university students in Tehran.