TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft a resolution proclaiming the City of Long Beach’s support for the rights of the women and people of Iran to free expression.
DISCUSSION
On October 18, 2022, City Council passed an item requesting a statement of solidarity with the women of Iran who were protesting their government following the death of Mahsa Amini. While the statement was released on October 20th, civil unrest has continued in Iran; to date, Iranian security forces have killed more than 500 protestors and detained over 18,000 people during the demonstrations.
The ongoing protests are a result of oppressive policies that violate Iranian women’s right to bodily autonomy. On September 16, 2022, 22-year-old Mahsa Amini was beaten and killed by Iranian morality police for allegedly violating the Islamic dress code for women. This action sparked widespread protest among the people of Iran, primarily women and girls, who continue to advocate for their civil and human rights. Since demonstrations began, the Iranian government has reportedly restricted internet access and hindered the functionality of several cell phone applications to prevent communication, access to information, and freedom of expression. Further, the Iranian government has performed at least four executions of political prisoners and sentenced several more to death without due legal process in order to quell dissent and intimidate protestors.
These reprehensible actions have already been condemned by the United Nations
Commission on the Status of Women, President Biden’s administration, and women’s rights activists worldwide. The City of Long Beach must do more to shed light on these atrocities and take a firm stance against the ongoing infringement of Iranian women’s rights. As a city committed to the protection of human rights that advocates for the end of all violence and oppression against women, it is appropriate that City Council adopts a resolution affirming our support for those protesting the Iranian government and calling for an end to the human rights abuses inflicted upon the Iranian people by their government.
This item has been reviewed by Budget Analyst Joe R. Guerrero on April 6, 2023.
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation requests the City Attorney to draft a resolution proclaiming the City of Long Beach’s support for the rights of the women and people of Iran to free expression. The requested action is anticipated to have a minimal impact on staff hours beyond the budgeted scope of duties and a minimal impact on existing City Council priorities.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
AL AUSTIN COUNCILMAN,
EIGHTH DISTRICT
SUELY SARO COUNCILWOMAN,
SIXTH DISTRICT