A/HRC/43/20 taken to a secret location for one week and was then held in Evin Prison in solitary confinement and interrogated by Ministry of Intelligence officials for 35 days. On 25 August 2019, it was reported that Ms. Amiri was convicted of national security-related charges and sentenced to 10 and a half years’ imprisonment and 148 lashes. 48 She was released after posting bail on 26 October 2019, pending her appeal. 49 On 2 June 2019, journalist Masoud Kazemi was sentenced to four and a half years’ imprisonment, of which he must serve two years, and was barred from working in journalism for two years. 50 33. The detention and imprisonment of artists and other cultural workers is restricting the right to freedom of opinion and expression. In August 2019, an appeals court upheld the conviction and sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment for cultural worker Aras Amiri 51 on national security-related charges. The charges related to her work with the British Council promoting Iranian culture, which in several cases was undertaken with the approval of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. Filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof has appealed a one-year prison sentence for “propaganda against the State” issued on 20 July 2019.52 His conviction and sentence, including a ban on membership in political organizations and on leaving the Islamic Republic of Iran, stems from his films exploring social issues. 53 On 3 July 2019, convictions were upheld against musicians Nikan Khosravi and Arash Ilkhani on anti-State charges. Mr. Khosravi was sentenced to 12 and a half years’ imprisonment and 74 lashes for charges including “disturbing public opinion through the production of music containing anti-regime lyrics”.54 Mr. Ilkhani was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and a suspended sentence.55 34. Reports of individuals arrested for peacefully expressing political opinions are of serious concern. On 11 June 2019, 14 individuals published an open letter calling for constitutional reform and the resignation of the Supreme Leader. Ten of the signatories were reportedly arrested. On 9 August 2019, 14 women reportedly signed a letter in support of those arrested and raising concerns about the women’s rights record in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Seven signatories were arrested and face prosecution on charges including “propaganda against the State” and “disturbing public order”. They were interrogated without a lawyer, denied medical treatment and forced to confess under duress. D. Situation of women and girls 35. Discrimination against women in law and in practice remains widespread, notably with regard to marriage, divorce, child custody, freedom of movement, employment and access to political functions. The Secretary-General notes some progress in legislation that has an impact on women’s human rights and welcomes the latest amendment to the nationality law, ratified in October 2019,56 allowing children born to Iranian mothers and non-Iranian fathers to acquire Iranian nationality. A government survey conducted in 2017 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 See https://cpj.org/2019/08/iran-sentences-journalist-marzieh-amiri-to-105-yea.php; and www.ilna.news/fa/tiny/news-801530 (in Farsi). See https://twitter.com/AmnestyIran/status/1190308171690258434; and www.ilna.news/fa/tiny/news827636 (in Farsi). See www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/05/28/slow-death-journalism-iran/?arc404=true; and www.irna.ir/news/83429693/ (in Farsi). See www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/20/iran-rejects-appeal-against-uk-resident-aras-amiri-jailsentence; www.britishcouncil.org/contact/press/iran-statement-chief-executive-british-council-sirciaran-devane; www.irna.ir/news/83513885/ (in Farsi); and www.irna.ir/news/83453238/ (in Farsi). See www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2019/07/24/le-realisateur-iranien-mohammad-rasoulofcondamne-a-un-an-de-prison_5493083_3210.html (in French); www.lemonde.fr/international/ article/2019/08/06/le-cineaste-iranien-mohammad-rasoulof-je-suis-boycotte_5497062_3210.html (in French); and www.baharnews.ir/news/183313 (in Farsi). Ibid. See https://consequenceofsound.net/2019/07/iranian-band-confess-prison-sentence-lashes-playingmetal/; and https://loudwire.com/iran-confess-sentenced-prison-metal/. Ibid. See www.hrw.org/news/2019/10/03/reforms-will-grant-nationality-children-iranian-women; and https://en.irna.ir/news/83500806/. 9