WHAT HAPPENED

STAPAW was alerted that this year Islamic Republic of Iran officials made visible religious and political tattoos illegal. Officials under Sharia Law also banned Iranian tattoo artists from tattooing. Iranian religious police have begun imprisoning tattoo artists without trial and for indefinite prison periods.  

PUNISHMENTS

Iranians with tattoos violating Sharia law and tattoo artists are arrested and often put on humiliating public displays, a common practice in Iran. Violators are also subject to abuse and beatings. Inside Iranian courtrooms, defendant's tattoos have been submitted as viable “proof” of guilt. This is a blatant disregard for freedom of expression and violation of human rights. The law also forbids visitors and foreigners from displaying visible tattoos that violate the law, and from getting tattooed. Violators risk imprisonment and refusal of entry.

ACCOUNTABILITY

In 2015, Obama and American allies (United Kingdom, Russia, France, China, and Germany) provided $55 Billion in sanctions relief to Iran in the Iranian nuclear deal agreement. Meanwhile, Iran continues heinous human rights crimes, blatant religious discrimination, and egregious women's rights abuse. Iran has received multiple financial aid programs and entitlements from the international community in the last 2 years and must be held accountable for their continued violations of human rights and freedom of expression.

HOW TO HELP

Help put International pressure on Iran. Let Iran know the international community is watching. Join the 22,341 paper ballot signers and sign the STAPAW petition to free tattoo artists and stop beatings, and public punishments.

 MORE INFO: www.STAPAW.com