Friday, March 19, 2010

Happy New Year

http://images.indymedia.org/imc/vancouver/4.jpgzuuobu.jpg

Tomorrow the Iranian New year ( Norooz ) will starts.

I hope the new year be a good year for Iranian people inside and outside the country;The year of freedom of Iran,year of release of political and human rights activists.

Happy New Year
Blog Administer
March 20th 2010


Sohrab’s Mother Sends New Year Message: “Lest we rest, for our inaction shall mark our annihilation”

PHOTO: Sohrabi's Arabi's mother, a fighter for freedom and human rights

Lest we rest, for our inaction shall mark our annihilation

Visiting the graves of loved ones on the last Thursday of the [Iranian] year is considered by us as a national and religious responsibility, and it demonstrates our closeness to those we have lost.

I regret that I am not in Tehran to perform this duty.

Our dear slain children are not next to us on the [Iranian] New Year’s eve, but their memories shall live forever.

I hope that those prisoners whose empty place is felt strongly by their families are released and returned to the arms of their loved ones.

As a mother with an aching heart, I take refuge in God’s grace. What crime did our children commit that they should be subject to such injustice?

Our youth only demanded to have the same rights every human being is entitled to.

Once again, as a mother, I wish peace, freedom, joy, and health upon everyone. My son wanted the same thing, but he was….

Parvin Fahimi
Sohrab’s mother
Thursday, March 18, 2010

Shiraz University Students Meet with Majid Tavakoli’s Family


A group of Shiraz University students meet with Majid Tavakoli’s family

In the meeting, the students referred to Majid Tavakoli as their brother. They called the suppression and arrest of students and critics shameless and contravening to Islamic laws and Iran’s constitution.

Majid Tavakoli’s family informed the students that they have not received news on Majid and the officials refuse to provide a response on his condition. The family also expressed discontent to their son’s visitation ban.

Majid Tavakoli’s family stated that they consider all students their children. They added that under current circumstances, it is not only students who are in limbo and under pressure, but also other groups who are subject to maltreatment. They expressed hope that peace, security, and freedom will return to society in the near future, and that all political prisoners return to the arms of their families.

Students commended Majid Tavakoli’s resistance and called him the most resilient member of the student movement. They prayed to God to release Majid from prison.

Dorsa Sobhani Prohibited from Visitation


Committee of Human Rights Reporters - Dorsa Sobhani’s family is prohibited from visiting their detained daughter in the days leading to Norooz, the Persian New Year.

Dorsa’s lawyer’s visit to the judiciary has proven ineffective, as authorities have prohibited visitation even to her lawyer.

In the previous days, Dorsa’s family have written several letters to the Tehran Prosecutor, the Article 90 Commission, and the Judiciary Commission of National Security, requesting much more investigation into Dorsa’s case.

It is reported that authorities at the Revolutionary Court have refrained from redirecting the inquiries to the head of the judiciary, and have insisted that the efforts of Dorsa’s family are ineffective.

The reasons behind Dorsa’s arrest are still unknown.

Dorsa Sobhani, the 20 year old member of the One Million Signatures Campaign and activist for educational rights was arrested on March 8, 2010 during an assault on her home by 12 security agents. On the evening of March 2nd her father’s house was raided and her personal belongings were confiscated.

March 2, 2010 marks a day of widespread assaults and arrests for a large number of civil and human rights activists in various cities across Iran.

Mousavi’s Norooz Message

Full English translation of Mir Hossein Mousavi’s message for the Persian New Year addressed to the Iranian people:

In the name of God, the Compassionate and the Merciful,

The unified caravan of martyrs

I wish all of our people a Happy New Year, as we approach the green spring and this national holiday. I will especially make note of the families of those who lost their lives while defending our independence during the [Iran-Iraq] war, the veterans, the injured, and those who suffered in any way. I should also mention the martyrs and those injured in 1388, [1][the year that is coming to an end], since I see their fate as connected to that of the war-time martyrs; they are all a apart of the caravan of martyrs that our country has produced over the course of history. If we have a proud country and a free nation today, it is due to their suffering and sacrifices.

Congratulating Iranians both inside Iran and abroad; [all] Iranians with a common identity

I should also pass on good wishes to Iranians from various groups, tribes, ethnicities, cultures and [political] parties; all of our people. This year, I would particularly like to mention our countrymen living abroad.

Today, our people are united, and this is one of the blessings of the Green Movement. It has become so extensive, that there are people on the other side of the globe who identify themselves with the rich Iranian and Islamic cultures, strive for the glory and development of Iran and the Revolution, and try to concern themselves with the fate of their country. This is particularly true among our youth, be it is those inside Iran and abroad who have sacrificed the most and who have experienced the most damage [in the events of the past year].

We should help and comfort the families who have experienced loss

As far as I have heard, the third and fourth generations of Iranians living abroad are as active as the youth inside Iran, and I would like to use this opportunity to wish a Happy New Year to them as well. The families of the martyrs and the injured have played a crucial role in our movement; our people should stay alongside these families and comfort them, particularly in these first few days of festivities.

The year that has passed

The passing year has been a special one for us all. Our people witnessed a great deal of energy and excitement in the days leading up to the election, and the beauty of it was the love and unity that you saw between people of different backgrounds and political inclinations. The election could have turned into a great festival for our people and initiated a new movement in the history of our nation. It was this movement that lead to very high voter turnout, with which you demonstrated your resolve to see [progress], change, independence, [and the authority of] freedom and justice. But, your active presence in the election was met with a reaction that prompted you to go to the streets with the common question: “Where is my vote?” The roots of this reaction go back to June 12th [election day]. It was not even 5:00pm when one of my main campaign headquarters was attacked. By 8:00pm, my central headquarters was also attacked and, before being published the next morning, the main Kalemeh Sabz [2] headline was changed several times on orders from intelligence officials.


A response by the government unworthy of the dignity of our nation

The lack of a proper and Islamic response to the elections by the government created a negative image in the minds of our people and as a result was the root cause of many of the events that occurred in our country. The response [by the government] to the protests was not befitting of the grandeur, liberty and pride associated with our nation. The crimes at Kahrizak prison, the atrocities at the student dormitories, the killings on the 30th of Khordad, even the 25th of Khordad and the events that followed, such as on the day of Ashura, took the people of our country by surprise.

If the challenges were political in nature, then they should have been resolved through political channels with convincing explanations to our people. This was however not the case and the responses were unfortunately also not satisfying. One of the most significant days was the 25th of Khordad when our people took to the streets in masses, transforming this day into a decisive moment in the history of our nation and a testament to the high spirit of our nation days after the elections.

What did our people desire?

Our people while chanting national and Islamic slogans came out to the streets, without creating any tension, to declare their point of view and cast their vote. We expected a [the government's] response tailored to meet the gentle spirit of our people, unfortunately, we however, witnessed a much different type of response in the events that followed which only further complicated matters.

On the 22nd of Khordad the people of Iran participated in the elections in order to determine their destiny and define the direction of their future. The events that followed the elections, however, turned into an eye opening experience for our people and our country. Our nation discovered major discrepancies and glitches that lead to the formation of a broad spectrum of new demands. These demands began with a request for a referendum on open and fair elections, and later extended to other areas. The Green movement resulted in uniting people behind the fact that all matters should be dealt with in the framework of the Constitution and this became a slogan widely accepted by the majority.

Ignoring parts of the Constitution is tantamount to rendering it meaningless

The truth is, this slogan is of significant importance to the destiny of our nation. The Constitution is a national covenant, without which there is no unity and only chaos and darkness. It consists of a set of contiguous articles and as such, ignoring or weakening one section only leads to rendering it meaningless and void in its entirety.

One must look at the constitution as a whole. When the constitution was first written, those involved in its inception, wrote an important introduction designed to protect the integrity and continuity of the law. The articles emphasize a set of values, aspirations and demands that are integral to the constitution and cannot be separated. Now that our people have witnessed the judiciary, political, electoral, etc. problems they realize more than ever that the path to a bright future is returning to the foundation defined by our constitution, without any interference by the various political factions.

Withdrawing our demands of unconditional execution of the Constitution is an act of treason for Iran and for Islam. This is a demand that we will not abandon.

If an article in the Constitution is erroneous, the way to fix it is clear. We must amend the Constitution in accordance with public opinion and the recent state of affairs. [As of now], we do not have a free media or the freedoms outlined in the constitution. We lack free elections, where candidates are not cherry-picked, and fair competition. We do not have rights that protect the people’s privacy; rights that prevent some from searching through personal letters with self-serving ‘justification’. How can we assume to have a working system and solve our problems while the national course of action taken is against the Constitution?

We are facing many issues and difficulties in this New Year. Some of them relate to the shape that our demands are going to take. And these are rightful demands. They are a way to achieve national greatness and are a salvation for all parties on the path of developing our nation. We will persevere with these demands, and, accordingly, the coming year will be [known as] the year of persistence. We do not have the right to turn away from them. Any distraction would be an act of treason for the nation, for Islam and for the blood of our martyrs. Our Constitution was created in a sea of martyred blood. It is not something that we can lose easily and we must all return to [its principles].

Among all other things, I wish that the executive branch was at least proficient

Besides this problem, there are others too; problems that existed before, but which are going to intensify this year, although I am wishing against it. Economic prospects for the future are not good. I am not pleased with this situation. I wish that despite all our issues, we would have seen an outlook to solve these [non-political] troubles. But that was not so. Forecasts of economic growth for the coming year are poor. First, in addition to drops in investment, this would mean greater instances of unemployment and extensive and increasing poverty. Our middle-class is shrinking more and more as we face these problems. Second, our current [international] standing is not a pleasant one due to ambiguous policies, as well as an adventurous and inept approach [to foreign policy]. Looming upon us is a threatening situation. We have the worst possible international relations and foreign policy, and it seems that with greater sanctions we should expect [more economic pressure].

The Green Movement must expand its reach

Faced with such a situation, the Green Movement must expand its reach to all segments of society. The Green Movement must revive the timeless social and Islamic principle of inclusion. We must lend a hand to neighbors and neighborhoods both near and far, through job creation and other forms of interaction.
Let us live more modestly; let us help our fellow men and women; let us reduce the weight of people’s problems

Let us make our lives more modest and, by foregoing unnecessary formalities, make more room to think about how to reduce the load of problems that people appear to have. Let us help and attend to the families of the martyrs and those who have been injured—the just prophet looks favorably upon spending time with these families. Moreover, doing this will rekindle the nation’s hope.

The path that we cannot avoid

I believe that the path to realizing the greatness of our nation follows this route and, without a doubt, the nation understands that there is no other alternative. Thus, the nation is hopeful in following this path. God-willing, we will reach our distinct goals, since our demands are not extravagant by any standards. We demand a fair and healthy election—an election where being on the ticket does not imply having been vetted and selected by a few in power. That kind of election—the kind that we have been having up until now—does not reflect the appropriate respect towards a nation as dignified as Iran. The Iranian nation is great, progressive, and civilized. It should not be treated like a nation of uncivilized, ignorant people, for whom matters need to be decided because they cannot be trusted to run their own affairs and choose their own government properly. I ask that the government respect freedom of speech and freedom of the press so that the nation’s thoughts and ideas are able to flow freely and publicly. I am certain that the manifestation of these thoughts will be Islamic. Only then will we see a productive and progressive Iran brimming with justice and freedom. We must not be afraid to allow this to happen. In fact, we must truly fear the consequences of not allowing this to happen. We must truly be afraid of turning our backs on the demands of the people.

I will finish with a prayer from Imam Khomeini—a prayer that is relevant to our situation today:

O Lord, be watchful of our martyrs and let them rest close to your kindness and compassion. Heal our injured and our dead, and lead those who have been captured by the enemy back to the bleeding hearts of their families. O Lord, in your kindness, grant us patience and success.

[1] 2009-2010

[2] Mousavi’s official newspaper during election campaign

Shiva Nazar Ahari’s Family Send Norooz Message


Shiva Nazar Ahari’s Family Send Norooz [Iranian New Year, begins on March 20, 2010] Message.

Reported by the Committee of Human Rights Reporters (the organization that Shiva Nazar Ahari founded).

Dear Shiva, when we came to visit you today, we wanted to wish you a happy New Year, but there were so many topics to discuss that we forgot to do so.

It has been 90 days that you have been held in ward 209 of Evin prison. The days leading to the end of the [Persian calendar] year, we were expecting a phone call that would inform us of your release; similar to the [situation] of other prisoners. However, there seems to be a higher will and authority that wishes you to stay in prison.

Dear Shiva, it is very difficult for us to believe that a new year will start without you by our side. In any case, whether we like it or not, the New Year, with all its fervor and excitement, will begin soon. We hope that the last year has been a fruitful one for all our compatriots, and we wish that no person will remain imprisoned.

I promise that a new year will not begin for us until you return [home].

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Mahdieh Golroo Banned from Visitation


Committee of Human Rights Reporters - Student activist Mahdieh Golroo has been banned for the fourth time from seeing her husband. Prison officials, in reply to the repeated visitation requests of Mahdieh’s husband Vahid Lalipour, announced that Mahdieh Golroo is “prohibited from visits.”

In the final days before the end of 1388 (the end of the Persian calendar year), Mahdieh Golroo and her husband are banned from seeing each other for even ten minutes. Lalipour, who recently endured three months in prison, was released on February 21, 2010.

Reports suggest that the intensified pressures on Mahdieh Golroo has resulted in increased worry from her family and friends.

Recently Mahdieh Golroo’s file has been forwarded to branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court under judge PirAbbasi. Branch 26 is also where two members of the Right to Education Council Zia Nabavi and Majid Dori have been sentenced to 15 and 11 years in prison.

Mahdieh Golroo, an Allameh University student banned from continuing her education, is a member of the Right to Education Council. On December 3, 2009 Golroo and her husband were arrested at their home. Last year, Mahdieh Golroo participated in a sit-in protest against the banning of students. She was consequently arrested and taken to Evin prison.

Mahdieh Golroo is also a member of the Committee for Civil Defense, the headquarters of Mehdi Karroubi’s campaign during the election. Currently Zia Nabavi, Majid Dori, Shiva Nazar Ahari, and Mahdieh Golroo are the prisoners who are activists for the right to education.

Translation by: Maryam | Persian2English.com

RSF Urges Islamic Republic to Investigate Omidreza MirSayafi’s Death


Reporters Without Borders urged the Islamic Republic to establish an independent and impartial commission to investigate the death of young Iranian blogger Omidreza MirSayafi who died a year ago in prison.

Omidreza MirSayafi, a 28-year-old Iranian blogger, was arrested and sentenced to two years in prison for “insulting Ayatollah Khomeini and Ayatollah Khamenei,” the founder of the Islamic Republic and the current Supreme leader respectively.

On March 18, 2009, he died in prison under suspicious circumstances which immediately drew the reaction of human rights groups calling for an investigation into his death.

The Islamic Republic authorities have failed to respond to these demands even a year after the death of MirSayafi.

According to Reporters Without Borders, “Mirsayafi’s death is emblematic of the tragedy affecting dissidents in Iran today,” who are continuously arrested on charges with “no legal basis.”

The press watchdog also called for the “immediate release of the 50 or so journalists and bloggers who are currently detained in Iran just for expressing their views freely.”

Translation by: Radio Zamaneh

CHRR Statement on Accusations by Iranian Regime


CHRR: We will continue our activities of reporting on the human rights situation

[in Iran]

Number 2010-1301

March 17, 2010

It has been decades that Iran and the Iranian people have been surrounded by bitter stories of human rights violations. Different governments from kings to sheiks have egotistically believed that ignoring the basic and self-evident rights of individuals can prolong their reigns. However, history has proven that continuous acts of atrocities and injustices are inevitably brought to light through the struggle and perseverance of freedom seekers.

It has been more than thirty years that human rights has been under the assault of the ruling theocracy, and the abuses have intensified in recent months, especially against human rights activists. The Committee of Human Rights Reporters (CHRR) has received its share of terror, torture, arrests, and false charges.

Exaggerated claims that human rights activists are connected to foreign or political organizations have been repeatedly disseminated by Tehran’s prosecutor, domestic and military media, intelligence interrogators, and internet bandits. No plausible or credible evidence has been introduced to back their accusations of blatant lies.

By using so-called experts, the Ministry of Intelligence has begun to cover up the extent of human rights violations. In actuality, the baseless allegations are aimed to promote groups that otherwise have no influence in public opinion.

The Committee of Human Rights Reporters has indicated in their mission statement, in interviews, and in their official announcements that their activities are limited to human rights issues, and they are proud of their work.

The transparent work of CHRR is evidence that the committee has not been influenced by political and ideological opinions of its members or political groups and organizations. The position of the committee is the defense of the rights of all people, regardless of their political or religious opinions. The Human Rights Charter and its protocols and resolutions are the basis for the committee’s work.

The circus-like atmosphere of the official media has aimed at corrupting the truth. The official government media distorts the truth to such an extent that it is not only in contradiction with humane and social norms, but it is also in contradiction with the laws that are used to present the evidence. A (portion of) the media’s earnings comes from the taxes provided by the people.

The government is responsible for a clear assault on the privacy of individuals, condemning individuals without due process, abusing their authority to spread unfounded claims about individuals, unethical behaviour, and violating the current Islamic Republic of Iran’s laws. It is well known that it is the intelligence officers who have kept human rights activists in prisons for many months while spreading unfounded accusations against them. The media assault is an indication of the increasing pressures on activists to participate in show trials so unjust and cruel sentences can be issued to them.

The Committee of Human Rights Reporters emphasizes that it will continue its activities of reporting human rights conditions on both the national and international levels through collaborations with independent and credible international human rights organizations.

CHRR is deeply concerned about the extended illegal detention of its members Shiva Nazar Ahari, Koohyar Goodarzi, and Navid Khanjani. CHRR condemns the new wave of arrests of human rights activists and underlines the necessity of the unconditional and urgent release of all detained human rights activists.

Translation source: Lissnup | Edited by: Persian2English.com

Another Ashura Day Protester Receives Death Sentence



Abdolreza Ghanbari, Another Ashura Day Protester, Receives Death Sentence

Abdolreza Ghanbari, accused of heresey (moharebeh) for participation in Ashura Day protests, has been sentenced to death by Judge Salavati. The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran has been informed that Ghanbari did not have access to a fair trial and has not had the possibility to select and talk to an attorney in compiling his defense.

Following a meeting with Ayatollah Nouri Hamedani in Qom on Monday, Tehran Prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dowlatabadi said that verdicts of six Ashura Day suspects have been issued and the sentences are under appeal. Earlier, the Prosecutor’s Office had announced that it had requested death sentences for eleven individuals arrested on Ashura Day. Tehran Prosecutor has also said that the Judiciary has only tried members of “anti-revolutionary groups and organizations,” and has released individuals “remorseful” about their actions. No details were published of such relations.

The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran asks the Iranian Judiciary authorities to provide conditions for a fair trial such as free access to a selected attorney for individuals such as Abdolreza Ghanbari, and to refrain from rushing suspects whose charges have no reasonable relation to their sentences to the noose. Considering the irreversibility of death sentences, and serious speculation about the political nature of many of the sentences issued after the June 12, 2009 elections, the Iranian Judiciary’s enthusiasm for issuing moharebeh and death sentences is a grave threat to human rights.

Two Iranian political prisoners named Arash Rahmanipour and Mohammad Reza Alizamani were executed on January 28, 2010 without their lawyers’ or their families’ knowledge about the execution time, deeply wounding public confidence.

Ashura, which is the holiest religious day in Iran, turned into one of the bloodiest days of the year on December 27, 2009; at least seven protesters were killed and hundreds were arrested. Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi has also said that 250 people detained during Ashura Day protests have been issued indictments and many of them have already been tried.

Alireza Ghanbari is 42 years old and is from the poverty-stricken area of Ghiamdasht in Varamin. Ghanbari is a teacher and it is said that his only “crime” has been to participate in the public protests of Ashura Day and chanting slogans against Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader. After his arrest on Ashura Day, he was detained at the “2-A” Security Ward, related to IRGC’s Intelligence unit.

He was tried on January 30, 2010 without his family’s knowledge and without the right to select an attorney or to meet with his family. In his trial court presided by Judge Salavati, he admitted to participating in the Ashura Day protests and other matters. A person who follows Ghanbari’s case closely told the Campaign that Ghanbari’s confessions have been extracted under pressure and torture. He has been denied the right to an attorney and has recently been transferred to Evin Prison’s General Ward.

Like the other cases the Tehran Prosecutor referenced, Ghanbari’s case is currently in appeals court. Since the names of those sentenced to death have not been announced, Ghanbari’s lack of possibility to choose his own attorney and his family’s lack of knowledge about the details of his case increase serious concern about his execution and that of others arrested after the elections.

Five Political Prisoners Transferred to Solitary Confinement


Five political prisoners (two of them are on death row) have been transferred to solitary confinement cells in ward 240 of Evin prison.

Reporters And Human rights Activists News Agency (RAHANA) – Ahmad Karimi, Nasser Abdolhosseini, and Hesam Tarmasi are among the prisoners who have been transferred to solitary confinement cells under the order of Bozorgnia, the director in ward 350 of Evin prison. The [transferred] prisoners were on hunger strike this past Saturday and Sunday in protest to the conditions in their ward. They sang revolutionary songs like Yar-e Dabestani (My classmate) and Ey Iran (a famous Iranian anthem) to insist on their entitlement to a minimum [amount of] their human rights [recognized]. Some prisoners told their families during the weekly Monday visits that they took part in the protest while wearing green wristbands.

According to the Kaleme website and families of political prisoners detained in ward 350, some prisoners were still wearing green wristbands when they visited with their families, and they resisted the demands of the prison guards to remove them.

Based on this report, political prisoners in ward 350 played a game of soccer against the team “financial prisoners,” and they won. After their victory, ward 350 prisoners lifted their shirts. A picture of Mir Hossein Mousavi was exposed, drawn on paper by artist prisoners. The act was followed by loud cheers by prisoners.

Bozorgnia has adopted restrictive measures against prisoners in order to punish them. Some measures include depriving [prisoners] from making phone calls, closing the ward’s shop, and locking prisoners in their ward for several hours during daily breaks.

The prisoners in ward 350 have announced if their friends are not returned from the solitary cells, they will go on an indefinite hunger strike starting March 21, 2010 (Iranian New Year).

Ward 350 holds more than 150 of the prisoners arrested post-election 2009.

The Situation of Prisoner Hossein Ronaqi Maleki

Judicial officials in Tehran’s attorney general office have refused to respond to imprisoned student (since December 2009) and blogger Hossein Ronaqi Maleki’s family regarding his case.

Reporters And Human rights Activists News Agency (RAHANA) – Each time they inquire about his case, Hossein Ronaqi Maleki’s family is mistreated and judicial officials do not provide them with any answers.

According to a RAHANA reporter, Hossein Ronaqi’s parents do not speak Persian very well [they are originally from Tabriz, a city that predominantly speaks Azerbaijani Turkic]. They sit in front of the prosecutor`s office from the early morning hours for the chance to meet with Tehran’s Attorney General. The parents wait until 9:00pm to meet with the prosecutor, but they have not yet received an answer and Tehran`s attorney general Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi has not agreed to meet with them. Instead, the parents are ridiculed and mocked by regime agents for their inability to speak Persian.

Hossein Ronaqi Maleki has been detained in ward 2-A of the Revolutionary Guards ward since December 2009. He is under extreme psychological and physical pressure to give a confession. Three weeks ago, he was granted permission to receive visitation from his parents.

Meanwhile, pro-government media, in collaboration with security institutions and the Gerdab website, have made unfounded allegations against Hossein and other human rights activists. Before any trial is held, they are making serious accusations against Hossein Ronaqi.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Kaveh’s Mother to Set Up Haft-Sin Outside Prison


Committee of Human Rights Reporters – After the interrogator refused to release her son from prison before Norooz [Iranian New Year], Farangis Davoodi, Kaveh Kermanshahi’s mother, has decided to set up a sofre haft-sin [traditional decorative set up for the Iranian New Year] outside the prison so she can be present with her child on the holiday.

On Wednesday March 17, 2010, Kaveh’s mother, just like several times before, requested a temporary release or a meeting with her son. As of now, the detention centre in Kermanshah has not provided her with any solutions.

Additionally, interrogator Shirzadi has stated days ago that it is unlikely that Kaveh will be released any time before April 4, 2010.

After 40 days of detetntion for Kaveh Ghasemi Kermanshahi, there is still no information on the arrest or the charges laid against him. Kaveh’s mother has had only one short meeting with her son. In recent days, many political prisoners have been released from prison for Norooz.

Kaveh Ghasemi Kermanshahi was arrested on February 3, 2010 during an assault by security forces on his home.

Kaveh is a journalist, human rights activist, and Human Rights Watch spokesperson for Kurdistan. He is also member of the One Million Signatures Campaign in Kermanshah, member of Zhiar [Kermanshah organization] [editor's note: Zhiar Kermanshah Organization is an organization that had its permit revoked in June 2008], and member of Advar Tahkim Vahdat [student organization].


Explosion in Hossein Karoubi’s House Reported False


Explosion in Hossein Karoubi’s House Reported False

Jaras: Government-supporting media reported news on an “explosion in the house of Mehdi Karroubi’s eldest son, as a result of 100 kilograms of explosive material.” This news has proven to be false.

Jaras correspondent contacted Mohammad Taqi Karroubi, one of Mehdi Karroubi’s sons, and discovered the news is false. Karroubi stated, “Unprofessional journalists and their made-up news just want to falsify reality.” They want to make news out of what they wish they would do.”

He also added: “I called Hossein’s house and was informed nothing has happened. They suppose the explosion was a rumor.”

in recent weeks, a wave of media source and plainclothes and security forces have extensively harassed Mehdi Karroubi’s family. Fatemeh Karroubi said her family “is paying the price for exposure and defending people’s rights, and they will tire or be guilty.”

Translation by: Reza Eshteraki | Persian2English.com

Monday, March 15, 2010

Iran arrests 30 suspected of links to a US cyber network


Tehran Revolutionary Court has issued a statement announcing the arrest of 30 people suspected of being members of “an organized US-linked cyber network” in Iran.

The statement maintains that these individuals were identified and arrested through a series of “complex security measures” in the field of “information technology and communications.”

The statement adds that the detainees were engaged in activities under the direct or indirect supervision of a network by the name of “Iran Proxy.”

“Downloading national databases, infiltrating and sabotaging internet sites, resisting government filtering efforts, creating secure spaces for users of internet networks, creating secure telephone lines and data for interviews with [the US sponsored news agencies of] Radio Farda, Radio Zamaneh and television networks of Voice of America” are listed amongst the activities of the detainees.

Iranian authorities state that: “Members of Iran Proxy in Iran were in receipt of significant salaries in Iran in order to distribute over 70 thousand proxies through the internet.”

The statement also accuses the US of establishing a cover for the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran under the guise of “Human Rights Activists Network.”

Sadegh Naghashkar and Behrouz Javid Tehrani are named as the founders of this Network which was established over four years ago. The two were arrested in July of 2009 in the post-election events.

Tehran’s Revolutionary Court claims that some of the members of this group were members of “misguided sects” and after “recruiting people through the internet, they sent them for training in Iraq at the headquarters of ‘Monafeghin’ and other countries.”

The Islamic Republic refers to People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran as “Monafeghin” and regards it as one of its arch-enemies. Any connection with the dissident group could justify a death sentence in the Iranian judiciary.

“Misguided sects” could refer to Baha’is since Baha’ism is not recognized as an official religion in Iran.

Committee of Attorneys and Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) are also accused of being connected with the Human Rights Activists Network.

“Creating networks for collecting intelligence data, recruitment and organization of Iranians abroad, preparing reports in order to provoke a psychological war against the Islamic Republic and organizing illegal gatherings” are amongst the alleged charges of this human rights network.

The Revolutionary Court also accuses the network of “publishing false news, media support for Jundallah leader, Rigui as well as Association of Iranian Monarchists, engaging in hacking activities and trying to infiltrate government servers, organizing disruptions in systems of city management and creating a security cover for entering the stage of armed confrontation.”

The statement concludes that a number of this network’s members are currently residing outside of Iran and judiciary authorities will make every effort to arrest them through Interpol.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Interview with mother of Mostafa Karim Beigi


The mother of Mostafa Karim Beigi, one of the protesters killed in December 27 protest: “My son told me never to beg the officials.”

Fereshteh Ghazi-Rooz Online

After more than two months since the Ashura uprising on December 27, 2009, the names and identity of some of those killed on this day remains unknown. Many of the families of those killed are under pressure not to speak out on how their loved ones have been killed.

However, Shahnaz Akmali, the mother of Mostafa Karim Beigi continues to insist that those who ordered and those who committed the murder of her sons and other Ashura Day`s victims to be identified and tried.

26 year old Mostafa lost his life on Ashura with a bullet to his forehead, as his body was pushed off the College bridge in Tehran.

What follows is the interview conducted by Rooz website with Mostaf`s mother. After 14 days without any news on his fate, the body of her son was returned to her and was buried under tight security measures.

Q: Ms. Akmali, how were you informed of your son`s martyrdom?

A: I had no news of my son for 14 days; our family were looking for him by going to Evin prison everyday, but nobody would respond to our inquiries. We went to complain, the security agents had a repulsive and awful reaction to our request, and told me: “Go find your son in a ditch, and get him out…your kid has definitely done some crack and is in some dumpster.” I told them my son wasn’t even smoking cigarettes, and had left his house to protest the killing of the youth of our country. When we went to Tehran`s central police station, I saw Mostafa`s photo, but they told me I was mistaken and this person is not your son, and he had already been identified by someone else. I couldn’t believe it. They ask me to go and check the coroner office at Kahrizak¹. I went there and identified my son`s body. He was still wearing a scarf. My whole world came crashing down around me. I don`t remember what happened next, and how they took me out of Kahrizak.

Q: You said that your son had gone to take part in the protest. Did he usually attend such gatherings?

A: Yea, since the summer of 1999 student uprising, he always attended the protests. And he was present at all the protests since the June 2009 election. He used to say that we would get our votes back, and we will not let them trample upon blood of the youth who had lost their lives. He was always saying that it is not clear how much blood will be shed before our children could live freely in the future. He constantly reminded me that if he gets arrested I shouldn’t go to Evin prison. He even said: “Your cry and begging before the officials is the worst type of torture for me. Don`t go there, even if they kill me. Don`t cry, don`t beg. Keep your head up…” Believe me in those 14 days, I never once went to Evin, his father used to go, despite the fact that my heart was in pain, I didn’t go.

Q: Did you know that Mostafa had participated in protest of Ashura?

A: Yea, I knew, he would go and join the people.

Q: There were some reports on how you were being harassed by a phone call from your son`s cellphone. Were they true? Did anybody contact you during those 14 days?

A: Yea, every night between 2:30am to 3:00am, somebody would call our house, but they wouldn’t speak. Sometimes we could hear them breathe. My husband and I were thinking it was our son who contacted us, but they wouldn’t let him speak. We would cry out of joy, because we were led to believe our son was alive.

Q: How long did these phone calls last?

A: They lasted until the day we identified my son`s body, then they stopped.

Q: When was the body of Mostafa returned to you? In what condition was it?

A: Mostafa was martyred on December 27th, and we identified the body on January 9, 2010, and we buried him overnight on January 11th. There was a bullet hole on the left side of my son`s forehead. They had performed an autopsy on his body, and there was a long stitch from his neck until right below the navel. His kidney, heart and other organs were removed, but we had no problem with that, because he as well as my daughter and myself always said that if we became brain-dead , our body parts and organs should be donated to those in need.

Q: Apparently, they set some conditions for returning your son`s body. Could you explain what was cited as the cause of death in his death certificate?

A: The coroner office told us that he was killed on Ashura, but they issued three death certificates. One cited head collision with a sharp object as the cause of death; the second cited fall from the bridge as the reason; and in the third it was written that he died as a result of a bullet to the head. They returned the body to us contingent on accepting the collision with a sharp object as was cited in the first death certificate. Since we wanted to have the body back, we accepted.

Q: Your family is a resident of Tehran. Why didn`t you bury Mostafa in Behesht-e Zahara (Tehran’s main cemetery)?

A: It was our own decision, because on one hand, they told us that they would give us a two-story grave for free. However, the funeral should be attended only by the father, mother and sister of Mostafa. On the other hand, they asked us to announce that Mostafa was a Basiji. Mostafa’s father said that we wanted to bury him next to his grandmother. As soon as these words left Mostafa’s father mouth, they dug a grave in the village of Jogheen, near Shahryar, and a car from Intelligence Ministry escorted the body to Behesht-e Zahra where, without telling us, they washed the body, and brought to Shahryar to bury. They were filming the entire ordeal. My son was buried at 8 pm, and I was really wishing to bid him farewell, and embrace his body one last time. The grave they had dug was too small, and the body didn’t fit in, so I got a chance to hug my son [while they fixed the grave]. There is one question that I would like you to ask doctors: when the person who was reading Quran entered the grave and held Mostafa’s head, his hands were soaked in blood. He climbed out while crying, and they brought another person. How is it possible that my son who had been killed on December 27th, was still bleeding from his head on January 9th.

Q: Did they allow you to hold a memorial service for Mostafa?

A: We held a memorial ceremony in the neighborhood mosque. It was full of intelligence agents so that no one would protest or says anything. They came to our door a few days later and said your son was a basiji, and we want to bring a wreath for the commemoration of the 40th-day² of his death. I responded that my son wasn’t a basiji, and I wouldn’t even hold a memorial service for that day. That is why we didn’t have a ceremony, and we only gathered at his grave.

Q: Ms. Akmali, was your son a student?

A: No, he had graduated from high school, and was working freelance with one of his friends. They had partnered up in a business of central network telephone installation. They had, for example, contracts from Ministry of Education.

Q: Have have opened a case and asked that those responsible for the murder of your son be held accountable?

A: Yes, the case is open in Criminal Court. The murderer of my son has been identified too, and the officials know very well who he is. However, I don’t want them to execute him. I want those behind these criminal acts to be presented and punished. The person who has ordered the death of my son has to be identified. It’s not important if they bring someone and say he is the shooter. What is important is whomever that has ordered the shooting. He has to be punished. Meanwhile, I have taken my case to the higher court of divine justice, and have asked God to destroy those responsible for these tragedies. We believe in life after death, and we know there is a heaven and hell. I have left it to God.

¹Kahrizak detention centre was a prison camp just outside Tehran which was used in the aftermath of June 2009 disputed election for holding some of the protesters. The horrific conditions in this prison camp, systematic torture and rape of some of the prisoners, and the resulting death of some of the prisoners led to a major scandal that forced the closure of the camp by Ayatollah Khamenei’s order.

²In Iranian and Shiite tradition 7th and 40th day following one’s death is commemorated by mourning ceremonies.

Translation by: Siavosh J. | Persian2English.com

The Uncertain Condition of Nasoor Naghipoor in Prison


The Uncertain Condition of Nasoor Naghipoor in Prison

March 12, 2010

There is still no information on the situation of Nasoor Naghipoor, blogger and human rights activist, who was arrested in his home in Ghazvin during the March 2nd raids.

HRANA – There is still no clear information about the situation of Nasoor Naghipoor, who was arrested during the March 2nd coordinated attacks on human rights activists.

According to HRANA, the latest news on Nasoor Naghipoor indicate that he has contacted his family once in the past ten days and has described his general health as well. Nasoor Naghipoor was transferred to Tehran after his arrest and is currently detained in Evin prison.

Nasoor Naghipoor was born on April 14, 1981, and is an electric engineering major. Over the past years, he has worked with local newspapers in Ghazvin on cultural issues and was writing for his personal weblog at the time of his arrest.

Nasoor Naghipoor also runs the website “Nasoor”, which seeks to increase useful content available on Farsi web. The site publishes pieces dealing with politics, philosophy, society, and literature.

The authorities have announced the charges against Nasoor Naghipoor as human rights activities and communication with foreign outlets. His family has been unable to obtain any further information.

Translation by: HRANA
(P2E editor’s note: The HRANA website is currently down, most probably hacked by the Iranian regime since some of their links lead to Gerdab.ir)

Home of Human Rights Activist Raided Again


Home of Human Rights Activist Raided Again



In continuation with the attacks on human rights activists, specifically on the colleagues of HRA, Ministry of Intelligence agents once again raided the home of a human rights activist, searched the residence, and threatened her family.

HRANA - Ministry of Intelligence agents raided the home of Marjan Safari’s parents and threatened her family after searching the premises.

HRANA reports that Ministry of Intelligence agents raided Marjan Safari’s home and confiscated her computer. The agents then realized that the computer’s hard disk was missing and threatened the family that they will not be able to see their child for at least another two years if they do not turn in the computer’s hard disk as soon as possible.

Marjan Safari has contacted her family just once since her arrest and has told them of her detention in Evin prison. Despite repeated follow-ups, her family has not yet been able to arrange a visit with her or obtain any information on her situation.

Safari is a former colleague of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA). She was arrested during the coordinated attacks of March 2nd on HRA and was consequently taken to ward 209 of Evin prison.

During the massive operations that began on March 2nd by security agents under the supervision of the IRGC Intelligence Unit, over 30 raids were conducted on the homes of HRA members and affiliates. At least 15 of the raids resulted in arrests.

Translation by: HRA News Agency
(P2E editor’s note: The HRANA website is currently down, most probably hacked by the Iranian regime since some of their links lead to Gerdab.ir)

Life of Juvenile Offender Spared by Victim’s Family


Juvenile offender Ahmad Bahari [who was on death row] had his life spared. He was released from prison today.


By: Mohammad Mostafaei

At the age of 15, Ahmad Bahari was charged with first-degree murder for the death of Abolfazl Ramazani. Since November 13, 2006, Ahmad Bahari was detained in prison. My client’s family and others sought to obtain a pardon for the life of Ahmad Bahari. Finally, the victim’s family, Morteza Ramazani and Fatemeh Koorgoli, forgave Ahmad Bahari and ultimately saved him from execution [editor's note: the term used in the Farsi text is retribution, which is the Islamic regime's word for execution]. With the decision of the judges in branch 71 of the provincial criminal court, Ahmad Bahari was released.

After his arrest on November 13, 2006, my client stated: “I was sitting at home when Saeed, the slain victim, came to my home with the hopes of starting a conflict. He attacked me with a long knife and wounded my left hand and I fell to the floor. After a second strike, this time to my back, I defended myself by stabbing Saeed in the chest with a knife. He fell to the floor.”

Ahmad Bahari has claimed self defense throughout the [legal] process.

Three of the judges in branch 71 of the provincial criminal court issued an execution sentence for Bahari and two other judges considered Bahari’s crime an act of self defense. Finally, branch 11 of Iran’s Supreme Court, taking into consideration the defense and the contents of my client’s file issued by the provincial criminal court, confirmed the final judgment.

Again, I would like to thank everyone, especially the victim’s family, who made the pardon possible.

Azar Mansouri Sentenced to Three Years in Prison

Azar Mansouri, political director of the Mosharekat party (Islamic Iran Participation Front)

Azar Mansouri Sentenced to three years in prison

The lawyer for Azar Mansouri, political director of the Mosharekat party [Islamic Iran Participation Front], announced a three-year suspended detention sentence issued by branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court.

RAHANA - Mohammad Reza Faghighi commented on the latest news on Azar Mansouri’s file: “After the end of the preliminary research and the issuance of the punishment claim for my client, her file was sent to branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court. After my client reviewed the allegations, she received a three-year suspended detention sentence.”

Mansouri’s lawyer told ILNA: “After the sentence of my client was issued in the primary court, we submitted an appeal and the file was sent to the appeals court, but so far no branch has been chosen for [the case].”

According to the lawyer, the allegations against Azar Mansouri include “derangement of public order,” “propaganda against the regime,” “publication of lies with the intention of agitating the public,” and “conspiracy against national security.”

Faghihi stated that branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court did not approve a substitution request [submitted]. He continued: “After the substitution request did not get anywhere, we requested a leave of absence for my client so she could spend the holidays with her family. So far the judiciary authorities have not approved this request.”

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Kurdish Writer Arrested, Location and Reason Unknown


Committee of Human Rights Reporters – Kurdish writer Sousan Mohammadkhani Ghiasvand was arrested on March 11, 2010. The professional screenplay and fictional story writer was arrested at 8:00pm by security forces at her home located in Karaj.

There is currently no information available on the reason for the arrest or the location of Sousan’s detention.

Several years ago, in addition to her professional writing career, Sousan Mohammadkhani Ghiasvand was a civil activist in Kurdistan.

Two More Baha’i Students Banned from University

Tarbiat-Moalem University of Hesarak

Parham Fazlali and Prisa Emadi are banned from their studies at Tarbiat-Moalem University of Hesarak because of their Baha’i faith.

RAHANA - Parham Fazlali, computer science student in his eighth [and final] term at Tarbiat-Moalem University of Hesarak in Karaj, and Parisa Emadi, Persian literature student at the same university in her eighth [and final] term, have been banned from entering the university grounds since March 5, 2010.

It was announced to Parham Fazlali and Parisa Emadi on February 19, 2010 that they were suspended, but no reason was given to them. The two students, due to an official written notice [given to them] that did not state clear reasons, still attended university until March 8th when the university security forces did not allow them to enter [the campus].

According to a RAHANA reporter, the two students went to the investigations office and asked Mr. Nourbakhsh for the reasons of the ban. Mr. Nourbakhsh told them it is because of their Baha’i faith.

Recently, Mohammad Javad Larijani, the head of the Iranian delegation for human rights council in Geneva, has said that no one is banned from entering a university because of their Baha’i faith.

No Information on the Condition of Rahim Hemmati Causes Concern


Two months after the arrest of Rahim Hemmati and his recent transfer to the Revolutionary Guards ward of Evin prison, there is still no news on his condition.

RAHANA - According to sources, “[Rahim Hemmati] was arrested two months ago, and after spending ten days in solitary confinement, he was transferred to ward 350 of Evin prison. Following interrogations on his wife and her brother, he was immediately transferred to ward 2 (belonging to the Revolutionary Guards). There is no information available on his condition since then.”

The source, who has talked to opposition news agency Jaras, mentioned that the political prisoner has a high fever and has complained about the lack of health care.

The report suggests that “on March 8th, someone contacted his family who lives in northern Iran. The person told the family to come to Evin prison immediately because their son was very ill. But today after asking around and going to Evin prison, the officials announced that “no such contact was made from the prison and someone must have been teasing them.”

There are still no charges filed and no news on Rahim Hemmati’s condition.

Students urge university president to help release their peers

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Students urge university president to help release their peers

Two thousand Sharif University students have written a letter to Saeed Sohrabpour, president of Sharif University, urging him to demand the release of their peers Mehdi Kelari, Koohyar Goodarzi, and Tara Sepehrifar.

The students criticized the “silence and diplomacy” of university officials and said: “Rather than reacting against the recent events, we have witnessed a complete surrender to outside institutions on behalf of the University, which has led to disciplinary sentences issued by university officials against the students.”

Koohyar Goodarzi is an aeronautics student who has been arrested since the end of December 2009. Tara Sepehrifar is a chemical engineering student who has been detained since February 10, 2010. Sepehrifar is the secretary general of Sharif University’s Islamic Association. The letter states that she played a “significant role in relieving the tense atmosphere that surrounded the university during the post-election events.”

Mehdi Kelari is also chemical engineering student. He has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison.

The letter states: ”On the first day when we entered the university, we believed that we could take advantage of the sacred institution and take steps toward prosperity and freedom for our beloved Iran. But the recent events have proved that the reality is far from the ideals.”

The signatories expressed their support for the decisions made by their imprisoned peers and stressed that the conditions for prisoners is disturbing.

In the letter, the students urge the president of Sharif University to be a “father” to all students and protest against the harsh treatment of his students.

Family of slain Kahrizak doctor demands arrest of their son’s murderers

Top row, left to right: Radaan, Mortazavi, Ahmadi Moghaddam. Bottom: Ramin Pourandarjani

According to Rooz website, Ramin Poorandarjani’s family gathered behind the closed door trial of those charged in relation with Kahrizak’s scandal, and demanded that those responsible for their son’s death be identified and tried.

HRANA - Dr. Ramin Pourandarjani was on duty in Kahrizak¹ detention centre during the summer of 2009, and had examined the individuals who lost their lives in that prison camp only two days prior to their deaths.

Dr. Pourandarjani was killed under very suspicious circumstances after being arrested. His family has requested that those responsible for his murder be brought to trial.

Based on Rooz’s report, the main suspects of Kahrizak’s tragedy continue to hold their executive, military, and judicial offices.

Armed Forces’ Public Relation Office issued a fax stating that “indictment for all the 12 accused in this case was read, and the charges and reasons behind them were conveyed to all the accused”.

Previously, Tabnak website which belongs to Mohsen Rezaei [one of June presidential election’s candidates] had announced that the main suspects in the case of Kahrizak are several senior Police Officers. According to the statement issued by the Armed Forces Judicial Organization, all the accused in the case are the same 12 people who were present in the court. Saeed Mortazavi [Tehran’s former chief prosecutor] which was named as the main suspect in this case by Parliament’s special committee is not amongst the defendants.

Commanders Ahmadi Moghaddam [Iran’s Chief of Police] and Radaan [Vice-chief of Iran’s Police] are other officials who are widely believed to be main suspects in this case. Some of those released from this dreadful detention centre state that Radan was personally present during the course of some of the torture sessions, and played a direct role in the tragic events that took place in this prison camp. However, both these commanders continue to serve Islamic Republic in their military posts, and there is no mention of their involvement in the case before the court.

Heydarifard, who directly ordered the transfer of many of the detainees to Kahrizak, is also not held accountable for the Kahrizad case. He continues to serve at his post as the examining magistrate of the Revolutionary Court’s 3rd Security branch.

There are great concerns that the Kahrizak case meets the same fate as that of University of Tehran’s Dormitory scandal, where in the wake of raid by the police and plain cloth officers on the University’s dormitory, [in which many students were severely injured, and at least one was killed] the only person found guilty was a soldier who was convicted of stealing an electrical razor.

¹ Translator’s Note: Kahrizak detention centre was a prison camp just outside Tehran which was used in the aftermath of June 2009 disputed election for holding some of the protesters. The horrific conditions in this prison camp, systematic torture and rape of some of the prisoners, and the resulting death of some of the prisoners led to a major scandal that forced the closure of the camp by Ayatollah Khamenei’s order.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Farzad Kamangar Writes a Letter from Evin Prison


The Angels Who Laugh on Monday

I was listening to my cellmate’s lullaby, he was singing for his daughters Parya and Zahra. His melancholic lullaby was followed by the sobs of another cellmate, and I burst into tears too. It was the second time that he was arrested. The first time, he was sentenced to one year in jail, and this time he has to serve another 10 years. All his joy and excitement was about seeing his children who would visit him on Monday.

On the day of the visit, the children, without caring that they were surrounded by people and before their parents’ eyes (and in the middle of the seats and chairs of the visit hall), jumped up and down and performed hand stands to show their father their progressing athletic abilities.

The father, who was proud of his children, wore a smile. The mother, with her innocent expression, was trying to deny her pain of solitude and expectation. She was looking at her husband with joy and at her children’s excitement with love.

And I, who had been away from the school environment for months, kept staring at Parya and Zahra, and would tell my mother about them. One of the most memorable moments which has been carved in my mind is the moment this family spent together.

They were as though in a vacuum, in the heavens, in a place outside this world, not surrounded by anyone. They only had their compassion for each other. Without paying attention to the guards, the walls, and other prisoners, they shared their smiles. I always hope to see Parya and Zahra outside prison, or wish that they were able to visit thirty minutes longer. As they said their farewell, I tried not to look at them, so that the spectacular moment of their reunion would be etched in my mind forever. The beautiful girls mocked the fake world around their father with every move and jump.

The fate of children like Zahra and Parya is the story of our time. It has been written for years now, and every day, another Zahra and Parya visit their father. Or a child like “Ava” would sit next to the Haft-Seen table (The table arrangement made by Iranians for Norooz), sing to her fish, and cry,“This year daddy is in jail!”

I saw Parya and Zahra about to depart, still holding on to their father’s hand. They walked toward the exit with a smile on their face as though they were going to the fair.

I wanted to hold their hands too and share their joy. Before the father said goodbye, I turned my face so I would not be able to see his tearful eyes. However, now, I was watching the tearful eyes of my mother who was getting ready to separate from her son. I mimicked Parya and Zahra in my embrace with my mother.

When Parya and Zahra were calling us, I couldn’t keep my eyes away anymore. The two angels waved at me. They are angels, except that they don’t have wings.

Farzad Kamangar
Evin Prison

March 10, 2010

Economic Report on Iran: Growth or Inflation?

Growth or Inflation?

1) High inflation rates are more worrisome for Iranians than a low economic growth rate

I submit that for our people (i.e. Iranians) high inflation rate is more important than a low economic growth. There is evidence to support this claim:

• People in their daily lives complain a great deal about inflation, but they rarely voice their grievance about a low economic rate of growth.

• The discussion over inflation was one of the central issues in the June presidential election. Candidates relied on the importance of inflation and its tangible effects on people’s lives to attack their opponents.

• In the current debate on subsidies reform, the most serious concern of the parliament is the inflationary effect of removing subsidies from energy costs.

• On the other hand, the rate of economic growth has never been subject to such attention and sensitivity. The rate of economic growth between March and September of 2008 was relatively low (2.3% based on indices published by the Central Bank). The overall rate of economic growth for the fiscal year of March 21, 2008- March 20, 2009, and the current year (March 21, 2009-March 20, 2010) has never been reported (although we are almost at the end of the latter fiscal year. Such delay in announcing the rate of growth has been unprecedented). However, none of these indicators and missing data has been raised as an issue in society.


2) Is economic growth rate really more important than inflation?

Perhaps putting the above question in this manner is misleading and meaningless. A better question would be “whether relative importance accorded to inflation in our society is more than what it should be?” The answer to this question is yes.

The reasons for this claim are discussed below:

• A few percentage points of difference in two countries’ rate of economic growth makes a significant difference in their income. For example, consider two countries “A” and “B” that have equal income in a certain year. If country “A” has an economic growth rate of 2%, “B” has 4%, after 20 years, the income of “B” will be 1.5 times that of country “A”.

If the rate of economic growth for “B” is 6%, its income will be twice that of “A” in 18 years. If the rate for “B” is 8%, its income will be twice that of “A” after only 12 years.
The following figure illustrates this point:

After brief consideration, it can be concluded that the real cost of inflation is not that clear. For instance, if all the prices (including the wages) grow at exactly the same level, the economic condition of people will neither improve nor deteriorate (it is as though the monetary unit has changed).

• Another example involves the case where the inflation is precisely predictable. In such a case, nobody will incur damage as a result of a foreseen rise in the prices. Therefore, the costs resulting from inflation is not incurred by the sheer rise in the prices, but the costs are caused by the related effects of a disproportionate and unforeseen rise in prices. These costs are in fact redistribution of wealth from one group to another. In other words, only a portion of society is harmed by this redistribution, while the other portion benefits from it. For example, the employees are harmed by the disproportionate rise in the price while the employer benefits. Also, the lender profits from such change and the borrower is disadvantaged.


3) Why is inflation more important for our people?

• Labour forces on wages compose a significant section of our society. Their wages, based on labour laws, increase a certain percentage annually. This increase is independent from rate of economic growth and is not inflation adjusted. As a result, the rate of economic growth is not considered relevant for this group, and the only macroeconomic indicator that impacts their purchase power is the inflation rate. In other words, the labour force sees no direct benefit from economic growth. As a result, inflation is considered more important for employees and the labour force, and since they have a more prominent voice in the media and may have the largest say in the election, their concern is picked up by politicians and measures to fight inflation is amplified in political campaigns.


4) If the rate of economic growth was more important to our people than inflation, would that translate into improved economic growth?

This question cannot be precisely answered. However, here are a few statements that would help analyze the question:

• The relative importance of the inflation rate has not helped control it. Therefore, we can argue that if the rate of economic growth was important, it would not necessarily result in the improvement of economic growth.

• Inflation can be limitedly controlled by adjusting wages and interest rates to inflation. However, such measures can have a detrimental impact on the economy. For example, the government can face enormous deficit which in turn causes greater inflation in the future.

•If economic growth finds a certain level of importance amongst people, it can be advantageous since people would vote for politicians who adopt and promote policies directed at improving economic growth.

Translation by: Siavosh J. | Persian2English.com

Publicly hanged in Ahvaz for drug trafficking


One man was publicly hanged in Ahvaz, and two other individuals are scheduled for execution in upcoming days.

HRANA - On Wednesday March 10, 2010, on person was publicly hanged in Ahvaz.

According to state run Iranian Labor News Agency (ILNA), the person identified as “S.M.” was convicted of drug trafficking.

ILNA also reports that on Saturday March 13th, an individual convicted of Moharebeh (enmity against God) is scheduled for public execution in Solman Farsi Square. The following day on March 14th, another individual charged with drug trafficking is scheduled for execution in Ahvaz.

Translation by: Xan I. | Persian2English.com

Two Men Hanged in Qom

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Iran Human Rights - Two men were hanged in Qom on March 10, 2010, reported the state run Iranian news agency Fars.

The men were identified as “Hamid Kh.” and “Zeinolabedin Gh.” and were both convicted of drug trafficking.

The charges have not been confirmed by independent sources.

Translation by: Iran Human Rights | Persian2English.com

Statement by Iranian Women for International Women’s Day


Official statement by a group of Iranian women’s rights activists who participated in a Green gathering commemorating March 8th.

March 8, 2010

The Feminist School - On the afternoon of March 7, 2010, a ceremony celebrating International Women’s Day took place in Tehran. Participants included Zahra Rahnavard, Minoo Mortazi, Shahla Lahiji, Fatemeh Rakei, Noushin Ahmadi Khorasani, Mansoureh Shojaee, Farzaneh Taheri, Nasrin Sotoudeh, Farideh Mashini, Fatemeh Gavarayi, Shahla Foroozanfar, Parastou Sarmadi, Marzieh Azarafsa and a number of other women’s rights activists and families of prisoners.

Every year in anticipation of International Women’s Day, there is a particularly refreshing feeling in the air. Several days before the celebration and a few days after, women’s groups and associations in Iran begin meeting, making decisions, and planning for events. The hustle and bustle associated with preparing for this day is a testament to the constant and ever lasting presence of women, regardless of the conditions; particularly when the conditions have been difficult and under pressure. Proof of this dynamic presence is the commemoration of International Women’s Day under the very difficult and critical conditions of the past four years.

This year once again, despite the many pressures and constraints imposed, a number of programs and ceremonies were held both openly and behind closed doors by verious groups. One such ceremony and conference was “The Green gathering of women’s rights activists in Iran.”

The commemoration of International Women’s Day by influential female members of the Green movement was a spark of hope for all women’s rights activists who look to the Green movement for defending their identity and rights.

Due to the current restrictions, the ceremony took place with the presence of only a limited number of women’s rights activists and families of those imprisoned during recent events. The groups that were present include Mothers for Peace, The Forward Thinking Religious Women’s Organization, The Women’s Participation Front, a number of members of the Committee Against Violence Toward Women, members of The Feminist School, The Association of Iranian Women, The National and Religious Women’s Association, The Committee of Women Supporting Female Prisoners, and a number of prominent female lawyers.

Those present discussed the importance of collaboration between women with different political and intellectual view points within the women’s movement and the reciprocity between the women’s movement and the Green movement; emphasizing the continued support by both movements for the demands and concerns of women in Iran, particularly the importance of freedom of expression in honour of International Women’s Day.

The first speech was by Minou Mortazi, one of the organizers and sponsors of the event. Other speakers included Marzieh Azarafza, a member of the Women’s Participation Front; Fatemeh Gavarayi, a member of The National Religious Women’s Association; Shahla Lahiji, a member of the Committee Against Violence Toward Women; Fatemeh Rakei, a member of the Forward Thinking Muslem Women’s Party; Farideh Mashini, secretary of the Women’s Participation Front, who spoke of the role of women in the Green movement. Mashini discussed the constructive role of women prisoners in the prison culture as it relates to non-political prisoners and the efforts by Azar Mansouri in jail. Other speakers on International Women’s Day included Shahla Forouzanfar, a member of Mothers for Peace; Parastou Sormadi, wife of political prisoner Hossein Nourinejad; Nasrin Soutoudeh, a lawyer and women’s rights activist; and Mansoureh Shojaie, a member of the Feminist School.

Mansoureh Shojaie reminded all participants of the extensive efforts in the past two decades in the area of women’s rights by prominent Iranian women like Mehrangiz Kar, Shirin Ebadi, Shahla Lahiji, and Simin Behbahani. She honoured all female political prisoners by naming them individually. Mansoureh Shojaie talked about the key roles, the approaches, and methods of the women’s movement in strengthening the Green movement. She also reiterated the importance of collaboration between the various social movements in further developing the Green movement. To conclude she read a prepared statement that upon discussion by those present was approved as the official statement for International Women’s Day. The statement included seven demands in regards to women’s rights in Iran.

The following is the statement by a number of women’s rights activists attending a Green gathering in commemoration of March 8th, with the goal of eliminating discrimination and violence to establish democracy.

The 8th of March, International Women’s Day, is a reminder of the common protests by women around the world. Women all over this planet have made efforts on this day to declare their demands based on existing socio-economic conditions. Throughout history, Iranian women have made their voices and demands heard across our country.

This year, however, the Iranian women celebrate International Women’s Day during a time when a dynamic movement is fighting for the “right to citizenship” and “civil liberties” – a movement in which it can be said that women are bearing the brunt of the responsibilities, and if not, are at minimum equally involved and responsible as their male counterparts. Women are paying a high price in many areas such as detention and imprisonment, deprivation from work and education, being banned from leaving the country, deprivation of their civil liberties, and even death and martyrdom.

Even though Iranian women have played a central role throughout the past 100 years of our history in the advancement of justice and freedom (take for example the Constitutional Revolution, the tobacco movement, the nationalization of oil, the Revolution of 1957, and a variety of other social movements and protests in the past thirty years), and fighting by the side of their male counterparts. This time, however, women have been present in a more determined and informed manner than in the past. They have been cognizant of their gender and have played an active and influential role in the movement.

The experiences of the various women’s groups fighting against injustice and discrimination in the past decade (through collaboration, cooperation, campaigns, and various coalitions) were collectively, consciously, and responsibly transferred by women onto the Green movement.

We women demonstrated that we can move in a common direction and resolve social problems and political crises. We find appropriate and intelligent solutions through dialogue, regardless of our ethnic, racial, religious, or social differences. It was these experiences that demonstrated to achieve civil demands, a principle adherence and commitment to non-violence and an ability to remain patient and resist is needed. It also demonstrated that one can hope for change and allowed for the green movement to stay away from any form of violence and conflict.

As a result of these historic efforts and struggles, Iranian women expect their aspirations and demands to be advanced not because they pertain to a specific group but rather as aspirations belonging to society at large, so that our nation can move toward progress and democracy.

As such, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, women activists in Iran will once again announce the demands that have been raised by women over the years:

  1. Elimination of discrimination against women in all civil laws, including family law, criminal law, etc.
  2. Iran to become a member of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.
  3. The establishment of legal, social, and political frameworks for the reduction of family, legal, political, and social violence.
  4. Equal opportunity for women in all administrative, political, and management areas.
  5. Elimination of all gender based segregation, in particular segregation in universities and public places, etc.
  6. Freedom for peaceful activities for women as it relates to their rights.
  7. The release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, including women and the dismissal of all charges against them.

On the threshold of March 8th, we announce loud and clear that we will remain by the side of the people and the Green activists. We will also continue our independent efforts and will not sit still until we achieve our aspirations and demands, because we are countless.

Signed by a number of women activists in Iran.


Translation by: Negar Irani | Persian2English.com