WOMEN'S MATCH: For far too long, Western authorities have relied on Iranian reforms and an illusion of a vibrant democracy. A Europe that has committed itself to human rights and feminist values in foreign policy must now – also regarding Women's Day on 8 March – support Iran's women and give them the opportunity to be heard. Women in Iran are no longer fooled by the hope of reform.
COMMERCIAL BAN: Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi continues to make films with more and more room for maneuver, despite being sentenced to both occupational and exit bans.