Case No Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply MYS 8/2014 23/12/2014 Malaysia JAL Freedom of expression; Freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; Human rights defenders; Independence of judges and lawyers; Allegations related to the Sedition Act of 1948 and restrictions to the right to freedom of 15/03/2016 opinion and expression. According to the information received, on the basis of the Sedition Act of 1948 (the Act), law enforcement institutions enjoy unfettered discretion to arrest and charge individuals who are merely exercising their right to freedom of opinion and expression, as set forth in article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Reportedly, the Prime Minister of Malaysia made a statement on 27 November 2014 expressing the Government’s intention not only to retain, but also to strengthen, the Act. It is also reported that since Special Rapporteurs’ last communicated with the Government on the issue, there have been new cases of persons detained and charged under the Act for acts related to the legitimate exercise of their rights to freedom of opinion and expression. This communication is sent in follow-up to the response received from the Government of Malaysia to the press release issued on 8 October 2014, following the communication sent on 1 October 2014, see A/HRC/28/85, case no. MYS 6/2014. IRN 1/2015 16/01/2015 Iran (Islamic JUA Republic of) Arbitrary detention; Freedom of expression; Human rights defenders; Independence of judges and lawyers; Iran; Torture; 16/03/2016 Alleged arbitrary arrest and detention of an Iranian woman for a drawing she created protesting the banning of vasectomies and family planning. According to the information received, on 10 January 2015, Ms. Atena Farghdani, a graphic arts student, was summoned to Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court, where she was arrested and subsequently beaten in front of her parents. Upon Ms. Farghdani’s protest, she was taken to a court room, where she was insulted and beaten again, this time allegedly in front of a judge. She was then taken to Varamin prison, where she is currently being held. She has been accused of propaganda against the system; acts against national security; and insulting Members of Parliament. These accusations reportedly stem from a drawing she created, protesting the banning of vasectomies and family planning. Concern is expressed at the arrest and detention of Ms. Farghdani, and the physical abuse which occurred inside a courtroom in the presence of authorities. A/HRC/32/53 96 Date Type