Mahmoud Taravat-Roy
Mahmoud Taravat-Roy is a human rights defender, poet, lawyer and former President of the Fars Bar Association in Shiraz, Iran. He is widely known for his long-standing commitment to defending children’s rights via advocacy for new legislation. He is also renowned for his efforts in upholding the independence of the legal profession in Iran.
The human rights defender has represented a broad range of clients, including women’s rights defenders, student activists, political party members, religious minorities, and individuals targeted for their social and cultural activities. As part of his advocacy, he has consistently challenged unlawful arrests and stressed the necessity for judicial independence, particularly from security and intelligence bodies. Through his legal practice and public positions, Mahmoud Taravat-Roy has played a significant role in advancing children’s rights, access to justice and fundamental rights in Iran.
Hope for political reform in Iran surfaced when President Hassan Rouhani assumed office in 2013 and dozens of opposition political figures and human rights defenders were released. However, violations of the rights to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and movement of HRDs continue to be prevalent.
Human rights defenders and journalists are arrested, detained and prosecuted in unfair trials. HRDs continue to receive death threats and are subjected to harassment, arbitrary arrest and detention. They are refused bail or receive extreme bail conditions. HRDs are additionally subjected to systematic surveillance and their family members are targeted. Journalists have been subjected to flogging for criticising the government.
