Mehrdad Rahimi under heavy pressure to give TV confession/ Saeed Haeri describes uncertain prison condition

Mehrdad Rahimi under heavy pressure to give TV confession/ Saeed Haeri describes uncertain prison condition

Mehrdad Rahimi, the deputy of the Committee in Defense of Citizenship Rights for Mehdi Karoubi’s election campaign, met with his family for the first time on January 28, 2010, 27 days after being detained.

Mehrdad Rahimi informed his family that he is under extreme pressure to give a television interview. He emphasized that he did not and will not agree to the interview, an illegal request from interrogators. The family stated that they will do what is needed to adjudicate his rights and prevent any illegal action by interrogators.

The family referred to a letter they plan to write by early next week addressed to Abbas Jafar-Dolatabadi, the prosecutor of Tehran. The letter aims to condemn the illegal actions of Mehrdad Rahimi’s interrogators.

It has been reported that [during the meeting with his family] Mehrdad Rahimi was in good spirits. He mentioned for the second time that his detention is illegal since all his activities [prior to the arrest] were within the framework of the constitution. As a result, Mehrdad Rahimi stated that he will [continue to] defend his rights.

Mehrdad Rahimi was arrested on January 2, 2010, after several phone threats and being being summoned by the Ministry of Information.

***

Saeed Haeri met with his family for the second time on January 28, 2010, 39 days after first being detained.

According to Saeed Haeri’s family, they met with him in a cabin. During the meeting, Saeed Haeri seemed to be in good spirits. He mentioned to his family that he had not been interrogated for the past three weeks. He also mentioned that the charges against him are still unknown. Saeed Haeri requested from his family, especially his mother, to be patient. He stated that his detainment is illegal and he is hopeful that he will be released. Saeed Haeri also mentioned that he is being kept in a cell at ward 240 of Evin prison with three other prisoners.

Saeed Haeri was arrested on December 20, 2009 by security forces while on Enghelab Square. Saeed Haeri and a few other activists were on their way by bus to Qom to attend Ayatollah Montazeri’s funeral.

Translation by: Mana S.
Persian2English.com

Unprecedented Punishment to 20 University of Isfahan Students

Disciplinary Committee issues unprecedented punishments to 20 University of Isfahan students.

More than 70 University of Isfahan students have been summoned for their involvement in 16 and 17 Azar (December 7th and 8th) demonstrations. More than 20 the students have been deprived of their studies.

According to Amirkabir newsletter, Ali Ojaghi and Maziar Masoumi were sentenced to a three-term suspension. Last academic year, university officials prohibited Maziar Masoumi from writing his exams.

20 students from the university’s medical science branch have also faced deprivation of education sentences.

Translation by: Mana S.
Persian2English

Somayeh Rashidi’s family not allowed to visit despite earlier promises

Somayeh Rashidi’s family not allowed to visit her despite earlier promises

Prison officials did not let Somayeh Rashidi’s family visit her on Thursday, January 28, 2010, even though she stated in a phone call that the interrogators had given permission for a visit.

Rashidi’s family lives in Mashhad, and they had traveled a long way [to Tehran] to visit their daughter. Judicial authorities have refused to grant the family visitation rights since Somayeh Rashidi’s arrest 40 days ago. Rashidi’s lawyers, Afrooz Maghzi and Zohreh Arzani, have not been able to visit their client either, even though they have submitted an official request to do so.

Somayeh Rashidi was summoned to the Revolutionary Court on December 20, 2009, following a thorough search of her house. She was arrested in the court and sent to Evin prison.

Somayeh Rashidi is an activist from the One Million Signatures Campaign. Earlier this year, she was also banned from continuing her education at the graduate level in women’s studies.

Translation by: Aliyar T.
Persian2English.com

Dr. Katuzian boycotts Iranian Embassy seminar

Dr. Katuzian boycotts Iranian Embassy seminar

Dr. Mohammad Ali Homayoon Katuzian, a prominent Iranian academic and an Oxford University professor, refrained from participating in a conference attended by the Iranian embassy cultural advisor, Mohammad Ali Helmi.

Green Wave Movement (JARAS): According to [a new Green website] Nedaye Sabz Azadi, Dr. Katuzian refrained from attending the Politics and Religion in Iran conference held at Durham University in England. Dr. Katuzian’s decision to boycott the conference was due to Britain’s cooperation with Mohammad Ali Helmi.

The conference, which took place on January 28, 2010, was organized with the cooperation of Durham University’s center for Iranian studies. Dr. Reza Molavi from the center for Iranian studies and Mohammad-Ali Helmi were the opening speakers of the conference.

Translation by: Xan I.
Persian2English.com

Lives of hostages in Iran’s prisons are in your hands

After today executions in Evin, all other political prisons are prone to looming execution

During Iran’s latest mass demonstration on December 27th 2009 (the day of Ashura) in which scores of the protesters have been killed or injured, thousands of protestors and activists have been also arrested and tortured...

The massive arrests of journalists, political, social, and human rights activists along with numbers of students, women right activists and religious scholars led to a series of forced confessions. Based on these self incriminaring confession extract under extreme torture the authorities branded a large numbers of detainees as “Mohareb” a religious term literally means waging war against God which potentially carries death penalty.

These recurrences at times are reminiscent of 1981-88 mass executions in Iranian prison in which all executes were unscrupulously accused of “Moharebe” and as a result condemned to death and summarily executed by either firing squads or hangings.

Moreover, it has to be mentioned that these prisoners have been completely deprived of their rights; there is no information released by the state about their circumstances; they are not permitted to hire a lawyer of their choice; and they have been mostly tried behind in camera in kangaroo courts. In reality these prisoners are hostages held by state apparatus and their fates are tantamount to mockery of justice.

"Islamic republic of Iran" have repeatedly ignored international and domestic appeals to respect prisoner’s rights. Iranian authorities’ background in adhering human and civil rights of her citizens shows that the regime were never willing to respect international covenants regarding human rights and continues to systematically violating human and civil rights of Iranian people at large.

Today’s execution of two youngsters (Mohammad Reza Ali Zamani & Arash Rahmani-Pour) held in captivity months before June’s election, once again clearly substantiates the imminent danger the other political prisoners are also facing.

It is obvious that at this point, Iranian authorities are taking advantages of these executions and many other detainees which will follow to create a climate of fear, in order to prevent other protesters of pursuing their rights and demands.

A long list of another 20 recently condemned to death of the political prisoners makes the necessity of public attentiveness even more urgent.

However, the effort of Iranian people to obtain their minimum rights reiterated in collectively accepted “Universal declaration of human rights” plays an important role to help these prisoners who are hostages taking by one of the most inhumane, cruellest and savage states in the world. We as human rights activists call on all human rights organizations and activists around the world to raise public awareness regarding this matter and to work relentlessly to save the lives of these hostages.

• Committee for Defense of Political Prisoners in Iran (CDPPI)
• Committee of Human Rights Reporters (CHRR)
• Iranian Human Rights Activist Groups in EU and North America (IHRAC)

Desist this Outrageous Accusation / The Committee of Human Right Reporters statement about the preposterous allegations against its members

The civil society’s endurance depends on acceptance and realization of modern norms and principles. When a ruling establishment with an outdated legal system tries to impose itself politically and ideologically on a modern society, the result will be widespread protests. Human rights— as listed in [ UN] the Universal Declaration of Human Rights`s charters and other protocols —is one of the most important achievements of modern human history, and it is the most globally accepted legal norm. Iranians are inclined to demand the full implementation of the charter [of Human Rights Declaration] in their society.

In recent years, in order to protect and implement this global document, various grassroots organizations have formed. By promoting human rights, the organizations try to help create an Iran where peace, freedom, equality, and dignity prevail.

The Committee of Human Rights Reporters (CHRR) is one of the organizations that has requested, with an emphasis on belief and commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the implementation of the Declaration in all aspects of the Iranian people’s lives. As it has been repeatedly stressed, the Committee is independent and does not belong to any political party or branch. The Committee has no political mandate. The Committee`s activities, which started in 2005, involve presenting reports and providing information on all the people whose human rights have been infringed or violated. These people involve women, children, prisoners, workers, etc. The Committee has also tired to prevent the systematic and perpetual violation of human rights by spreading public awareness, seeking assistance from domestic and international institutions to draw the government`s attention to the violation of their citizens`basic rights.

It is unfortunate that the ruling establishment that considers itself committed to international conventions such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, has refused to honour many of its commitments. Instead, the ruling establishment has opted for a legal system that is, in many aspects, a clear and direct contrast to human rights ethics. The lack of commitment by the government has resulted in increased pressures and restrictions for human rights activists.

With the influence from other (human rights) institutions, CHRR has adopted a variety of human rights methods. Even though the UN General Assembly resolution of 1999 (Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms) was used by CHRR, especially articles 10,11, and 18 that grant the right to promote human rights, human rights establishments have been deemed propagators against the (Iranian) regime.

Human rights activists in Iran are under pressure and torture in Iranian prisons. The government has begun to irresponsibly label human rights organizations as having connection to political opposition groups. The allegations provide the government with false justifications for the violent crackdowns and executions of people under the pretext that they are Mohareb (enemy of God).

In the particular case of the Committee of Human Rights Reporters, the Ministry of Intelligence, despite full knowledge of the complete independence of CHRR from all political groups, whether domestic or foreign, is trying to falsely link the Committee to political organizations. The claims that the Committee is linked to Mujahedin Khalgh Organization (MKO) is considered nothing but an attempt by Intelligence experts to eliminate a reputable group that has been active in the field of human rights from its conception.

For CHRR and all human rights activists, defending the human rights of every individual, regardless of their political orientation, religion, and ethnic background, is the most important principle. We candidly declare that in addition to the activities in human rights fields including women, children, workers, religious, ethnic, and sexual minorities rights, we will be defending the rights of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscious.

The deplorable claim by the Ministry of Intelligence is a caution to all human rights activists not to easily brush off their pathetic game. The Ministry of Intelligence’s treatment of the Committee of Human Rights Reporters has not been the first of its kind, and it will not be the last. The fallacy of linking independent human rights activities to political organizations, and accusing human rights activists of Moharebeh without any evidence has to end before it progresses any further.

While re-emphasizing our independence, we expect solidarity and protests against such oppressive acts from all national and international human rights organization. We reserve our rights to take our grievances against the Islamic Republic Ministry of Intelligence to international tribunals and organizations.

Translation by: Siavosh J.

Persian2English.com

Members of Committee of Human Rights Reporters Under Pressure to Make Forced Confessions

International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran

Different sources told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran today that the arrested members of the Committee of Human Rights Reporters are under pressure to deliver forced confessions about the Committee’s affiliation with the Mojahedin Khalq Organization (MKO). Judicial authorities are trying to connect CHRR with opposition groups outside Iran in order to make serious charges against this independent civil organization. Previously, during a meeting with Shiva Nazarahari’s family, Tehran Prosecutor said that CHRR is “associated with MKO.”

Members of the Committee of Human Rights Reporters have been denied the right to an attorney, in violation of Article 35 of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Constitution and the Citizen’s Bill of Rights. Attorney of Kouhyar Goudarzi and Saeed Jalalifar had earlier quoted judicial authorities to have said that these individuals are not permitted to have lawyers.

The Committee of Human Rights Reporters’ website has also reported that Mehrdad Rahimi and Kouhyar Goudarzi have been charged as heretics, moharebeh. Kouhyar Goudarzi is a journalist and human rights activist who has been in prison since 20 December 2009. He was observed with a bandaged head inside the prison. He has been charged with moharebeh, propoganda against the state, and attending illegal congregations.

Mehrdad Rahimi has told his family in his first visit with them that his interrogators are charging him with moharebeh. Rahimi has said that he has not accepted such charges.

Parisa Kakaie, another member of CHRR, continues to serve time in ward 209 of Evin prison and no information is available about her charges. She told her family in her last visit not to expect her release any time soon.

Following the increased pressure on members of CHRR during the past six months and the “group arrest warrant” for the Committee’s members, at this time seven members of this Committee are in prison and two other members, Saeed Habibi and Hessam Misaghi, who have not turned themselves in, are being pursued while they remain in hiding, facing serious danger. Additionally, Navid Khanjai and Sepehr Atefi are repeatedly threatened by individuals who seem to be government authorities.

The seven imprisoned members of Committee of Human Rights Reporters are: Shiva Nazarahari, Kouhyar Goudarzi, Saeed Kalanaki, Mehrdad Rahimi, Parisa Kakaie, Saeed Haeri, and Saeed Jalalifar.

Some of the individuals who have been arrested and charged with moharebeh and who have been threatened with death sentences are: Ali Mehrabi, Parviz Varmaziari, Majid Rezaee, Alireza Nabavi, Ali Massoumi, and Shirin Alam Holi.

Security forces surround Ayatollah Montazeri’s house

Security forces surrounded Ayatollah Montazeri’s house to prohibit any public gatherings

Iran News Agency: On Ayatollah Montazeri’s 40th day ceremony, security forces surrounded his house in Ghom, to prohibit people from gathering. People who tried to gather or enter the house were questioned and intimidated by the security forces.

A number of female government supporters were also present. It was clear that they were brought to the location from other cities. They were chanting “Death to hypocrites.” [Editor's note: The chants were referring to Ayatollah Montazeri as a hypocrite]

Editor’s note: Shia Muslims commemorate the 40th day after death. January 28 was Ayatollah Montazeri’s 40th day ceremony.

Translation by: Araschk I.
Persian2English.com

Students Prepare for 22 Bahman Demonstrations

University of Tehran students are preparing for the anti-regime demonstrations on 22 Bahman (February 11, 2010).

Iran News Agency- Students from various departments are inviting others to join in on protests by spray painting slogans on the university walls.

The graffiti is visible everywhere from classrooms to the corridors. The slogans mainly express the students’ condemnation of the government’s murderous actions.

The students also made it clear that they are ready for 22 Bahman protests.

Editor’s note: 22 Bahman commemorates the anniversary of the Islamic Republic. Since the June 2009 presidential election uprising, government oppositions have used such occasions to voice their discontent. Major anti-government demonstrations are expected to take place on 22 Bahman.

Translation by: Banoo Sabz
Persian2English.com

Friday Prayer Imam: “If we show weakness, the future will be even more grim for us”

In today’s Friday prayer, *Ahmad Jannati, the head of the regime’s Guardian Council addressed the head of the Judiciary and said:

For God’s sake, just as you quickly executed the two people [Mohammad Reza Ali Zamani and Arash Rahmanipour], stand like a man, because we have been hurt every time we showed weakness.

It is because of these weaknesses that the events on November 4th and December 27th took place. If we show weakness, the future will be even more grim for us.

I talk to you in the language of the Qur’an. At the end of **Surah Ahzab [the armies], God says that if the hypocrites who spread rumours do not stop, I order you to attack them severely and kill them.

Imam Ali at once killed 70 people who had broken faith. God has no mercy on those who corrupt the Earth, because this is not the place for compassion. This is the place for revenge.

January 29, 2010

Translation by: Tour Irani
Persian2English.com

Two University of Tehran Students Arrested

JARAS- Two Masters students of the University of Tehran were arrested recently by security forces.

According to a JARAS report, Mehdi Tajik was arrested 10 days ago and Jahangir Abdolahi was arrested last Tuesday. The reason for the arrests is unknown.

Jahangir Abdolahi was arrested on his way home from school.

Translation by: Banoo Sabz
Persian2English.com

Mostafa Eskandari still detained by Ministry of Intelligence

Mostafa Eskandari still detained by Ministry of Intelligence

Mostafa Eskandari, who was arrested on the 40th day ceremony of Neda Agha Soltan’s death, is still detained in ward 240 of Evin prison.

According to the Prisoners Unit of the Committee of Human Rights Reporters (CHRR), Eskandari has spent more than two months under interrogation in ward 209 of Evin prison. He has been detained in ward 240 for the past four months. Details on his condition are not available.

During the interrogations, Eskandari suffered fractures in his ribs and nose. He received limited medical treatment for his injuries.

Translation by: Aliyar T.
Persian2English.com

Blogger interrogated for sending SMS

Blogger interrogated for sending SMS

According to JARAS, an [Iranian] citizen was accused of spreading news about the “Green Movement” at his workplace.

A blogger was also accused of using SMS to invite friends to participate in a controversial TV poll in the ‘90th Minute’ TV program.

Reports indicate that the interrogations are targeting bloggers and the staff of Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karoubi.

Translation by: Xan I.

Persian2English.com

Abuse in Rajai Shahr Prison

Abuse in Rajai Shahr Prison

(CHRR)- On the afternoon of January 26, 2010 around 6:30pm, the young prisoners of Rajai Shahr prison were reportedly transferred to the prison yard where they were beaten with batons.

The incident was reportedly ordered by Amir Aghaei, the deputy head of the prison. There is no information on the degree of injuries caused to the prisoners.

According to article 169 of the executive regulations of the Prisons Organization, and the safeguarding and training measures approved in 2005, irritability, verbal and physical abuse, and punishment of the accused, are prohibited in institutions and prisons.

In recent years, abuse and torture to obtain confessions, has been a regular method [used by regime agents] in Iran’s prisons.

Translation by: Xan I.

Persian2English.com

Another Student Activist Expelled

Another Student Activist Expelled

According to a student from K.N. Toosi University of Technology (KNTU is a public university in Tehran, Iran), student activist Siavash Haghighi has been expelled.

Haghighi was expelled on Tuesday January 26, 2010 after being called to the university’s disciplinary committee.

Editor’s note: There has been a growing wave of expulsion of student activists and professors in recent months.

Translation by: Xan I.
Persian2English.com

CNN report of Ali Zamani and Arash Rahmanipor Execution

REPORT: The Regime’s Inhumane Treatment of Mourning Mothers

Perhaps the Green Movement should be named after Iranian women. Since two weeks ago, the government has started to arrest the Mourning Mothers. They have been gathering at Laleh Park [weekly] to protest the Iranian regime’s brutal oppression of the people. Now, the Mourning Mothers are victims of psychological torture.

The following [text] is based on conversations with a few brave mothers:

On January 9, 2010, ten Mourning Mothers were detained and were placed under extremely violent and inhumane conditions. All of the detained mothers were locked inside one solitary confinement cell no larger than 2×2 metres in size. Due to a lack of space, the mothers were forced to take turns sitting. Five would sit while the other five would stand, and every 30 minutes they would switch spots. Also, the mothers were forced to use the same cell for a bathroom.

Many of the mothers who had to endure the violent acts of humiliation were over 60 years old. Some were unable to move without their cane, and several are suffering from physical illnesses such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart complications.

On January 16, 2010, the Mourning Mothers were once again attacked by the police, who arrested 21 individuals; some of which were merely bystanders during the incident. According to witnesses, a plainclothes agent violently forced an older mother inside the police car and punched another mother who was resisting arrest.

The detained mothers were interrogated at Vozara Detention Center. Inhumane methods of psychological torture were used, including undressing the mothers and keeping them [in the same cells] as addicts and other criminals.

The following morning at 8:00 am, the 21 detained mothers were taken to the Revolutionary Court all in one van and without being given access to food or water. The court session lasted until 4:00 pm. After, they were taken back to Vozara Detention Center. According to one of the mothers, they were given a pot of food with some bread upon arrival, but they were not given any spoons, plates, or soap. The 21 hungry mothers had to eat with their unwashed hands from one pot.

The treatment of the mothers slightly improved the following day. This time, they were taken to court with a bus, and after several hours, they were released. Albeit, one woman who was apparently an arrested bystander, was transferred to Evin for being Baha’i. No further information is available on this woman.

Translation by: Xan I.
Persian2English.com

Villages in Kerman Suffering from Drought

Tens of villages in suburbs of Kerman Province are suffering from drought

Iran News Agency: People in many villages in Kerman Province are suffering from lack of water due to a decrease in annual rain and snow during recent years. Springs and underground water sources of Kerman have almost dried out causing water shortage for drinking and agricultural needs.

Lack of water has become a serious matter in a few northern cities of Kerman Province, such as Sirjan and Rafsanjan, and the villagers are distressed. For the past few weeks drinking water has been sent to the residents of these villages by water tanks. However, this is barely sufficient for people’s daily needs. Local residents hold authorities responsible for this crisis and for its prolongation during past years.

Translation by: Neda Shayesteh
Persian2English.com

Picture Gallery: The Green Martyrs

A collection of images from the gravestone of some of the martyrs of the post-election anti-government uprisings.

Location: Behesht Zahra

A Poem for the Executed: “پسر من نبود که به دار کشیدند امروز” “They Did not Hang My Son Today”

پسر من نبود که به دار کشیدند امروز

پسر من نبود که به دار کشیدند امروز

اما کشتند فرزند دیگر مادری دلسوز

گویند نوزده بیش نداشت پسرجوان

در بامدادان

(همیشه درسحرگاهان)

به پای دار بردندش دژخیمان

بر گردنش کردند طناب و ریسمان

پسر من نبود که به دار کشیدند امروز

اما کشتند فرزند یک مادر دلسوز

چه چیزکرد مرد جوان راوادار به اعتراف کردن؟

لرزش تن خواهر آبستن؟

یا نگاه پر التماس پدربیمار: “لطفاً!”؟

پسر من نبود که به دار کشیدند امروز

اما کشتند فرزند دیگر مادری دلسوز

به خیابان رفته بود

مرگشان فریاد آیا کرده بود؟

یا با اسپری سبز پایان روزگارشان

بر دیوار هجی کرده بود؟

پسر من نبود که به دار کشیدند امروز

اما کشتند فرزند دیگر مادری دلسوز

چه ساده انگارانه

بُوَد تلاش برای تسلی غم مادرانه

تا پیغام دهی، پسرت قهرمان مُرد

به نفس آخر، شیشه عمر دیو را کرد خُرد

Farsi Translation by: Siavosh J.
Persian2English.com

********************

They Did Not Hang My Son Today

by SETAREH SABETY

28 JAN 2010 18:12

They did not hang my son today

But they killed hers.

He was nineteen, they say.

At dawn

(Always at dawn)

They took him and

Put a noose around his neck.

They did not hang my son today

But they killed hers.

What does it take

To force a young man to confess?

A pregnant sister’s shivers,

A sick father’s

Pleas?

They did not hang my son today

But they killed hers.

He had taken to the streets

Did he yell out their death?

Did he spell their end on walls

With green colored spray?

They did not hang my son today

But they killed hers

How foolish it would be to try

To comfort her!

To tell her that he is a hero

That this boy, her son,

With his last innocent breath,

Sealed Evil’s certain death.

Copyright © 2009 Tehran Bureau

Islamic Senate Member Comments on 22 Bahman

Islamic Senate Member Comments on 22 Bahman

Akhoond Ebrahimi, a member of the security and foreign policy committee of the Islamic senate, cautioned on continued protests against the regime. He emphasized that people should not believe that the sedition is over.

Akhoond Ebrahimi also announced his worries on the unpopularity of the 22 Bahman gathering by saying that there will be some refreshments provided on that day in the front of mosques.

It was also noted the amount of Basiji militia that will be transferred to Tehran on the anniversary of 22 Bahman.

According to Ebrahimi, the city of Mashad’s share is 2000 Basijis, which according to the head of Mashad’s Basij force, is not likely to be organized.

Additionally, the transferred Basij forces to Tehran have been instructed to form a human chain along Azadi and Imam Hossein squares to prevent protesters from gathering.

Translation by: Azadeh Alavi
Persian2English.com

REPORT: Details on Money Shortage and Bank Protests in Iran

Two banks (Melli and Mellat) are planning to withhold funds from customers so they will be able to pay back their loans received from investors. The excuse that they are providing is that in order to complete their end-of-year calculations (by March 2010), they need to temporarily close down bank accounts.

The following is an excerpt from reports inside Tehran before the information was spread through word-of-mouth.

Yesterday, near a bazaar in Tehran, a big crowd gathered. Each minute that passed, the number of people demanding to withdraw their money increased.

At 11:30am, the account booths announced they are out of cash and that they are only able to issue interbank notes. The majority of customers objected. The head of the branch then denied reports [of running out of money] and claimed there was no need to empty bank accounts, since it was all just a rumor. The head of the branch was faced with customers demanding their money. The verbal conflicts grew louder and eventually security stepped in, which made the situation worse.

A few minutes later, special guard units entered the branch and beat people up in the worst possible way using batons. They also closed the door on people [to not enter the branch]. The assaulted customers started chanting, “Mousavi, Mousavi” outside the bank.

Upon hearing the chants, a few shops nearby closed down their stores. The bazaar for rugs turned into a security zone. Additionally, anti-riot police agents surrounded the bank.

Since Saturday news has leaked about secret government meetings regarding the banks going bankrupt. In these meetings, Ahmadinejad (the head of the Central Bank) and a few heads of government banks distributed a secret report about the bank crisis. [According to the secret report] Banks Mellat and Melli announced their bankruptcy and asked the government for urgent help.

The news about this meeting quickly spread within the upper echelon of Tehran’s bazaar. Following this news, owners of larger commercial firms decided to withdraw their cash from the two banks. However, the two banks decided to not allow withdrawals over $15,000. To avoid this rule, big investors used the technique of writing bounced cheques (translator’s note: bounced checks must be paid, by law).

Since last Friday, people have been text messaging each other about the bankruptcy of the two banks Melli and Mellat.

The city of Isfahan:

The Melli bank branches in Isfahan were also faced with a rush of people demanding to withdraw their money. At Chahar Bagh and Si-o-se Pol branches there were long lines, and the amount of security forces inside Melli Bank branches indicated the amount of fear the regime has of riots starting at the banks. At 12:00 pm, the Chahar Bagh branch ran into cash problems, and people who were standing in line for hours were sent home, and the bank doors were shut [on them]. These acts resulted in people chanting outside the banks.

Marand, Iran – People in Marand were confronted with bank officials saying:

- We have no money to pay

- We need to wait until a customer deposits cash

- Come back at 2:00 pm

People stood in lines until 2:00 pm, only to realize there was $500,000 set aside for one particular person. The protests began and people clashed with the bank’s security personnel. The clashes turned physical. Additionally, some people helped themselves to cash, and the bank alarms were set off.

Sadeghieh, Tehran:

People clash with police at a Melli Bank branch, causing injuries to one of the bank customers and the closing down of the bank. People had gone to the bank from the early morning hours to withdraw their money, but they only saw empty vaults. People began shouting and demanding their money and tried to cash their cheques, but the branch officials were unable to respond; even from early morning hours due to a lack of funds.

The bank employees blamed customers who had withdrawn hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash from the bank last Saturday. In most branches, the bank officials asked customers to either use interbank notes or wait until funds arrive from the central branch. After half hour, instead of the funds arriving, security forces arrived and clashed with the people inside the branches.

The anti-riot police agents ordered people to leave the banks. The people resisted. In the Sadeghieh branch, one of the bank officials threw his pencil holder at a customer who happened to be a middle aged woman. Other people present at the scene then took the woman to the hospital for her injuries. Out of fear of retribution by the angry crowd, the bank official began loudly cursing at regime officials. The bank official’s name tag read: Ebrahim Ghorani.

They were finally able to kick people out of the banks and close the doors. The lack of funds was such that the head of one of the branches ordered bank employees to empty the cash counting machines.

Translation by: Tour Irani
Persian2English.com

Iran 'executes two over post-election unrest'

BBC :Iran has executed two men arrested during the period of widespread unrest that erupted after June's disputed presidential election, reports say.

They had been convicted of being "enemies of God", members of armed groups and trying to topple the Islamic establishment, Isna news agency said.

The executions are believed to be the first related to last year's protests.

Millions demanded a re-run of June's poll at the largest demonstrations in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Opposition groups said it had been rigged to ensure the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a charge the government denied.

At least 30 protesters have been killed in clashes since the elections, although the opposition says more than 70 have died. Thousands have been detained and some 200 activists remain behind bars.

“ He confessed because of threats against his family ”
Nasrin Sotoudeh Lawyer for Arash Rahmanipour

Last month, eight people were killed in clashes at demonstrations on Ashura, one of the holiest days in the Shia Muslim calendar.

"Following the riots and anti-revolutionary measures in recent months, particularly on the day of Ashura, a Tehran Islamic Revolutionary Court branch considered the cases of a number of accused and handed down death sentences against 11 of those," Isna said, quoting a statement from the Tehran prosecutor's office.

"The sentences against two of these people... were carried out today at dawn and the accused were hanged," the semi-official agency said, adding the sentences had been confirmed by an appeal court.

It named them as Mohammad Reza Ali-Zamani and Arash Rahmanipour.

"The sentences for the other nine of the accused in recent months' riots are at the appeal stage... upon confirmation, measures will be undertaken to implement the sentences," Isna added.

'Show trial'

There has been no independent confirmation of the executions or the names, but opposition groups had previously said Mr Ali-Zamani was sentenced to death in October.

He and one other person were believed to have been convicted for ties with the Kingdom Assembly of Iran (Anjoman-e Padeshahi-e Iran), a banned monarchist group.

At his trial in August, prosecutors accused Mr Ali-Zamani of plotting political assassinations with US military officials in Iraq before returning to Iran "aiming at causing disruption during and after the election". He is said to have admitted his guilt in court.

The Kingdom Assembly of Iran confirmed it had worked with Mr Ali-Zamani, but dismissed the allegations and insisted he had been forced to confess. The group said he had played no role in the post-election protests and had merely passed on news to its radio station.

Human rights activists also noted the indictment stated that Mr Ali-Zamani had been arrested before engaging in any actions relating to the protests.

Nasrin Sotoudeh, a lawyer for Mr Rahmanipour, also denied he had played any role in the unrest and dismissed his "show trial" in July.

"He was arrested in Farvardin [the Iranian month covering March-April] - before the election - and charged with co-operation with the Kingdom Assembly," she told the AFP news agency.

Ms Sotoudeh said her client had been 19 when he was arrested, and that many of the charges related to the time when he was a minor.

"He confessed because of threats against his family," she said, adding that his family had not known the appeal had failed.

RECENT UNREST IN IRAN

19 Dec: Influential dissident cleric Grand Ayatollah Hoseyn Ali Montazeri dies aged 87

21 Dec: Tens of thousands attend his funeral in Qom; reports of clashes between opposition supporters and security forces

22 Dec: Further confrontations reported in Qom

23 Dec: More clashes reported in city of Isfahan as memorial is held

24 Dec: Iran reportedly bans further memorial services for Montazeri except in his birthplace and Qom

26 Dec: Clashes reported in central and northern Tehran

27 Dec: At least eight dead following anti-government protests in Tehran; 300 reported arrested

In 2008, the Iranian authorities blamed the Kingdom Assembly of Iran for an explosion at mosque in the south-western city of Shiraz which killed 12 people and wounded more than 200.

Correspondents say the executions may further increase tension in Iran ahead of possible new anti-government protests next month.

Messages have been circulating on the internet about demonstrations on 11 February, the 31st anniversary of the Islamic revolution.

On Wednesday, Iran's state media reported that two German diplomats had been detained and accused of playing a role in last month's anti-government protests.

A deputy interior minister was quoted as saying they were detained on 27 December, the day after the demonstrations. He also said a close aide to the opposition leader, Mir Hossein Mousavi, was being held for alleged contacts with German intelligence agents.

Germany's foreign ministry said it had no knowledge of the detentions and categorically rejected the accusations.

Gay Teen on Death-row: Case Unknown

All the follow-ups made on the case of Nemat Safavi, a teenager from Ardebil have been fruitless. He was arrested at the age of 16 for ’same-sex conduct.’ Nemat Safavi was tried in juvenile court and condemned to execution by the Ardebil judiciary. All three criminal branches in Ardebil’s Revolutionary Court declare not having any information on the case.

This is taking place as the judgment issued for Safavi’s execution was rejected by the country’s Supreme Court. His case was transferred to a branch in Ardebil’s criminal court.

The date of reference is March 4, 2009. This is why the case should be in the criminal court of Ardebil, but the behaviour of justice officials and their claims of not having any information pertaining to Safavi has led to increased concerns.

Last year, Ghasem Bashkool, a teenager condemned to death under the charge of ’same-sex conduct,’ was executed without the knowledge of his lawyer. Ghasem Bashkool’s case has caused increased worries regarding Nemat Safavi.

We spoke to one of the lawyers who had access to the case of a few teenagers on death row. On Safavi’s possible execution, he said, “As the decree for his execution was repudiated, there is no possibility of a sudden execution because it first has to be confirmed. So either the Court of Appeals has not yet been set up, or if it has, the execution decree may have not been issued for the second time. If it had, the Supreme Court would have known about it.”

Human Rights Watch has issued the following statement on the condemnation of the three teenagers sentenced to death on charges of same-sex conduct:

“Punishment by death for teenagers under 18 is banned by international regulations. Both the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Political and Civil Rights Convention ban capital punishment for those who are under 18 years of age. These regulations reflect a reality that children and teenagers are different from adults because they lack experience, judgment, maturity, and other adult characteristics. Iran ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1994 and the Civil and Political Rights Convention in 1975.”

Translation by: Arash Azizi
Persian2English.com

Former Iranian Embassy Counselor Writes a Letter to Employees

Former Iranian Embassy Counselor Writes a Letter to Employees

In a letter to the employees of the Iranian Embassy in Japan, Abolfazl Eslami urges others to join the people by distancing themselves from the violence and oppression of the Islamic Republic.

Abolfazl Eslami is former counselor for the Iranian Embassy in Tokyo. In the letter he writes that he has decided to join the people’s movement.

This is the first time that an Iranian diplomat in Eastern Asia has resigned from their service to the Islamic Regime. In recent weeks, several Iranian diplomats have also reportedly resigned from their posts in Europe.

Abolfazl Eslami`s letter:
A request from an ex-diplomat of the Islamic Republic in Japan for his colleagues in the foreign affairs ministry to join the people:
With respect,
Today, we have all heard about the Supreme Council of National Security`s statement on the Kahrizak scandal. The statement addresses crimes that Ayatollah Montazeri spent an entire lifetime to expose. We in the foreign affairs ministry failed to listen and the Almighty humiliated these criminals by forcing them to publish their own statement of humiliation. Ayatollah Montazeri had to go through a lifetime of detention and accusations to allow blind people like us see what has been exposed by this statement. But instead, we heard criminals accuse Ayatollah Montazeri, and we laughed about it.

Dear Colleagues,

After the release of the statement on the Kahrizak scandal, we must concede that we have served a lifetime defending a regime that has killed and tortured innocent people. We knew about these atrocities more than anybody else. We have not forgotten that in Khatami’s term, Mr. Ali Akbar Yasaghi, the head of the Prisons Organization, admitted that 100 detention centers were not under our supervision. Mr. Shahroodi ordered the illegal prisons to come under the supervision of the Prisons Organizations. Has the order of Mr. Shahroodi been executed?

We have all read the secret report of Hojat ol Eslam Abasali Alizadeh, the head of the Justice Ministry in Khatami’s time. He wrote on the illegal prisons, the killing of innocent girls and boys in prisons, the ‘circle murders’ in Kerman and Karaj, and the ‘chain murders’ in Tehran. Additionally, we all witnessed his dismissal by the Supreme Leader the day following [the release of the report].

Dear Colleagues,

Oppressed people like Ayatollah Montazeri had to go through a lifetime of suppression. We observed these crimes and excused them. We lived in residences payed by the dollars of the same people who were killed. Yet, we hugged and kissed our children in our wealthy households. We boasted to foreigners about a Saadi poem inscribed in the United Nations building: “One Limb impacted is sufficient.” We boasted that Imam Ali cried when a Jewish women was humiliated. We boasted that it is our religious duty to disclaim tyranny and to take the side of the oppressed. Now that the Supreme Council for National Security has confirmed the killings of youth under torture, have we forgotten all of that?

How many verses of the Prophet and Imams did we memorize about justice and oppression?

“If one sharpens the pen of an oppressor, he shares the oppression.”

“If one gives a bit of silk for an oppressor to use in his ink, he shares the oppression.”

We prayed, we fasted, and we went to Hajj, only to be paid for it by the government. If we had not prayed, we would not get our jobs. We would not be secretaries and ambassadors.

Is fighting the tyrant only part of our religion when it comes to Mecca demonstrations? Why did we forget it when our own people were killed?

Dear Colleagues,

We were naive to think that God almighty would not distinguish between us and Ayatollah Montazeri. Montazeri was truly a “Montazer” (waiting) for a lifetime. He waited for the Supreme Council of Security to declare the humiliation of the Yazid regime. He waited for truth to be obvious to everybody. Now we have no reason to remain in Yazid’s regime.

We, ambassadors, consulates, and staff of foreign affairs were among the founding columns of a regime that detained Montazeri and killed his supporters under torture. If we are guilty today, we cannot ask him to forgive us. He is in the heavens with his beloved and we are still on the payroll of a bloodthirsty regime.

I am begging you to come to your senses. There is still a way out. God is our greatest saviour.

Abolfazl Eslami,

Previously on the payroll of the Yazid regime

Translation by: Arash Azizi
Persian2English.com

Catastrophic Situation for Political Prisoners in Section 350

atastrophic Situation for Political Prisoners in Section 350

Published by: Human Rights and Democracy Activists in Iran

By: Misagh Jalalzadeh

A large amount of those arrested throughout the summer were sent to cells controlled by the Revolutionary Guard in wards 240, 209, and 2A. In an attempt to receive false confessions, the prisoners were placed under brutal torture and mental and physical pressure. They also had to confess participation in dirty schemes powered by foreign agents intended to instigate a velvet revolution.

***

From October 2009, the process of transferring post-election political prisoners to public sections [of the prison] began. It was first a few student activists like Peyman Aref, Majid Dori, and Zia Navabi (banned students), along with approximately 60 others who were arrested in street protests, and also some human rights activists like Mohammad Ali Dadkhah. They were taken out of solitary confinement cells and were transferred to cells that held regular prisoners. They were transferred because of the possibility of the Parliamentary Inquiry Committee visiting Evin prison.

But the tragic part started when in late October, after Peyman Aref and Majid Dori’s letter to a Tehran prosecutor was published, and together with media presence, security officials decided to remove a few reformist activists from the high-security sections. They gathered the prisoners in public section 350. Additionally, the Green Movement prisoners of this section were confronted, abused, and tortured by Bozorgnia, the notorious chief of section 350.

From early November, around 80 of the Green Movement prisoners were transferred to ward 350, a remote underground area. The following are some names of reformist political activists, journalists, and student activists:

- Davood Soleimani

- Jahanbakhsh Khanjani

- Hedayat Aghaei

- Hamzeh Karami

- Ahmad Zeydabadi

- Masoud Lavasan,

- Mohamadreza Noorbakhsh

- Peyman Aref

- Bahman Ahmadi Moei

- Reza Rafiyi

- Abdollah Momeni

- Masoud Bastani

- Majid Dori

- Ali Bikas

- Zia Nabavi

Even though it seemed they were under the control of the Prisons Organization, they were actually being controlled by Bozorgnia, who is a representative of the Ministry of Intelligence operated by the Ahmadinejad government.

Bozorgnia first held political prisoners in a poorly lit basement (of Section 350). On the upstairs floor, dangerous criminals are receiving rehabilitation and are able to use the telephones in addition to other aminities. In the basement there is only one phone booth set up. Each prisoner is able to use for five minutes a day.

It is now apparent that Rasool Badaghi (teacher activist) and Jafar Eghdami are also being held in section 350.

Recently, Bozorgnia has ordered a humiliating and disrespectful body inspection of political prisoners when they go to the weekly meetings with their families(meetings that are in cabins and with glass walls in between). He also uses insulting and dirty language toward the prisoners who are well respected in Iranian civil society.

***

*Mohammad Hossein Sohrabi Rad attempts suicide by cutting his left wrist after increased pressures and spending a few days in the hospital and Evin clinic. He feared going back to section 350. Immediately after recovering, he attempted suicide again. Despite numerous attempts to contact political prisoners to get insider information on Mohammad, our attempts were unsuccessful. There is a possibility that he has died already.

The irony is that there is another Kahrizak being formed in Section 350 and more martyrs are joining the Husseinian Martyrs of the Green Movement. A human catastrophe is about to occur and the fault is on no one but Bozorgnia, an official with a past too shameful to retell.

Section 350 of Evin Prison

January 2010

Iran Press News

Translation by: Arash Azizi
Persian2English.com

Two Baha’is arrested in Mashhad

Two Baha’i residents of Mashhad were arrested and transferred to an unidentified location.

HRANA: According to the Baha’i Committee for Human Rights Activists in Iran, two Baha’i youth, Bahman Yazdani and Vesal Mohammadi, were arrested on Tuesday by security officials. They were sent to an unidentified location.

Intelligence agents raided the residence of Mr. Bahman Yazdani and confiscated his CD’s, books, computer, and mobile. Vesal Mohammadi’s workplace was also searched by the agents.

Baha’is are one of Iran’s largest non-Muslim minorities, and are under systematic persecution by the Iranian government.

Translation: Arash Azizi
Persian2English.com

Martyr’s Son Arrested in Isfahan

Mohammad Bayat, the son of martyr Javad Bayat, was arrested by the Intelligence Ministry officials on January 13, 2010. According to JARAS news agency, the arrest was by the order of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court. Although Mohammad Bayat was a resident of Isfahan, his conviction is related to his participation in the Ashura uprising in Tehran. It should be noted that on January 14th a bail condition was declared for his release, but was immediately revoked. Bayat is currently detained by the Ministry of Intelligence.

Translation: Arash Azizi
Persian2English.com

Human rights activists accused of ‘Moharebeh’

The Committee of Human Rights Reporters (CHRR) in Iran has announced that Koohyar Goodarzi and Mehrdad Rahimi, two arrested members of the committee, have been accused of ‘Moharebeh’ (Fighting Against God).

CHRR has reported on pressures placed on arrested members to accept the accusations and to cooperate with the interrogators.

According to CHRR, the accusations against Mr. Goodarzi include ‘waging war against God,’ ‘Propaganda against the regime’ and ‘participating in illegal gatherings.’

Also, when the Tehran prosecutor met Shiva Nazar Ahari’s family, he declared that CHRR is associated with the Mujahedin Khalgh Organization (MKO). Additionally, Mehrdad Rahimi told his family of attempts by the interrogators to force them to accept the charge of “Moharebeh.”

According to the CHRR report, in the past few days, Mr. Goodarzi has been spotted with a bandage around his head. There is no information on how his head was injured. Mr. Goodarzi has protested being placed in the same cell of an Al-Qaeda member. Prison laws state that prisoners should be separated based on their crime.

According to Islamic law, ‘Moharebeh’ carries a sentence of execution.

On Saturday, the last court hearing was held for five arrested Ashura participants charged with ‘Moharebeh’ and affiliations with the MKO. The sentences will be announced shortly.

Opposition to the Iranian government and supporters of human rights groups have said that these ‘confessions’ have been extracted under pressure and torture, along with long detentions and no access to a lawyer.

Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission, two organizations supporting human rights around the world, have issued statements condemning the possible death sentences against prisoners of Ashura day (December 27th). The two organizations have expressed concern and have asked Iranian officials to respect the rights of the arrested and the protesters.

In its annual report released a few days ago on human rights violations around the world, Amnesty International declared that in the aftermath of the June 2009 election in Iran, the Iranian government embarked on the most extensive repression in the last decade.

Translation by: Tour Irani
Persian2English.com

Spanish Translation

“Activistas de derechos humanos accusados de ‘Moharebeh’”

El Comité de Reporteros de Derechos Humanos (CHRR por sus siglas en Inglés) en Irán ha anunciado que Koohyar Goodarzi y Mehrdad Rahimi, dos miembros de la comisión que fueron detenidos, han sido acusados de “Moharebeh” (lucha contra Dios).

CHRR informó sobre presiones ejercidas sobre los miembros detenidos para aceptar las acusaciones y cooperar con los interrogadores.

Según CHRR, las acusaciones contra Goodarzi incluyen “hacer la guerra contra Dios,” “propaganda contra el régimen” y “participación en reuniones ilegales.”

Además, cuando el fiscal de Teherán se reunió con la familia de Shiva Nazar Ahari, él declaró que CHRR se asocia con la Organización Mujahedin Khalgh (MKO por sus siglas en Inglés). Mehrdad Rahimi dijó a su familia de los intentos de los interrogadores para obligarlos a aceptar el cargo de “Moharebeh.”

Según el informe de CHRR, en los últimos días, Goodarzi ha sido visto portando una venda alrededor de la cabeza. No hay información sobre como se lesionó la cabeza. Goodarzi ha protestado por ser colocados en la misma celda donde se encuentra un miembro de Al-Qaeda. Leyes de la prisión establecen que los presos deben estar separados en función de su crimen.

Según la ley Islámica, ‘Moharebeh’ conlleva una sentencia de ejecución.

El sábado, la última audiencia de la corte fue para cinco detenidos en Ashura acusados de ‘Moharebeh’ y sus afiliaciones con el MKO. Las sentencias serán anunciadas pronto.

La oposición al gobierno Iraní y simpatizantes de grupos de derechos humanos han dicho que estas “confesiones” han sido obtenidas bajo presión y tortura, junto con detenciones largas y sin acceso a un abogado.

Amnistía Internacional y la Comisión de Derechos Humanos, dos organizaciones apoyando derechos humanos en todo el mundo, han emitido declaraciones de condena a las posibles penas de muerte contra los prisioneros del día de Ashura (27 de diciembre). Las dos organizaciones han expresado su consternación y han pedido a las autoridades Iraníes que respeten los derechos de los detenidos y los manifestantes.

En su informe anual publicado hace unos días sobre violaciones de derechos humanos en todo el mundo, Amnistía Internacional declaró que a raíz de las elecciones de Junio del 2009 en Irán, el gobierno Iraní inició la represión más amplia en la última década.

Translation by: Chantal F.

One Million Signatures Campaign Member Released on Bail

JARAS- Mansoureh Shojaei, a member of the One Million Signatures Campaign and a member of the editorial council of the Feminist School website, was released on $250,000 bail after one month of detention. Mansoureh Shojaei was arrested on December 28, 2009 from her home (one day after Ashura).

Translation by: Maryam
Persian2English.com

Khamenei’s January 26th Speech Translated

The following is a speech that Iranian dictator '' Khamenei'' gave in the province of Mazandaran on January 26, 2010 in
commemoration of the “counter-revolutionary” operation in Amol on January 26, 1982

I don’t know how much planning has gone into making trouble in Tehran. God knows that they have planned this from a long time ago. What has been the result? The result is that people have become more aware. If before they thought that people would not come to the streets to defend the Islamic Republic, now they see that people are always ready to defend the Islamic Republic. Sometimes our foreign enemies instigate chaos to make the Islamic Republic susceptible to blackmail.

Just like many governments who upon feeling danger turn to a higher power and are susceptible to blackmail, our Imam [Khomeini] never gave in to blackmail. Everyone should know that we on behalf of Iran will not give in to blackmail.

If we want to live as Muslims, we need to be powerful so we can defend ourselves, our goals, and our ideas in the face of the enemy. We need to be powerful so we can defend the rights of our people and our nation. Is this a crime for a nation? What we are saying is just and we will defend this right.

We also believe that when justice meets injustice, and when the promoters of justice stand firm, injustice will definitely be defeated.

The people, officials, those who are not officials, and especially youngsters whose words make an impact, should not lose the feeling of responsibility to show their presence. No one should say that they have no responsibilities. Everyone is responsible. Responsibility does not mean that we should carry weapons and walk the streets. Whatever we are doing, we should feel responsible. We are responsible for defending the revolution. We are responsible for defending the Islamic Republic regime. This means that we must defend Islam and the rights of the people in order to maintain the integrity of the country.

A clear example [of defending the nation] was on December 29th. Also, Febuary 11th (Revolution Day) is approaching. The Islamic Fajr Festival is coming up. People have demonstrated their presence and they will do so again. The officials should fix the country’s problems with wit, persistence, tireless work, enthusiasm, and with reliance on God. We must ask God for help. I am not just talking about political and security problems, that is only part of it. I am talking about problems like the country’s progress and the country’s economic, science, and social problems. The responsibility falls on the shoulders of the officials: the three branches of government and all the other officials. They should feel the responsibility to continuously work for the nation. It is also the responsibility of the people to trust the officials and to cooperate with them. To trust the officials and to cooperate with them also means to make suggestions, and when necessary, to criticize them. We should not hold back. We need to be together.

Jannati: We Held a Flawless Presidential Election

Jannati: We Held a Flawless Presidential Election

“Islamic Republic of Iran has held one of the most honest elections”

At a ceremony in Amol (a city in the province of Mazandaran), Ahamd Jannati said: ”The Islamic Republic of Iran has held one of the most honest elections, and there is no room for complaints or arguments.”

Jannati is the Secretary of the Guardian Council, the body responsible for supervising election processes in Iran.

According to Fars News, he added, “The Guardian Council does not have any partisan associations or power interests, and it seeks neither money or political posts. The Council considers the integrity and credibility of this [past presidential] election superseding those held in any other country.”

Jannati called election fraud claims “ridiculous.” He stated, “The treason these mercenaries committed against the nation has been unprecedented.”

Ahmad Jannati was speaking at the ceremony commemorating the 28th anniversary of the People of Amol`s Islamic Resistance. Amol, located in northern Iran, faced an armed insurrection In 1981 by a leftist group attempting to take over the city. The insurrection was suppressed by the people of Amol who took up arms against the insurgents. According to state sources, 40 Amol citizens were killed in the clashes.

Translation by: Siavosh J.
Persian2English.com

Public Lashing in Andimeshk

Public Lashing in Andimeshk

Image from archive

Public Lashing to be carried out in the city of Andimashk

According to a pro-government news agency, Mehr, *Andimashk`s Attorney General announced that the punishment [execution] for those convicted of harassment in the town will be carried out in public.

He stated:

The main defendant was sentenced by the court to a two-year prison term, ten years of exile, and to be lashed on two different occasions.

Co-defendants were each sentenced to two years in prison and 74 lashes. The sentences have been upheld in the Provincial Court of Appeals and will be carried out in public on Saturday.

Also, the motive behind carrying out public punishments is to create terror and fear among the people.

*Andimeshk is a city in the province of Khuzestan, Iran

Translation by: Siavosh J.
Persian2English.com

Zahra Rahnavard: “We will not compromise, we will not recognize!”

By: Fereshteh Ghazi

Some groups and political personalities interpreted Mousavi’s statement #17 as a sign of recognition for Ahmadinejad’s government. Some went far enough to mention behind-the-scenes compromises and deals. Zahra Rahnavard vehemently denied the claims in her interview with Rooz Online. She stated, “We will neither recognize Ahmadinejad’s government nor will we compromise. We are honestly pursuing the rights and demands of the people.” She was also quoted as saying, “Our chests will be our only shields while we brave bullets, attacks, and terror.”

Below is the interview with Mrs. Zahra Rahnavard, university professor, writer, and Mir-Hossein Mousavi’s spouse:

Reporter: Following the distribution of Mr. Mousavi’s statement #17, some claimed that Mr. Mousavi had officially recognized Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s government. Is this a correct interpretation?

Zahra Rahnavard: My personal interpretation of this statement is different. The fact that points regarding cheating and irregularities in the election were stressed in the statement, then how can someone interpret the words as a compromise? What I gathered from the statement is that Mr. Mousavi does not recognize the government that has come to power by cheating.

Reporter: Currently there are a lot of rumors circulating of behind-the-scenes compromises made by Mr. Mousavi, Karoubi, and Khatami. Even today (January 25, 2009) Mr. Karoubi was quoted in a statement recognizing Ahmadinejad’s government. Some interpret Mr. Mousavi’s statement and today’s words by Karoubi as a behind-the-scenes compromise.

ZR: This is not true at all and there is no compromise. I don’t see any signs of compromise in that statement; quite the opposite. The statement includes the people’s demands and ideals. It is the least of the people’s demands.The regime can easily afford to respond to those demands.

Reporter: But the regime will not heed to those demands. I mean, it has not done that so far. Do you think it will heed to the demands?

ZR: I cannot predict the future and claim what will happen. I just hope that whatever happens will benefit the people of Iran and will result in the nation holding their head up high. I want to stress the point that we neither recognize Ahmadinejad’s government nor will we compromise behind-the-scenes.

Reporter: With the second wave of inclusive arrests following the December 27th demonstrations, it seems like even people who have performed great service to the revolution are being arrested. Do you think this will have any effect on the people’s movement?

ZR: The arrests are wrong and a big mistake. It is unfortunate that they are taking place. The arrest of individuals who preach freedom and people’s rights has not legal basis. We need to note that ideals of freedom, democracy, and rule-of-law and people’s rule through religion are the basis of the people’s demands; so is voting.

The arrest of ordinary citizens and political and media personalities has no legal basis. What benefits do regime officials receive by arresting someone like Mr. Beheshti who is a symbol of seeking justice, a dedicated academic, and the think-tank behind the movement? I do not mean only Mr. Beheshti is, but I am using him as an example to symbolize all of our dear people who are under arrest for their humane ideals. I also want to stress that the arrest of the brave and conscious Iranian women will be a big blow to the integrity of the Islamic Republic.

These are women who are supposed to be among society, [for example] working at universities. Instead, they are currently spending time in the corners of prisons. This will be a great shame both in Iran and across the world for the Islamic Republic.

Reporter: Do you think the arrests will affect the people’s movement in any way?

ZR: The arrests will have no effect in regards to the people’s demands and their movement. People are extremely conscious, and with their high level of political understanding, will pursue their demands. Today it is the people who are ahead of the intellectuals. We even see that our intellectuals are following the people.

Reporter: Mrs. Rahnavard, many close associates of yours and your husband’s have been arrested. Your brother has been arrested twice and Mr. Mousavi’s nephew was martyred. How has this affected your personal and family life?

ZR: We live and breath with the Green Movement. I have always admonished backward thinking groups. I have always spoken my mind. Unfortunately they [the current government powers] have now concentrated on placing pressure on freedom-loving women through insults and side issues. This is not something new, but now they have passed the point of vulgarity. There was a time when they would not allow me to print my books and I was forced to pursue my career and social work only at the universities. Even there, the pressures persisted. It is now even more intense. Their aim is to not allow me to breath so they can get rid of me. They cannot even stand our love life. They try to create side issues, but everyone knows what kind of life we live. The pressure tactics and insults will have no effect to our ideals, activities, and daily routine.

Reporter: I like to know more about the situation surrounding your family, relatives, and your close friends who have paid a high price and continue to do so. Has their situation affected their relations with Mr. Mousavi?

ZR: These prices are not paid for the sake of Mr. Mousavi. It is for the Green Movement. We are not individualists and our family and relatives are no different than ordinary people who pay the high price. My brother is an academic and a specialized professional with no history of political activities, but he is paying the price like other people. We brave bullets, attacks, and terror using our chests as shields.

Reporter: Mrs. Rahnavard, you have been personally attacked three times. They said that those who attacked you were ‘Basiji Sisters’. Would you explain what that was about?

ZR: I cannot say for sure that they were Basijis but I can say that they had a mission. From December 6th through December 9th, I was faced with great insecurity. They were continually chasing me, and once crowded around me and used terrible words to insult me. Once while a university security shoved me into a car to take me away from the scene, a motorcycle rider stuck his hand through the window and used pepper spray on me. I felt very ill for a while and my kidneys began to bleed. On the other days, university security made sure to surround me. During those four days, they [regime forces] would either insult me or attack me physically. I had no security. After December 9th, they have stopped and nothing has happened since then.

Reporter: Aren’t you afraid of future incidents? Do you predict such events happening?

ZR: Seeking and fighting for freedom has always been my ideal in life. For this reason I am not even afraid of death. I told you that our chests are our shields. I am personally ready for any bullet, attack, or terror.

Translation by: Tour Irani
Persian2English.com

In News Television Channels soon !

Coming soon !!!

No Information About Detained Women’s Rights Activist

Hundreds of Detainees in Similar Situation, Disappeared into Prisons

“Starred Student” was Blacklisted from Graduate Studies for her Peaceful Women’s Rights Activism

Somayeh Rashidi

(21 January 2010) Iranian judicial and prison authorities have refused to release any information about charges against women’s rights activist Somayeh Rashidi (24), who was arrested on 19 December 2009, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran reported today.

During the past two months, over a thousand people have been detained through the use of a blanket detention order, which is effectively a license for security and intelligence agents to arrest anyone at will. Hundreds of these detainees, similar to Somayeh Rashidi, have disappeared into Iranian prisons without any information available to their families or lawyers.

Based on two brief contacts Somayeh Rashidi has been able to make, it is known she is in solitary confinement in Evin prison. The Campaign calls upon the Iranian Judiciary to divulge the charges against Rashidi and the evidence upon which they are based, and to release her immediately pending an independent investigation of her case.

Prior to her arrest, authorities stormed her house on 14 December 2009 at 6:00 a.m., searched the premises, and confiscated several personal items belonging to her and her roommate, including computers and hand-written notes. At the time, she was served a summons to attend Branch 12 of the Revolutionary Court on 19 December 2009. Upon appearing at the court, she was interrogated and read her charges, arrested, and detained. Over the past few days, her temporary detention orders have been extended and she continues to remain in solitary confinement.

Somayeh Rashidi, who comes from a traditional and religious family, has been active in peaceful women’s rights work in NGOs and also at universities, for which she has been persecuted by authorities.

She is a member of the One Million Signatures for Equality Campaign and has been active in the Campaign’s Education Committee. Most of her activities were concentrated on domestic violence. She had started a student organization, the Iranian Women’s Language Society, around this topic and was providing training in this area. The organization’s license was later revoked.

Right to Education Denied to “Starred Students”

Rashidi lost her job at a research institute because of her social activism, and was also a “Starred Student,” barred from graduate studies despite her top academic performance. She studied Sociology in college and passed the nationwide university entrance exam with high scores in Women’s Studies and Cultural Studies last year.

Although Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad flatly denied the existence of “Starred Students” during the 2009 presidential election debates, the phenomenon has affected Iranian students since his first election in 2004. Undergraduate students who engaged in political, cultural or social activities in colleges, notwithstanding their high grades, had to be “selected” by the Ministry of Information. None of the “Starred Students” were able to attend their classes, even after they attended the selection sessions and signed written promises demanded by intelligence authorities. Rashidi had ranked fourth in Women’s Studies and twenty-ninth in Cultural Studies in entrance exams. During the months after she became a “Starred Student,” she tried all legal avenues to follow up on her case, including meeting with members of parliament. She had meetings with Ministry of Science and Technology authorities as well, but none of these meetings changed her situation.

Other “Starred Students” tried to alleviate their difficulties through establishing the Committee to Defend the Right to Education. Some of those individuals are now in prison, facing unfounded charges. Some of these charges include “relations with Islamic Republic of Iran opposition groups such as the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO),” which have been denied by the defendants and their friends and families.

Several “Starred Students” have told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran over the past few weeks that their political activities were all within Iranian law, but those activities have resulted in their being blacklisted and denied their right to education. Officials refrain from acknowledging these charges.

“Starred Students” recently convicted include Zia Al-din Nabavi, sentenced to 15 years imprisonment and 74 lashes, and Majid Darri, sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. Other members of the Committee to Defend the Right to Education currently in detention are: Soroosh Sabet, Mahdiyeh Golroo, Shiva Nazarahari, and Peyman Aref.

Persecution of Women’s Rights Activists

Numerous women’s rights activists have been targeted for persecution and arrest in the context of the ongoing political turmoil in the Islamic Republic. At this time, women’s rights activists Mansoureh Shojaie, Mahin Fahimi, Shiva Nazarahari, Parisa Kakaie, Zohre Tonkaboni, Alieh Eghdamdoust, Bahareh Hedayat, Mahdiyeh Golroo, Shabnam Madadzadeh, and Maryam Zia are all in prison. Journalists Badrossadat Mofidi and Mahsa Hekmat, and political activists Azar Mansouri, Atefeh Nabavi, Shabnam Maddadzad, and Niloufar Hashemi Azar also remain in detention.