Podcast 55: Dr. Ahmed Shaheed on Freedom of Expression

“Discrimination is . . . quite widespread, whether it’s based on gender, religion, or ethnicity,” Dr. Ahmad Shaheed tells us in this latest podcast. In March of 2011, increased international concern about Iran’s human rights crisis led to the appointment of a United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in the country. Dr. Ahmad Shaheed was appointed to monitor and report on the situation.

In today’s podcast, Dr. Shaheed talks with us about his latest report, criticisms of his work by the Iranian government, and his hopes for the country’s future. We also speak at length about the prosecution of journalists and bloggers, and “laws which are restricting … freedom of expression.”