Voters had high hopes for Iran's President Hasan Rouhani, to improve human rights. However, in recent weeks there has been several protestings against his government over neglected domestic issues. People believe that Mr. Rouhani is focusing more on foreign policy issues such as the nuclear issue. Recently, he intended to trim gasoline and energy subsidies, which has lead to prices nearly doubling.
Recently there has also been alleged beatings on dozens of political prisoners, which Mr. Rouhani said is being investigated. The head of the country's prison network first denied this incident but later acknowledged it but said only a few prisoners were mildly beaten due to resisting routine cell check. Prisoner authorities told families that their visitation rights were revoked, which lead to a long protect by Mothers who were threatening to commit suicide. After families were able to see their children, they said a group of men beat the prisoners in the heads and faces with batons and kicking them. They even shaved their heads and beards as a form of humiliation. Many of the prisoners sustained severe injuries such as a broken neck and ribs.
This issue threatens Mr. Rouhani's reputation as his government prepares to meet with world powers on May 5th in New York in hopes to reach an agreement over the country's nuclear program. Overall, Mr, Rouhani is appearing very weak on domestic issues.
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304788404579520213530901016?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702304788404579520213530901016.html
-Jackie Bland
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment