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Conversation with Ali Kalai

Conversation with Dr. Asghar Keyhan Nia, writer, university professor, and family counselor who has appeared multiple times on the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, was both easy and challenging. Easy because this well-known writer kindly answered our questions, and challenging because we had a short amount of time to cover a large number of questions that we had in mind.

Dr. Keyhan Nia, however, in this brief conversation, with a look at the issue of sexual assault and harassment in Iran and its causes, repeatedly emphasized the importance of “accurate implementation of the law and strict adherence to the law.” He said, “When the law is not implemented in a timely and proper manner, individuals allow themselves to engage in such actions. They think to themselves that either no one will understand or if they do, I can escape punishment due to the lack of accurate implementation of the law.”

This psychologist also emphasized the importance of balance in society and said: “When a person’s sexual needs are not met due to unemployment and lack of housing, even execution will not help… If society is in balance, it means that unemployed individuals can find jobs and lead healthier lives.”

The explanation of the peace talks with Dr. Asghar Kiania passes below from your perspective:

In your opinion, what factors contribute to the high levels of sexual assault and harassment in Iran?

When cities become populated and technology enters, these kinds of events are common. However, the intensity and severity depend on the culture and behaviors that the officials of a society have towards the members of the community. Another reason is that in Iran, communication between boys and girls is prohibited. We cannot say that it should be free, but in this case, there is no way to satisfy sexual needs.

On the other hand, unfortunately many people have become indifferent to the privacy of their families and healthy sexual relationships. The ugliness of these relationships has also disappeared. The reason for this is watching movies or talking openly about sexual relationships, which arouses sexual desires. Another very important issue is the lack of enforcement of laws and punishments in a timely manner. When the law is not enforced properly and on time, people allow themselves to engage in such actions. They think to themselves that either no one will understand or if they do, I can escape punishment due to the lack of precise enforcement of the law.

Why have harsh punishments like execution, which still exist, not been effective in this regard?

However, considering the frequency of these cases, it rarely happens that execution also takes place. But the problem is that we must eliminate the causes, not the effects. We must know the reasons for these actions. When someone’s sexual needs are not met due to unemployment and lack of housing, execution will not help. In fact, we cannot expect someone in such conditions to fulfill their sexual needs in a legitimate way.

Not having fear of punishment is also another issue. The government says that speaking about such matters is not in the best interest of the victims. So, because these events are hidden, criminals also take advantage. They hide their criminal acts with various tricks.

If we want to say what can be done to prevent these issues and provide a solution, we must say that there is a need for cultural education. We must use the media – including television and radio – in a timely and appropriate manner. The use of doctors, psychiatrists, and psychologists also helps to increase the level of education. When on one hand, cultural education is carried out and on the other hand, we focus on the precise implementation of the law so that everyone knows what punishment awaits them for any mistake and does not think they can easily get away with it, the number of such crimes will decrease. But as I mentioned, if society is in balance, meaning that unemployed individuals can find jobs, they will move towards a healthier life.

Regarding that specific boys’ high school, it is necessary to mention a point here. If there had been regular inspections and monitoring of the activities of these schools and their managers, or if the community and the school association were adequately informed, we would not have witnessed such an incident there. In addition to the association, parents should also educate their children about the possibility of sexual assaults and give them necessary advice.

To what extent does the method of entry of the judicial system into such matters play a role in the decision-making of the victim in disclosing it? Because part of the problem we have is that victims do not disclose the incident that has happened to them.

Victims do not disclose because they fear losing their honor. They fear that by revealing this incident, their fate will be disrupted in the future. Therefore, 90% of these events are never revealed. The fear of disclosure, the fear of shame, and the fear of losing honor are all reasons why victims do not find the courage to speak up. Everyone who does this says that we can get away with it because the victim will not disclose out of fear of losing their honor (although if they do disclose, they are still likely to be accused of trying to escape punishment). We cannot ask the victim to speak up either, because they are worried about their honor.

What can legislators and laws do to support this victim?

“Strict enforcement of the law and following it to the letter! So that every offender knows that there will be consequences for their actions or crimes. With this approach, they will automatically control themselves. In my opinion, if the law is strictly and decisively enforced, no one will allow themselves to commit such acts.”

What should a victim of sexual abuse or harassment know and what actions should they take?

It is necessary to be under the supervision of a counselor or therapist for one or two years to be able to heal spiritually. When I was in my hometown (Natanaz), some people abused a boy. The boy was in shock because of this incident. They brought him to me to talk to him. Therefore, for those who have been abused or have experienced sexual harassment and spiritual harm, it is necessary to be under the supervision of a psychologist or therapist. They can help them restore their spirits. They should also change their school environment or even their living environment. I emphasized to the boy I mentioned earlier that he should change his living environment. Changing the living environment – especially in small towns – is very important.

Thank you for the kindness and time you have given to the peace process.