C. The Government should also take strict measures to ensure that the security and intelligence apparatus stop using reprisals against the families of those who monitor or campaign against human rights violations or express views that are contrary to government policies The Constitution established the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as an independent security force tasked to preserve the ideals of the 1979 revolution.47 The IRGC now assumes an extended security and intelligence role in Iran, separately from the country’ regular forces, notably through its Basij all-volunteer paramilitary force and the IRGC Intelligence Organization. The head of the IRGC reports directly to the Supreme Leader and in effect is not accountable to either the government or the judiciary. The Supreme Leader, who appoints, dismisses and accepts resignation of the chief commander of the IRGC,48 is not accountable to any institution. Consequently, the possibility to challenge the actions of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is severely limited. Iranian authorities, including the IRGC, regularly resort to reprisals against families of those who monitor or campaign against human rights violations or express views that are contrary to government policies.49 50 51 52 The Islamic Republic of Iran has not taken strict measures to ensure that the security and intelligence apparatus does not use reprisals against families of those who monitor or campaign against human rights violations or express views that are contrary to government policies Recommendation Status: This recommendation has NOT been implemented. 47 Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, English translation, https://irandataportal.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/constitutionenglish-1368.pdf 48 Article 110, Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, English translation, https://irandataportal.syr.edu/wpcontent/uploads/constitution-english-1368.pdf 49 OHCHR News, https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25706&LangID=E 50 European Parliament, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/B-9-2020-0440_EN.html 51 Frontline Defenders, https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/sites/default/files/fld_iran_upr34_full.pdf 52 Center for Human Rights in Iran, https://iranhumanrights.org/2020/07/activists-brother-sentenced-to-eight-years-in-prisoncollective-punishment-of-families-continues-in-iran/ 6