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Iranian women still banned from stadiums

Iran's ban on women in public stadiums, first instated after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has caused an uproar during the recent FIVB World League volleyball games in Tehran.
Iranian women watch the practice session of Iran's national soccer team from behind the railings as they banned from entering the stadium at Azadi (freedom) sport complex in Tehran, Iran May 21, 2006.  WORLD CUP 2006 PREVIEW     REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl - RTR1DLXK

The recent strong performances by Iran's national volleyball team against world volleyball giants Brazil, Italy and Poland thrilled Iranians, but once again “half of the society” was deprived of its rights. The ban on Iranian women entering stadiums for the national team's games once again caused an uproar in society as police forces didn’t allow women to attend the International Federation of Volleyball (FIVB) World League games in Tehran.

Police dispersed women’s rights activists and female volleyball fans who were gathered in front of the entrance of Azadi Stadium when Iran played Italy in the first leg on June 20. According to eyewitness reports, some were beaten and detained.

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