This comprehensive study investigates the critical state of civic space in Iran, focusing on the persistent restrictions and violations experienced under the two terms of President Hassan Rouhani. Conducted from February to July 2019 by the Volunteer Activists’ research team with support from Civicus, this case study is pivotal for understanding the challenges civil society faces in Iran. It exposes a decade of deliberate policies by Iranian authorities aimed at undermining civil society and details the trends affecting civic freedom in the country.

Our research identifies a troubling pattern of systematic government interference in Iran's civic space. Authorities have continuously implemented restrictive laws and regulations, severely limiting lawful civic activities and stifling the independence of civil society organizations (CSOs). The licensing system for CSOs is particularly stringent, requiring approvals from multiple government agencies, thus allowing for governmental control and manipulation of civic space.

The study highlights several tactics used by the Iranian government to suppress civic freedoms:

• Legal Mechanisms: New laws consistently expand government control over civil society, violating fundamental freedoms and inhibiting independent civil action.
• Fear and Propaganda: State media disseminates fear of civil society, portraying independent CSOs as threats to traditional values and accusing activists of espionage.
• Top-Down Control: A government-fabricated version of civil society functions to advance state agendas and marginalize genuine social change movements.
• Repression and Intimidation: Activists face arrests, long-term imprisonment, and smear campaigns, particularly in sensitive areas like women's rights and environmental issues.

Recent trends indicate a significant militarization of civic space, an increase in security measures, and a notable rise in censorship and suppression of free speech. The absence of freedoms to assemble and protest further underscores the erosion of civic space in Iran.

Given these findings, it is imperative that the global civil society community intervenes to support Iranian civil society. The complete report is available for those interested in a deeper exploration of our methodologies, findings, and the critical recommendations we put forth for addressing these pressing issues.

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