1. Government of Iran Contestant One

2. The Islamic Republic is dominated by Muslim clergy of the Shiʿa sect. The head of state, an ayatollah (high ranking Shiʿite minister), holds the title of Supreme Leader and has direct control of the armed forces, internal security forces, and judicial system. – The central government holds all power Type of Government Hint: Theocracy

3. Rights to Vote Regularly scheduled elections are held for the president, members of the legislature, and the Assembly of Experts. Over 90 percent of the eligible population voted in the 1997 national election. The election results were not unclear, and the government does not appear to have engaged in fraud. All Iranian citizens who are at least 18 years of age can vote. Hint: Are these elections considered FREE? Click to find out what is the Assembly of Experts.

4. The Assembly of Experts The 86-member Assembly of Experts consists of ministers who serve an eight-year term and are chosen by popular vote from a list approved by the government. It has the power to remove the Supreme Leader. They ensure the laws of Islam are followed in the government.

5. Freedom of Religion The government does not ensure the right of citizens to change religions. specifically conversion from Islam, can be punishable by death. The Ministry of Intelligence and Security monitors religious activity closely. The Constitution declares that the official religion of Iran is Shi'a Islam. It gives other Islamic denominations full respect and recognizes Zoroastrians, Christians, and Jews as protected religious minorities. Religions not specifically protected under the Constitution do not enjoy freedom of religion. Are citizens allowed to worship a religion of their choice without persecution??

6. Freedom of Speech…. Security forces monitor the social activities of citizens, enter homes and offices, monitor telephone conversations, and open mail without court authorization. The government restricts freedom of assembly(gathering) and closely monitors funeral processions and student, labor, and Friday prayer gatherings.

7. Freedom of Press Freedom of Speech The 1995 Press Law prohibits the printing of material that is "insulting to Islam" or "supporting subjects that might damage the foundation of the Islamic Republic." Generally prohibited topics include: criticisms of the late Ayatollah Khomeini (1900–1989) direct criticism of the current Supreme Leader, Anything that questioning the views of certain Islamic legal principles Police raid newspaper offices of liberal publications. The government directly controls and maintains a control over all television and radio broadcasting facilities. Satellite dishes that receive foreign television broadcasts are forbidden, even though many wealthy citizens own them. The Ministry of Islamic Culture and Guidance reviews books prior to publication and inspects foreign printed material prior to its distribution. What are citizen prohibited from saying openly in the press? Can people broadcast what they want, or view all world media? Click for Additional information on Freedoms

8. Trials in the Islamic Revolutionary Courts are notorious for their disregard of international standards of fairness. Indictments (accusations) often lack clarity and include undefined offenses such as "antirevolutionary behavior," "moral corruption," and "siding with global arrogance." Defendants do not have the right to confront their accusers. Secret or summary trials occur. Right to a Just Judicial Process

9. Crime and Punishment Harsh punishments are carried out, including stoning and flogging, which are expressly mandated by the Islamic Penal (punishment) Code as appropriate punishments for adultery. According to Article 102 of the code, "the stoning of an adulterer or adulteress shall be carried out while each is placed in a hole and covered with soil, he up to his waist and she up to a line above her breasts"

10. Rights for Women Women have the right to divorce, alimony, and a share in the property that couples acquire during their marriage, in accordance with Islamic law. Mothers are granted custody of minor children in divorce cases in which the father is proven unfit. (Where the father is not proven unfit, custody varies case by case.) Muslim women may not marry non- Muslim men. The testimony of a woman is worth only half that of a man in court, and a married woman must obtain the written consent of her husband before traveling outside the country. The State enforces gender segregation in most public spaces, and does not allow women to mixing openly with men not related to them. Women are subject to harassment by the authorities if their dress or behavior is considered inappropriate, and may be sentenced to flogging or imprisonment for such violations.

11. The economy is hindered by government control of production and investment activity. Most of country’s income is from oil and gas production. The economy is mixed with a large private sector but it is regulated and restricted by the government. Rampant corruption and government mismanagement do not attract foreign investors Efforts to enhance the business climate and diversify the economy have been modest. Unemployment rate is 15.3% Inflation rate is 21.3% Affects on the Economy

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