forms, such as psychological torture. Additionally, Iran’s laws do not acknowledge torture methods resulting from religious practices (Ta’zir), like flogging.19 The current Iranian law allows a person to complain about violations if they are subjected to torture, inhumane treatment or detention, and to seek punishment for offenders. The Judicial disciplinary courts, the Article 90 Commission of the parliament20, and Oversight Bodies for the exercise of Citizenship Rights21 in the country's provincial courts are among the institutions tasked with receiving and reviewing complaints. High-level cases of torture allegations being raised by prisoners against prison authorities often end in the state mechanisms in charge of investigating these allegations declaring that no torture took place, resulting in the victims being accused of “propaganda against the regime.”22 Apart from the fact that a comprehensive and transparent report on the functioning of these institutions has not yet been made publicly available, the lack of independence and impartiality of these institutions is the most important issue that questions their effectiveness in preventing repeated violations of victims’ rights. In addition, Iran has for years denied international institutions, including UN mechanisms, free access to prisons and prisoners. Recommendation Status: This recommendation has NOT been implemented.23 19 https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2019/country-chapters/iran Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran http://www.iranchamber.com/government/laws/constitution_ch03.php 21 The Law on the Respect for the Legitimate Freedoms and Citizenship Rights: https://rc.majlis.ir/fa/law/show/94150 22 Iran International TV channel: https://iranintl.com/en/iran/vaezi-regime-has-right-sue-esmail-bakhshi-torture-claims 23 For more please see: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/09/iran-detainees-flogged-sexually-abused-and-givenelectric-shocks-in-gruesome-post-protest-crackdown-new-report/ 20 3