Iran has failed to improve its record on human rights, according to a new report by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Iran. 

The report, Ahmed Shaheed’s sixth to the UN General Assembly, states “at least 14 journalists and 15 bloggers and social media activists were reportedly either in detention or sentenced for their peaceful activities as of July 2016.” It also said there is evidence to suggest that “many others are subjected to interrogations, surveillance and other forms of harassment and intimidation.” Authorities have ordered the closure of several newspapers and publications, and in May 2016, the Supreme Council of Cyberspace announced that companies offering foreign messaging services would be forced to transfer data about their Iranian clients to servers based in the Islamic Republic — posing a significant threat to citizens' right to privacy and security. 

Shaheed’s report specifically raises the cases of  some of the journalists accused of being part of an “infiltration network,” including that of Ehsan Mazandarani and Afarin Chitsaz. Mazandarani is serving a two-year prison sentence and is currently on release from prison on health grounds. Chitsaz, who was allegedly forced to make a false confession under duress, is also serving a two-year sentence. 

Artists and musicians have also been targeted, and their right to free expression being severely curtailed. Judicial processes remain flawed, and those accused of posing a threat to national security, or who have been arrested and charged in connection with their political or journalistic activities are forced to choose a lawyer from an “official pool of lawyers chosen by the head of the judiciary” — a list that has not been made public, and to which Ahmed Shaheed has not been given access.

Despite taking some steps toward improving the human rights landscape in the country — including the introduction of a citizens rights charter after Hassan Rouhani was elected to the presidency in 2013, signing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2015, and moves toward protecting some rights — little has changed for journalists and activists, and for other citizens exercising their right to freedom of expression. 

“There is a notable gap between the law and state-sanctioned practices that violate fundamental rights,” Shaheed writes. “While recent legislative efforts to strengthen protections for the rights of the accused are noteworthy, they offer little relief in the absence of proper implementation and enforcement by the executive and judicial branches of government.” 

Shaheed’s report also highlights the brutal treatment of workers, who were flogged earlier this year after they protested against the unfair dismissal of their co-workers; the continued practice of executing juveniles and individuals found guilty of non-violent drugs crimes; and the need to improve prison conditions and access to medical care for prisoners.