The authorities maintained severe restrictions on freedom of expression, association and assembly. Hundreds of political dissidents, women’s rights activists and other human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists and students were imprisoned. Torture and other ill-treatment of detainees were routine and committed with impunity. Women continued to face discrimination under the law and in practice. The authorities acknowledged 252 executions, but the true total could be even higher. Floggings and an increased number of amputations were carried out.
