ARTICLE 19’s analysis highlights three critical problems with these provisions:

• First, the provisions impose broad restrictions on freedom of expression that go beyond what is permitted under international human rights law. In particular, they seek to protect religions and beliefs that do not enjoy protection under international law. Article 499 bis effectively criminalises many forms of expression that are protected under international law.
• Second, and in breach of international law, the provisions impose broad and vaguely worded restrictions on the right to freedom of religion and belief.
• Third, the provisions run contrary to the growing global consensus among States and UN human rights bodies, which have agreed that prohibitions of defamation ofreligions and protection of religions and beliefs are not only contrary to guarantees of freedom of expression but also counterproductive and prone to being abused against the religious and ethnic minorities they purport to protect.
• ARTICLE 19 believes that these provisions pose a major threat to the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of religion and belief in the country and will further diminish the already shrunken space for dissenting voices. They are also likely to disproportionately impact individuals belonging to ethnic and religious minorities, who have faced systematic discrimination and persecution over the past decades while failing to protect them against incitement to hatred and discrimination.

ARTICLE 19 calls on the Iranian authorities to urgently repeal Articles 499 bis and 500 bis and to take immediate action to amend the country’s laws including the Islamic Penal Code to ensure that the rights to freedom of expression, religion, and belief are fully guaranteed, in line with international law and standards.