International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran...

iraniam · Apr 18, 2012

Jailed activist receives rights prize

Parvin Ardalan

The very first Harald Edelstam Defence of Human Rights Award was given to jailed Iranian student activist Bahareh Hedayat on Monday in Stockholm.

Daneshjoo News reports that the prize was awarded by Harald Edelstam’s granddaughter, Caroline Edelstam, chair of the international Edelstam Prize jury and Vice President of the Harald Edelstam Foundation, who said during the ceremony: “Bahareh has acted in my grandfather’s spirit and shown a great amount of civic courage, which we hope can inspire others. It is impressive that so many brave persons, aware of the risks they take, still stubbornly are willing to act in order to defend people who are victims of the violations of human rights. It gives us hope for a better world where we all can enjoy equal and human rights.”

Parvin Ardalan, who accepted the prize on behalf of the jailed activist, spoke of Hedayat’s role in linking the student movement in Iran with the women’s movement, together with other jailed female student activists such as Mehdieh Golroo, Shabnam Madadzadeh, Atefeh Nabavi and Fereshteh Shirazi.

Hedayat was arrested in the post-election crackdown on protesters in 2009 and charged with “propaganda against the regime for her interviews with the foreign press, insulting the Leader (Vali Faqih), insulting the President, acting against national security by participating in social and public gatherings, and helping organize group protests.” She has been sentenced to nine and a half years in jail.

The Harald Edelstam Prize, according to the Edelstam Foundation, is “awarded for outstanding contributions and exceptional courage in standing up for one’s beliefs in the Defence of Human Rights” and it was established in the memory of the Swedish ambassador who “distinguished himself as diplomat by his professional competence, his bravery and his civic courage in the fight for Human Rights.”

http://radiozamaneh.com/english/content/jailed-activist-receives-rights-prize

iraniam · Apr 18, 2012

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“For Kurdistan: The Soraya Fallah Story,” from the Angels of Iran series, profiles Iranian-Kurdish human rights activist and researcher Soraya Fallah and her daughter Cklara Moradian. Soraya was imprisoned four times and tortured so severely that she miscarried in solitary confinement. As her daughter Cklara says in the video, “My parents are my heroes. They are incredibly resilient…. Very few people have gone through as much as they have and have come out of it so strong and so passionate.”

The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran joins Amnesty International, United4Iran, Education Under Fire, The Boroumand Foundation, Iran Human Rights Documentation Center, the Baha’i national communities of the United States and Canada, and other organizations in supporting these new Angels of Iran videos and the DRIVE TO 25 initiative calling for action to end the violations of human rights in Iran.

http://www.iranhumanrights.org/2012/04/angels-of-iran-4/

iraniam · Apr 22, 2012

Human rights activist to serve severe sentence

Nargess Mohammadi

Iranian human rights activist Nargess Mohammadi has been summoned to serve out a six-year prison term.
Mohammadi was the deputy head of the Human Rights Defenders Centre, an NGO providing pro-bono legal services in human rights cases. The centre is currently outlawed by the Islamic Republic.

Mohammadi has been charged with “assembly and collusion against national security, membership in the Human Rights Defenders Centre and propaganda activities against the Islamic Republic regime.” In the preliminary court, she was sentenced to 11 years in jail, but her sentenced was reduced to six years in the appellate court.

Mohammadi, a member of the National Peace Council, has also been banned from traveling abroad. Mohammadi’s husband, Taghi Rahmani, who had also been targeted with arrests and persecution by the Islamic Republic in recent years, has fled the country, but Mohammadi has reportedly decided to stay in Iran together with her twins

http://radiozamaneh.com/english/content/human-rights-activist-serve-severe-sentence

iraniam · Apr 24, 2012

After 19 months death row inmate finally indicted

Kurdish political prisoner Behrouz Alakhani, currently being held in Orumiyeh Detention Center, is spending his nineteenth month in solitary confinement. A local source told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that Alakhani has been sentenced to death for “cooperating with PJAK” and “participating in the murder of the Khoy Prosecutor.”

The source also told the Campaign that Alakhani, a 26-year-old Kurdish citizen of Salmas, is in grave condition and has been detained in Salmas, Khoy and Orumiyeh detention centers.

According to the source, Alakhani has been subjected to the most severe psychological and physical torture. During this time, despite his family’s appeal to Salmas and Orumiyeh judicial and security organizations, no responses have been provided to them about Alakhani.

“After 19 months, this young Kurdish man was transferred to Orumiyeh Central Prison. Because the political prisoner was in a poor psychological shape and evidence of torture was visible on his body, on orders from Orumiyeh Intelligence Office, he was transferred to the ward where drug-related criminals are kept,” said the local human rights source.

Authorities have prohibited Alakhani from telephone contact with his family and he has only been able to see his family once a month in the presence of security forces. “After near 20 months [in prison], the Prosecutor for Orumiyeh General and Revolutionary Courts indicted him on charges of ‘cooperating with The Party of Free Life of Kurdistan (PJAK),’ and ‘participation in the murder of Khoy Prosecutor’ and he was put on trial at Branch One of Orumiyeh Revolutionary Court. But due to his lack of mental balance and upon request by his court-appointed lawyer, his trial was delayed for several weeks.”

According the source, Behrouz Alakhani was detained in the Salmas Intelligence Office Detention Center immediately after his arrest. Two days later, authorities transferred him to Orumiyeh Intelligence Office Detention Center. On the third day of his arrest, security forces stormed the Kurdish citizen’s home and after searching the premises took several of his personal items with them.

The source told the Campaign that Alakhani’s original charges were “cooperating with PJAK.” After being interrogated for several months, he was additionally charged with “participating in the murder of Khoy Prosecutor.”

“During all phases of the interrogations, this Kurdish political prisoner refuted the charge of participating in the murder of Khoy Prosecutor,” said the source.

“The judge, however, found the defendant guilty of ‘participating in the murder’ and issued a death sentence against him based only on his own understanding and knowledge and testimony of a friend of this political prisoner, who has described him as “worried and anxious” on the night of the murder. Behrouz Alakhani’s case is now pending final ruling in the Supreme Court,” the source added.

“Eventually, on 14 October 2011, during a minutes-long trial session in the presence of a court-appointed lawyer, the Prosecutor’s representative, and a representative from Orumiyeh Intelligence office, he was sentenced to death on charges of ‘moharebeh (enmity with God) through effective cooperation with PJAK and participation in the murder of Khoy Prosecutor.’ In a separate case for ‘possession of a rifle’ that never existed, he was also sentenced to an additional 10 years in prison. After his court-appointed lawyer appealed the decision, the case has been forwarded to the Supreme Court. This political prisoner’s health conditions are reported as serious and due to the sensitivity of his case, prison authorities have refused to transfer him to a hospital outside the prison,” the source told the Campaign.

Eyewitnesses told the local source that after his arrest, security forces had closed down the streets leading to Alakhani’s house for several hours, causing fear and intimidation in the neighborhood.

Source: International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran

http://www.iranpressnews.com/english/source/121817.html

iraniam · Apr 25, 2012

Jailed lawyer nominated for human rights award

Nasrin Sotoudeh

Jailed Iranian human rights lawyer and women’s rights activist Nasrin Sotoudeh is amongst the nominees of the 2012 Martin Ennals Award for 2012.

Micheline Calmy-Rey former Swiss President and current Chair of the Martin Ennals Foundation announced the three nominees of the main international human rights movement award at a press conference in Geneva on April 24.

Nasrin Sotoudeh, a prominent human rights lawyer and activist, is now serving a six year prison sentence in Evin Prison in Tehran. She has also been banned from practising law for ten years.

Her sentence is specifically linked to her collaboration with the Defenders of Human Rights Centre (DHRC) in Iran which offered pro bono services in various cases, involving human rights violations. She is charged with “propaganda against the regime”, “collusion and assembly with intent to act against national security’ and “membership in an illegal organization (DHRC).”

The Martin Ennals Foundation also introduced the other nominee as Venerable Luon Sovath, a Cambodian Buddhist monk who “uses videos, poems and songs to defend the right to housing” in his community in the face of threats, arrest and ongoing police intimidation.

The third nominee is the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights which has been chosen for its work on documenting human rights abuses in Bahrain and advocating in support of demands for democratic change in the country despite government harassment and persecution.

The Martin Ennals Award Jury includes ten human rights organizations: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Human Rights First, the International Federation for Human Rights, the World Organisation Against Torture, Frontline, the International Commission of Jurists, German Diakonie, the International Service for Human Rights and HURIDOCS.

The final winner of the MEA is to be announced on October 2, 2012 at their annual ceremony.

http://radiozamaneh.com/english/content/jailed-lawyer-nominated-human-rights-award

iraniam · Apr 28, 2012

Nobel Peace laureates demand release of activist

Nargess Mohammadi

A group of Nobel Peace laureates has issued a statement contesting the incarceration of Nargess Mohammadi, the Iranian human rights activist.

The Defenders of Human Rights Centre (DHRC) website reports that in a statement issued on Wednesday, the laureates decried the “unfair” sentence handed to Mohammadi, the deputy head of the DHRC and head of Iran’s National Peace Council.

Mohammadi was summoned on Saturday April 21 to serve out her six-year sentence for the charge of “acting against national security, membership in the DHRC and propaganda against the regime.”
The statement notes Mohammadi’s history of physical ailments and calls for her “immediate and unconditional release.”Mohammadi was arrested in June of 2010, during which time she suffered from periodic paralytic seizures.

She was sentenced to 11 years in prison in the preliminary court and her sentence was later reduced to six years in the appeals court.

Shirin Ebadi (Iran), Mikhail Gorbachev (Russia), Dalai Lama (Tibet), Mairead Maguire (Ireland), Rigoberto Menchú Tum (Guatemala), Judy Williams (USA), Lech Walesa (Poland), Mohammad Yunus (Bangladesh), the International Peace Organization (Switzerland), and the Albert Schweitzer Institute (USA) are the signatories of the statement of support for Nargess Mohammadi.

http://radiozamaneh.com/english/content/nobel-peace-laureates-demand-release-activist

iraniam · May 3, 2012

CIVICUS: Iran must revoke harsh sentences against human rights defenders

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation has published a statement calling attention to the human rights crisis in Iran and, in particular, urging for the release of Mourning Mothers supporter Mansoureh Behkish, who was recently sentenced to four and a half years in prison. CIVICUS is an organization dedicated to empowering various forms of civil society worldwide.

“The sentencing of Mansoureh Behkish is motivated solely by her legitimate activities as a human rights defender, and is in clear violation of Iran’s international law commitments,” says David Kode, Policy and Advocacy Officer at CIVICUS, in the statement.

The statement, released on 24 April, criticizes the Iranian government’s continuing persecution of the Mourning Mothers group. Mansoureh Behkish is only one of the many supporters of the Mourning Mothers that has faced arrest, unfair trials, and harsh prison sentences.

CIVICUS also calls for an end to the systematic persecution and prosecution of women human rights defenders, an issue that is “continuing unabated in Iran. Additionally, the statement urges Iran to release all prisoners of conscience, and end its systematic repression of the Iranian people’s civil liberties.
The full text of the statement is below:

Press Statement
CIVICUS: Iran must revoke harsh sentences against human rights defenders
24 April 2012, Johannesburg.
Serious violations of the fundamental rights of women human rights defenders are continuing unabated in Iran, says CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation.

In the latest instance, Mansoureh Behkish was sentenced to four and a half years in jail for her human rights work on 3 April 2012. Mansoureh was sentenced to four years for colluding against the Republic through the Mourning Mothers Group and an additional six months for instigating propaganda against the government.

The Mourning Mothers Group, of which Mansoureh is a member, campaigns against unlawful killings, arrests, torture and enforced disappearances of Iranians. The group is composed of women whose children have been murdered, detained or disappeared in Iran since June 2009, and also includes family members of victims of serious human rights violations perpetuated by the Iranian government.

Mansoureh has long been subjected to arbitrary arrest and interrogation stemming from her campaigning work against violations of the rights of Iranians. She was first arrested in August 2009 and detained and interrogated at the notorious Evin Prison for three days. She was re-arrested on 11 June 2011 and released on 8 July. Her passport was also confiscated and a travel ban imposed to prevent her carrying out legitimate human rights activities. Her trial began on 24 December 2011 and she was notified by the Revolutionary Court in Tehran of her sentencing on 4 April 2012. She is in the process of lodging an appeal against the sentence.

“The Iranian government is waging a systematic campaign to silence civil society and discourage Iranians from engaging on human rights issues,” says David Kode, Policy and Advocacy Officer at CIVICUS. “The sentencing of Mansoureh Behkish is motivated solely by her legitimate activities as a human rights defender, and is in clear violation of Iran’s international law commitments.”

Iran continues to imprison numerous human rights defenders for acts of dissent, making it one of the most difficult places for civil society to operate. Arbitrary arrests and judicial harassment resulting in harsh prison sentences for exercising basic democratic freedoms are rife. A critical mass of human rights defenders has had to flee Iran to avoid persecution.

Recently, supporters of the Mourning Mothers Group Leyla Sefollahi and Jila Karamzadeh-Makvandi were handed two-year jail terms for “acting against national security.” Human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotendeh, who is widely known for her work in defending juveniles facing the death penalty and campaigning for prisoners of conscience, is herself serving an 11-year sentence for “threatening the security of the state.”

CIVICUS urges Iran to immediately and unconditionally free all prisoners of conscience, whose continued incarceration is a blight on Iran’s human rights record.
CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is a global movement of civil society dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society across the world.
__________________________________________________________________
For more information please contact CIVICUS:
David Kode ( david.kode@civicus.org ), Policy and Advocacy Officer, CIVICUS or
Kiva LaTouche( kiva.latouche@civicus.org) Communications Officer, CIVICUS
Tel: +27 11 833-5959
__________________________________________________________________

CIVICUS House, 24 Gwigwi Mrwebi Street, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
PO Box 933, Southdale, Johannesburg, 2135, South Africa
tel +27 11 833-5959 | fax +27 11 833-7997 | email info@civicus.org[/QUOTE]
http://www.iranhumanrights.org/2012/05/civicus-statement/

iraniam · May 11, 2012

Concerns Rise Over Deteriorating Health of Narges Mohammadi, Unlawfully Imprisoned Human Rights Defender

Translation by Banooye Sabz | Text edited by Persian2English – Taghi Rahmani, the husband of imprisoned human rights activist Narges Mohammadi, told BBC Farsi yesterday: in a brief telephone conversation with her family, Mohammadi informed them of the recurrence of her paralysis. According to Rahmani, after speaking to her children, Mohammadi informed her mother-in-law: on the evening of May 6, 2012, she became dizzy, fell to the ground several times, and on one occasion even banged her head on the floor.

Rahmani stated that Mohammadi, who began serving her sentence in Evin prison two weeks ago, has once again been interrogated. Rahmani, who currently lives abroad, claimed that Mohammadi’s latest interrogation is nothing but a pressure tactic no different than a hostage-taking situation.

Rahmani added: his wife suffered from neurological shock in the aftermath of the 2009 [post-election] mass arrests, and it took months of treatment to cure her from paralysis. This latest arrest and interrogation process has led to the recurrence of her condition.

Narges Mohammadi, the Deputy Head of the Defenders for Human Rights Center (DHRC) and the Executive Chairwoman of the National Peace Council, was arrested by security agents on April 21 at her father’s home in Zanjan. She was transferred to Evin prison in Tehran.

In May 2009, Mohammadi was summoned to branch 4 of the Revolutionary Court for her membership in the DHRC. After defending her case in court she was released on [approximately] $40 thousand [USD] bail. She was once again arrested by security agents at her residence in the middle of the night on June 9, 2009, and released after one month in prison.

Those close to Mohammadi report her physical condition as alarming. Taghi Rahmani has also expressed concern regarding their young twins, who are forced to live without their mother.

Like the Free Narges Mohammadi Facebook page for the latest updates on the human rights defender
Read More on Narges Mohammadi and her trumped up charges

http://persian2english.com/?p=23866

iraniam · May 11, 2012

Ebadi wants to enlist UN support for jailed activist

Iranian Nobel Peace laureate Shirin Ebadi is calling on the United Nations Human Rights Council to do all it can to bring about the release of Iranian activist Nargess Mohammadi.

The Centre for Human Rights Defenders website reports that Ebadi has written a letter to Navi Pillay, the High Commissioner of Human Rights, to inform her of Mohammadi’s plight.

The Iranian human rights activists was arrested last month, according to Ebadi, and the next night she was transferred to solitary confinement, where she’s been held ever since.

Mohammadi was summoned by the judiciary on April 21 to serve out her six-year prison sentence for “assembly and collusion against national security, membership in the Centre for Human Rights Defenders and propaganda activities against the Islamic republic.”

A preliminary sentence of 11 years in prison was reduced to six years in the appellate court in her letter, Ebadi expresses grave concern for Mohammadi’s health because, following her previous arrest in 2010, she had fallen victim to periodic muscular paralysis and had to be hospitalized.

Shirin Ebadi writes: “It appears that Nargess Mohammadi’s arrest and her transfer to solitary confinement is a reaction to her husband’s exit from the country and, in effect, Nargess is being held hostage.”

Ebadi urges immediate action from the High Commissioner of Human Rights in view of Mohammadi’s dire health, which she fears may lead to a permanent disability.

Ebadi’s letter has also been forwarded to Ahmad Shaheed, the UN Special Rapporteur for Iran, and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.

http://radiozamaneh.com/english/content/ebadi-wants-enlist-un-support-jailed-activist

iraniam · May 14, 2012

Jailed lawyer, Nasrin Sotoudeh to attend court

Nasrin Sotoudeh

Jailed Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh is being summoned to court again, this time for the suspension of her licence to practice law.

Sotoudeh’s husband, Reza Khandan, told the Kaleme website on Sunday that his wife will have to appear in court next Sunday May 20.

Khandan said: “This trial is taking place because the judiciary has called on the Bar Association to suspend or annul Sotoudeh’s legal licence.”

The process began last year with a preliminary hearing and will now continue next week.
Last June, as Sotoudeh was brought to the hearing in handcuffs, she embraced her husband in front of court security officers, creating a buzz in the media.

Khandan explained that Sotoudeh’s problem next week will be that her legal representative in the case is Abdolfattah Soltani, who has since been put behind bars as well. Sotoudeh will, therefore, have to find another lawyer on short notice.

Soltani was arrested last September and later sentenced to 18 years in jail, 20 years of exile and a ban on practicing law.

In the past year, many human rights lawyer have been the target of government persecution. The government has come to regard their activities as adverse propaganda against the regime and, hence, a threat to national security.

Sotoudeh has been sentenced to six years in jail and a 10-year ban on practicing law.

http://radiozamaneh.com/english/content/jailed-lawyer-attend-court

iraniam · May 22, 2012

Mahboobeh Karami, a member of the One Million Signature campaign, released from Evin Prison

Mahboobeh Karami, a member of the One Million Signature campaign, released from prison.
Monday, May 21, 2012
محبوبه کرمی، زندانی سیاسی و فعال حقوق بشر از زندان آزاد شد
View attachment 148938_438319122847476_157026050976786_1727088_969

http://freehadiamini.wordpress.com/...e-million-signature-campaign-released-from-2/

iraniam · Jun 5, 2012

Egregious Human Rights Violations In Iran

Many of Iran's political prisoners are housed in Evin Prison.

The U.S. State Department’s latest report on human rights conditions in Iran paints a dark picture of violations and abuse by the Iranian regime.

Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human rights and Labor Michael Posner said the past year saw a continuation of many negative trends:

“Intolerance of dissent, particularly a crackdown on demonstrators in February; free speech restricted; internet freedom restricted; political participation severely circumscribed; unfair trials; amputations; floggings; lots of death penalty, including some this year, many held in secret. So it’s a very grim picture.”

Mr. Posner cited in particular the case of the seven leaders of Iran’s Baha’i community who were sentenced to 20 years in prison:

“In May they marked four years of a two-year sentence for basically practicing their religion. It is a human rights situation that is very disturbing, and we’ll continue to call it out.”

The State Department report notes that statistics regarding the number of Iranian citizens imprisoned for their political or religious beliefs over the past year are not available, but human rights monitors estimate the number to be as high as 900. They include journalists, students, lawyers, artists, civil society activists, members of Iran’s religious communities, and ethnic minorities.

Political prisoners, according to the report, are routinely held in solitary confinement for extended periods and often denied due process and access to legal representation. They are also at great risk of torture and abuse in prison.

In a July 13 letter, the State Department reports, imprisoned journalist Issa Saharkhiz accused authorities of using harsh prison conditions to slowly kill political prisoners. There were reports of prison guards and other inmates brutalizing and raping prisoners, especially political prisoners, with impunity.

In her preface to the Country Reports, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton noted that “respect for human rights is not a western construct or a uniquely American ideal; it is the foundation for peace and stability everywhere. . .”

“The United States,” she said, “stands with all those who seek to advance human dignity, and we will continue to shine the light of international attention on their efforts.”

http://www.voanews.com/policy/edito...uman-Rights-Violations-In-Iran-157307285.html

iraniam · Jun 13, 2012

Iranian human rights lawyer jailed for 13 years

Abdolfattah Soltani, who co-founded the Centre for Human Rights Defenders with the Nobel peace prize winner Shirin Ebadi. Photograph: Behrouz Mehri/AFP
A prominent Iranian human rights lawyer has been sentenced to 13 years in prison by a Tehran revolutionary court, his daughter has said.

Abdolfattah Soltani was originally given 18 years but appealed and has now been told more years will be taken off if he denounces the Iranian Nobel peace laureate Shirin Ebadi.

Maede Soltani, who lives in Germany, said her family was officially notified on Monday of last week's appeal ruling.

Abdolfattah Soltani co-founded the Centre for Human Rights Defenders with Ebadi. He was arrested last year.

A court in March initially sentenced the 58-year-old to 18 years in prison on various charges, including co-founding the centre, spreading anti-government propaganda and endangering national security.

"My father was told that his sentence would be reduced [further] if he would apologise and speak out against Ms Ebadi in an open letter or an interview," Maede Soltani said. "He declined."

Amnesty International maintains Soltani is a "non-violent political prisoner who is being jailed only for his legitimate activities" as a human rights lawyer.

"Abdolfattah Soltani is one of the bravest human rights defenders in Iran," Amnesty said after his detention last September, urging his immediate release.

Maede Soltani said on Tuesday that last week's "politically motivated" ruling could not be appealed against a second time.

Soltani was previously arrested for seven months in 2005 and again for several months in the wake of Iran's disputed presidential elections in 2009. The revolutionary court also upheld the decision to transfer Soltani to a remote prison in the city of Borazjan, about 620 miles (1,000km) south-west of Tehran, Maede Soltani said, adding that the family would barely be able to visit him there.

Working alongside Ebadi, the lawyer also represented the family of the photojournalist Zahra Kazemi, a Canadian of Iranian origin who was arrested for taking photographs in front of Evin prison and died several days later in the prison, possibly after being tortured.

An investigative panel concluded that Kazemi died of a fractured skull and brain haemorrhage caused by a "physical attack" but the findings were rejected by Iran's conservative judiciary

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jun/13/iranian-human-rights-lawyer-jailed

iraniam · Jun 22, 2012

HRW condemns Iran’s violation of minorities’ rights

Human Rights Watch have asked the Iranian authorities to provide information regarding the condition and well-being of seven men from the country’s ethnic Arab minority who are known to be in Iranian custody in a press release on June 21, 2012.

The report discloses that Iranian authorities in the southwestern city of Ahvaz may have executed at least four of the seven men in recent days, and have so far refused to hand over the bodies to their families. The report had urged the authorities in Tehran to allow minorities to exercise all rights granted by the Iranian Constitution and international law.

The Ahwazi men were arrested last year during the demonstrations and were charged of killing a security and intelligence officer and wounding another. They were sentenced to death on March 15.

The Iranian constitution formally provides for the fair treatment of ethnic minorities, including their rights to use their language, but in practice ethnic groups, such as Azeris, Arabs, Kurds and Balochs are reportedly discriminated against, especially in political rights and freedom of expression.

Sources close to the families of three brothers – Taha Heidarian, 28; Abbas Heidarian, 25; and Abdul-Rahman Heidarian, 23 – told Human Rights Watch that on June 17 authorities notified the family that the three had been executed. Two weeks ago, prison authorities had transferred the brothers, along with three other prisoners, from Karun prison’s general ward to an unknown location.

Another brother was arrested and also taken to an unknown location when he inquired about their location. The brothers’ families had not received any information since their transfer, raising fears that four of the men, who had been sentenced to death, would be executed within days. The fourth man believed to have been executed is Ali Naami Sharifi.

In a previous interview with Al Arabiya, Kazem Mojaddam, member of the Center against Anti-Arab Racism in Iran, said, “The government of Iran does not allow the Ahwazi people to practice their cultural activities although the Iranian constitution gives this right to all the people of Iran.”

Mojaddam added that the Ahwazi people were being threatened by the Iranian government, “which tries to undermine the Arab identity and culture through imprisonment and killing of Arab artists and writers.”

“The government also does not allow Arab-speaking Iranians to name their children after non-Shiite Arab names,” Mojaddam added.

Khuzestan is the source of 90 percent of Iran’s oil production, but people in the province complain of marginalization, poverty and the lack of adequate social services.

Besides, the province often takes the lion’s share of executions in the country. In 2007, Iranian authorities executed 22 activists in Ahwaz after they were accused to supporting the secession of the region from Iran.

The full HRW press release can be found here: http://www.hrw.org/news/2012/06/21/iran-reveal-fate-arab-minority-prisoners

http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/06/22/222134.html

iraniam · Jun 24, 2012

Jailed activist writes letter of protest

Nargess Mohammadi

Jailed Iranian human rights activist Nargess Mohammadi is challenging her “illegal” transfer to Zanjan Prison and, in a letter to the Tehran prosecutor, she writes that this treatment is in effect a sentence of “gradual death.”
Nargess Mohmmadi has been sentenced to six years in jail for “propaganda against the regime.” She is one of many members of the Human Rights Defender Centre of Iran that have been targeted by severe government persecution after the election protests of 2009.

In her letter, Mohammadi reminds the prosecutor that she is a resident of Tehran, adding that due to her health complications she needs to visit her team of healthcare providers in Tehran on a regular basis.

Taghi Rahmani, Mohammadi’s husband, reports that his wife has been suffering from muscle paralysis and is no longer able to carry out her personal daily needs without assistance.

Rahmani, who is currently residing in France, told Persian BBC that Mohammadi was brought in in a wheelchair during her last visit with her family, and her physical condition in jail is critical.

http://radiozamaneh.com/english/content/jailed-activist-writes-letter-protest

iraniam · Jun 27, 2012

Narges Mohammadi’s Letter to the Tehran Prosecutor: “Iranian Authorities Are Responsible for My Slow Death”

Narges Mohamadi, the Deputy Head of the Defenders for Human Rights Center (DHRC) and the Executive Chairwoman of the National Peace Council, recently wrote a letter to Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi, the Tehran Prosecutor. While emphasizing her illegal detention in Zanjan prison, Narges Mohammadi stresses that if she encounters a traumatic incident while detained, she holds Iranian officials solely responsible. The imprisoned human rights defender is in dire physical health. Physicians have indicated that she is unable to withstand prison conditions and must be hospitalized.
Narges Mohammadi’s letter to the Tehran Prosecutor Translated to English:

Translation by Persian BanooThe translated text below has been modified by Persian2English
In the name of God.
Mr. Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi, the Prosecutor of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court
I hereby inform you that, I, Narges Mohammadi, was arrested at my home on April 21, 2012 by Ministry of Intelligence agents while I was out on bail for my six-year prison sentence. From April 21 to May 16, I was incarcerated in the high security ward 209 in Evin prison [ward 209 is run by the Ministry of Intelligence].

During this time I was once transferred to the women’s general Ward for a 24-hour period then returned to ward 209. I wrote to you three times during that time. I protested [because I was held in ward 209] even though I had already been sentenced. I had asked for my transfer to the women’s general ward. In a meeting I had with Mr. Reshtehahmadi on May 8, I urged that I be transferred to the women’s ward. I also presented to him a letter signed by me requesting my transfer to the women’s ward. I have always stressed that incarcerating a person in ward 209 who has already been issued a prison sentence is illegal. According to the law, I should be transferred to the general ward.

I have never, neither verbally nor in writing, requested to be transferred to any other city, certainly not Zanjan. [However,] on May 16 at 6:00am, [Iranian regime] agents woke me up, blindfolded and handcuffed me, and placed me in a car. I was unaware of what was going on during the long distance of travel, [but] I realized that we had left Tehran. It was when I entered a court in Zanjan that I realized where I was.

[Iranian authorities] stated that had personally requested the transfer to Zanjan. This is a complete fabrication. It was claimed that, due to [my] illness, requested to be transferred to Zanjan. This is also completely false.

I hereby inform you:
1- I strongly protest my illegal transfer to the women’s ward in Zanjan prison, which holds criminals. I request you to take the necessary actions for my immediate transfer to the women’s ward in Evin prison, which holds non-criminal inmates.

2- It should be noted that I entered Evin prison on June 10, 2010 completely healthy. On July 1, 2010, I was transferred to a hospital suffering from serious neurological and psychological disorders.

After intensive medical care and consuming 18 pills a day, I was discharged from the hospital. I am currently on 11 pills a day, but since my latest arrest, the medications do not help my illness. My condition has worsened.
I am currently incarcerated among fifty female murderers, death row prisoners (for narcotic charges), prisoners charges with immorality, and even women with psychological disorders. Since I have entered this ward, I have experienced nothing but anxiety, nervousness, and fear; which has exacerbated my illness moment by moment. My medical records and the opinion of my treating physicians suggest that my illness is directly linked to the escalation of my anxiety. Despite this, since entering this ward I have encountered horrible conditions that I am unable to describe or write about. Placing me under such stress is equivalent to feeding me cups of poison that destroy me moment by moment. Such treatment toward me is in fact causing my slow death. The responsibility lies with the Iranian authorities.

The respected officials, who are in possession of my medical records, know very well that keeping me in the stressful conditions of prison, especially where criminals (murderers, death row inmates, drug traffickers, etc…) are held, is equivalent to intentional murder. The officials will be directly responsible.

I certainly hope that [my situation] will turn out to be like the cases of Haleh Sahabi and Hoda Saber where the [Iranian authorities] announced the cause of their deaths to be the hot weather or a hunger strike!
If another incident takes place, even if it seems it was due to natural causes, I hereby proclaim that the exacerbation of my illness or the occurrence of any traumatic situation was deliberate [by the Iranian authorities].

3- My legal residence, and more importantly, the location of my doctors and specialists (neurologist, psychologist, pulmonary, heart and gynecologist) are all in Tehran. Because I am under their care and treatment, I must be seen by them at least every two months because they possess all my medical records and I am under their care and treatment. My illegal transfer to Zanjan has denied me such medical care and treatment. The complications and damages arising from this action would be irreversible. It is an inhumane act.

4- My 5-year-old children, Ali and Kiana, do not reside in Zanjan and must inevitably travel a long distance and many hours to visit their mother. This is very difficult for Mrs. Rahmani (my mother-in-law) and for my small children. Perhaps it will be impossible [for them to visit me] in the heat of summer and the cold of winter. This is putting severe psychological stress on me, an imprisoned mother.

5-year-old twins Ali and Kiana stay strong for their imprisoned mother.
The Honorable Mr. Prosecutor, the above mentioned conditions plus the issues that I hope to share with Your Excellency in person, are the plight of a mother and a fellow citizen who writes to you and looks forward to justice.

I hope that at the earliest possible time I can see a treating physician, before my health deteriorates even more. I also hope I will be afforded my freedom.
With much gratitude,
Narges Mohammadi

http://persian2english.com/?p=23958

iraniam · Jul 10, 2012

Narges Mohammadi, who is in critical condition has been transferred to a hospital

Narges Mohammadi, vice president of Defenders of Human Rights Center, was admitted to Valiasr Hospital, Zanjan on Monday.

The Melli-Mazhabi website has reported that Ms. Mohammadi, who is in critical condition
has so far not been allowed to have any visitors.

Ms. Mohammadi’s physicians have repeatedly stressed that due to acute neurological disease which leads to muscle paralysis, Ms. Mohammadi must be released from prison and allowed medical care at home.

On Saturday Ms. Mohammadi had again appeared with a bruised face while meeting with family members, thus furthering the concern of the family as well as her twin children Ali and Kiana.

Ms. Mohammadi has been sentenced to six years in prison for her human rights activities. She is being kept in Zanjan prison despite the fact the her medical condition makes a stay in such a stressful environment inhumane.

This vice president of Defenders of Human Rights Center has repeatedly stated that her activities have all been in the framework of the country’s constitution and only in defense of the rights of people.

Source: Sepidedam.com

http://www.persianicons.org/human-r...condition-has-been-transferred-to-a-hospital/

iraniam · Jul 17, 2012

Iranian authorities must release Mohammad Sadiq Kaboudvand immediately and unconditionally

Amnesty International, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), and its affiliate, the Iranian league for the Defence of Human Rights (LDDHI), called in a joint statement today on the Iranian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Mohammad Sadiq Kaboudvand, and said that the Iranian authorities are responsible for any risks to his life as a result of his ongoing hunger strike.

The three human rights organisations consider Mohammad Sadiq Kaboudvand, a member of Iran’s Kurdish minority, to be a prisoner of conscience, solely held for his journalistic and human rights work and the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression.

Mohammad Sadiq Kaboudvand started a “dry” hunger strike, refusing also water, on the evening of Saturday, 14 July 2012, but has accepted the requests from family and friends to begin drinking water during the current week of 16 July, though he has not specified the exact day. Mohammad Sadiq Kaboudvand has said that when he ends his “dry” hunger strike he would continue his “wet” hunger strike, refusing food, which he began on 26 May in protest at the Iranian authorities’ refusal to grant him renewed permission to visit his sick son. His son, Pejman, has been ill since January 2012 with an undiagnosed condition.

Since then, Mohammad Sadiq Kaboudvand has been allowed to visit his son on a few occasions, most recently in late April/early May 2012, when prison authorities took him to his son’s bedside for a visit lasting approximately 30 minutes. The authorities have since declined Mohammad Sadiq Kaboudand prison leave for further visits, despite the relevant provisions of the Prison Regulations in Iran that allow such visits on a discretionary basis.

Mohammad Sadiq Kaboudvand’s health conditions have drastically deteriorated since he launched his hunger strike to protest the conditions he described in an open letter from 27 May 2012 as follows: “The Prosecutor and the security apparatuses continue to deny [prison] leave because of their enmity, grudge and malice towards me as a human rights activist; this despite my having served half of my illegal and unjust prison sentence and my son’s incurable diseases and acute emergency situation... Therefore, to protest the illegal and inhumane behaviour of these judicial and security officials, I launch an indefinite hunger strike as of 9 PM, Saturday 26 May 2012."

The prison medical personnel and doctors have recommended his transfer to an outside hospital for necessary medical care. Nevertheless, the prison officials declined to take him to hospital without handcuffs in early July 2012.

Mohammad Sadiq Kaboudvand, former editor of the weekly Payam-e Mardom-e Kurdistan and founder of the Human Rights Organisation of Kurdistan, has been serving a 10-and-a-half-year prison sentence since 1 July 2007 after having been convicted of charges relating to his journalism and human rights work.

Since the start of his imprisonment, Mohammad Sadiq Kaboudvand has reportedly suffered three strokes and at least one heart attack, prostate and kidney problems, and has had periods of dizziness and unconsciousness. However, he has not had consistent access to all necessary medical care.

Ann Harrison, Deputy Director of Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Programme, said: "Mohammad Sadiq Kaboudvand is a prisoner of conscience, held solely for his journalistic and human rights work and the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression. He should never have been arrested in the first place, and must be released immediately and unconditionally so that he is free to be with his family at this distressing time.”

Karim Lahidji, Vice President of FIDH and President of LDDHI said: "In the meantime, the Iranian authorities are responsible for any possible risks to Mohammad Sadiq Kaboudvand’s life as a result of his continuing hunger strike and his deteriorating conditions.
"Under the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, the Iranian authorities are obliged to take immediate action to provide urgent medical care to Mohammad Sadiq Kaboudvand. They must stop further tormenting a father by denying him the right to visit his ailing son."

http://www.fidh.org/Authorities-must-release

iraniam · Jul 20, 2012

Narges Mohammadi Hospitalized in Prison.

Imprisoned human rights lawyer Narges Mohammadi, who was injured by other prisoners in a fight, has not been allowed to see her family, her husband Taghi Rahmani told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran in an interview.

“We heard that Narges’ cellmates got into a fight and ran into Narges. Narges took a fall and had to be transferred to the hospital. Eleven days after her transfer to hospital, Narges has not had any contact with the outside world. Her family have not been allowed any contact or visits with her. Narges must be under circumstances that keep her from contacting her two very young children,” Rahmani told the Campaign, adding that her recent medical problems have made her family extremely concerned.

On April 22, 2012, security forces transferred Narges Mohammadi, human rights activist and Deputy Director of Defenders of Human Rights Center, from her parents’ home in Zanjan to Tehran to begin serving her six-year prison term. On June 11, 2012, she was transferred to Zanjan Prison for unknown reasons. Zanjan Prison does not have a separate ward for political prisoners and Mohammadi is the only female political prisoner in the facility.

“Narges’ illness is muscle paralysis, but they first transferred her to Zanjan Hospital’s Neurology Department. Two days ago, they transferred her to another hospital, to Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Zanjan, where she has been hospitalized in their Neurology Department. These are all sources of concern for us,” said Mohammadi’s husband. “We demand that Narges be allowed to have visitors and for her to be examined by her own physicians who are knowledgeable about her illness. She has not talked to her children in 11 days. She must be under special circumstances where she cannot talk. We have questions about this and ask the authorities to reply,” said Taghi Rahmani.

On June 24, Mohammadi wrote a letter to Tehran’s Prosecutor, objecting to her prison conditions:

After my latest imprisonment, even the number of pills I am taking cannot control my illness, and it has worsened. I am now in the middle of more than 50 women who have been convicted of murder, drug traffickers who are on death row, and inmates who have committed violent crimes, some of whom suffer from dangerous diseases, and some do not have psychological balance. Since I arrived this ward, I have seen nothing but stress, anxiety, and fear, all of which have contributed to the worsening of my illness. Exposure to such levels of stress is like feeding me poison, killing me by the moment.

Taghi Rahmani told the Campaign that security is very heavy in Zanjan hospital: “Narges’ family goes to the hospital everyday and requests a visit, but they are not allowed to see her. They are not even allowed to talk to the doctors at the hospital. There is a severe security atmosphere at the prison. There is a female guard in her room and there is a male guard outside. It is our right to find out what has happened to Narges.”

Narges Mohammadi was charged with “assembly and collusion against national security, “membership in the Center for Human Rights Defenders,” and “propaganda against the regime.” Against legal procedures, instead of taking her to the General Ward of Evin Prison, Mohammadi was transferred to the Intelligence Ministry’s Ward 209.

“At Zanjan Prison’s Women’s Ward, inmates constantly engage in fights and they attack each other with razors and other objects. When this happens, the prison guards take Narges out of the ward and return her when the fighting is over,” Mohammadi’s husband told the Campaign.

http://www.iranhumanrights.org/2012/07/narges-mohammadi-hospitalized-in-prison/

iraniam · Jul 27, 2012

28 Kurdish prisoners facing death sentence

GVF — At least 28 Kurdish prisoners face execution in Iranian prisons, says the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran.

On Thursday, the organization said that at least 28 Iranian Kurds were facing the death sentence for “political and security-related” charges. The inmates are reportedly being held at prisons in Sanandaj, Urmia, Semnan, Rajaei Shahr and Saqqez.

The report stated that death sentences had been upheld for seventeen of the prisoners while the rest were awaiting the Supreme Court’s final decision.

The Campaign speculated that owing to the severe restrictions on human rights defenders in Iran, the real number of Iranian Kurds on death row could be higher than previously thought.

According to the rights group, some of the prisoners had been charged with taking arms against the state and moharebeh (enmity with God).

“In many of the cases, the legal procedure was not respected, the defendants had no access to lawyer and their testimonies in the trial phase were neglected,” the Campaign said.

“In some cases … the defendants claim that they were physically tortured and abused while under interrogation.”

Habibollah Latifi, Rashid Akhkandi, Mostafa Salimi, Shirko Moarefi, Habibollah Golparipour, Zanyar Moradi and Loghman Moradi are amongst the seventeen prisoners whose death sentences have been approved.

The International Campaign for Human Rights claims that ten of the seventeen have been linked to Salafist groups.

The cases of eleven death row prisoners are still in the appeal phase. They are: Samko Khorshidi, Sirvan Nejadi, Ebrahim Isapour, Rouzgar (Habib) Afshari, Ali Afshari, Houshang Rezaei, Reza Esmaili, Behrouz Alkhani, Seyed Sami Hosseini and Seyed Jamal Mohammad and Bakhtiar Memari.

http://en.irangreenvoice.com/article/2012/jul/27/3758

iraniam · Jul 29, 2012

Obama's Iranian-born Advisor talks to IMAN, PAAIA and NIAC

The website of Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) reports that on July 18, 2012, a Roundtable discussion was hosted by the White House Office of Public Engagements for Iranian American Community leaders from several civic organizations. The meeting, which was held in the Executive Office Building, also featured several key Administration officials who provided an overview of a range of foreign policy and domestic initiatives relevant to the Iranian American community and presented an opportunity for community members to share their views as part of the White House’s efforts to increase civic engagement across the country.

Valerie Jarrett

Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President, was the highest ranking member of the Administration who met with the attendees. Jarrett emphasized the importance that her office, the Office of Public Engagement and President Obama, place on outreaching to, understanding, and responding to the needs of the Iranian American community and re-iterated the importance of the community’s continued communication with her office as well as other individuals within the Administration on issues of concern. Jarrett was born in Shiraz, Iran to American parents James E. Bowman and Barbara Taylor Bowman. Her father, a pathologist and geneticist, ran a hospital for children in Shiraz, 1950, as part of a program where American doctors and agricultural experts sought to help jump-start developing countries' health and farming efforts. When she was five, the family moved to London for one year, returning to Chicago in 1963.

Iranian-born Valerie Jarrett (left) with Obama

The following were some of the organizations that participated in the Roundtable: Columbia University's Encyclopaedia Iranica, Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), Iranian Alliances Across Borders (IAAB), Iranian American Muslim Association of North America (IMAN), PBS Frontline: Tehran Bureau, Progressive Jewish Alliance, National Iranian American Council (NIAC), and West Asia Council.

The predominant theme of the meeting was the current relationship between the U.S. and Iran and the community’s concerns regarding the human rights situation in Iran. Numerous attendees cited recent surveys that show that two-thirds of Iranian Americans believe that the promotion of Human Rights and Democracy in Iran is the most important issue pertaining to U.S.-Iran Relations and that those surveyed prefer a secular Democratic Iran. Other participants raised concerns about the potential impact that military strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities will have on the people of Iran. PAAIA’s 2012 survey indicate that more than half (53%) of Iranian Americans believe that a military strikes could actually strengthen the government of Iran.

Administration officials emphasized the President’s focus on a diplomatic resolution over Iran’s nuclear program as well their increased focus on the human rights situation in Iran. The issue of the U.S. and international sanctions regime against Iran, which has inadvertently impacted both the Iranian and Iranian American populations, were also discussed at length. Of concern to the attendees is the ability of Iranian Americans to provide humanitarian assistance to Iran under current Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations. Administration officials provided a general overview on how current regulations impact humanitarian assistance to Iran, noting that medicine and food items were not controlled by sanctions regulations but that other humanitarian assistance or transactions require licensing from OFAC.

Other topics of discussion centered around the Administration’s initiatives to promote social innovation and civic participation as it relates to the Iranian American community as well as the impact of Health reform and the White House’s Business Council initiative.

Cyrus Amir Mokri

Cyrus Amir-Mokri, Assistant Secretary for Financial Institutions at the Department of Treasury, closed the meeting by emphasizing the importance of public service and maintaining the image of Iranian Americans in this country as vibrant, productive, and successful immigrants and citizens.
Related:
http://features.kodoom.com/en/iranian-diaspora/u-s-senate-confirms-iranian-american-as-assistant-treasury-secretary/v/3662/

http://features.kodoom.com/en/iran-...-advisor-talks-to-iman-paaia-and-niac/v/4479/

iraniam · Jul 31, 2012

More Abuse by the Iranian Regime: Human Rights Violations Summary Report

Kurdish Political Prisoner, Ramezan Ahmad Kamal, on Hunger Strike

Persian2English – Ramezan Ahmad Kamal, a Kurdish political prisoner and a Syrian citizen arrested over three years ago in Iran by Ministry of Intelligence agents and accused of being a member of the PKK (the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, an armed militia group), is on a hunger strike that was launched 22 days ago. According to reports, Ahmad Kamal is protesting the violation of his fundamental human rights.
Health officials at Rajai Shahr prison in Karaj informed Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi, the Tehran Prosecutor, that Ramezan Ahmad Kamal’s illness was untreatable in prison. They suggested that Ahmad Kamal be transferred to a hospital for surgery but the political prisoner was sent to the Evin prison infirmary instead. He was later transferred to Ghazvin prison. Two months have passed since Ahmad Kamal’s transfer to Ghazvin prison but he has not yet received the medical attention he desperately requires.
Ahmad Kamal was severely injured at the time of his arrest and, while subjected to torture, confessed to the charges against him. He was consequently issued a 10-year prison sentence.
Mohammad Sedigh Kaboudvand Transferred from Prison to the Hospital

Persian2English – Mohammad Sedigh Kaboudvand, journalist, human rights activist, and founder of the first human rights organization in the Kurdistan province, was transferred from Evin prison to Modares hospital after experiencing severe pain in his kidneys. Kaboudvand had launched a hunger strike on May 26 to protest to refusal by Iranian authorities to grant him prison furlough to see his ailing son. Despite Kaboudvand’s condition, the Iranian authorities have refused to grant the visit with his son. Kaboudvand was forced to end his hunger strike after 60 days because he contracted a severe kidney infection, experienced a severe reduction in his blood sugar level, physical weakness, and motion and weight loss. Since his imprisonment, Kaboudvand has also suffered two heart attacks.

Mohammad Sedigh Kaboudvand was arrested in 2007 and transferred to Evin prison. In 2008, the Iranian Judiciary sentenced him to a total of 11 years in prison.
Lawyer for Reza Khandan and Daughter Mehraveh Restricted from Entering the Evin Prison Prosecutions Office

Reza Khandan with daughter Mehraveh. Nasrin Sotoudeh, Khandan's spouse and Mehraveh's mother, has been imprisoned in Evin since September 2010.
Persian2English – On July 21, Nasim Ghanavi, the lawyer for Reza Khandan and his daughter Mehraveh, went to Evin prison with the intention to file an objection [against her clients' judicial summons and travel bans] and present her power of attorney papers but she was refused entry. According to Ghanavi, all individuals accused of a crime have the right to an attorney. Iranian law states that Ghanavi has 20 days to present her objection in written format to the appropriate judicial branch. While judicial officials do not allow lawyers to be present during the investigation process, lawyers have always been allowed to register their power of attorney and objections within the appropriate judicial branch.

Reza Khandan is Nasrin Sotoudeh’s husband and Mehraveh is their daughter. Nasrin Sotoudeh is a prominent Iranian lawyer imprisoned in Evin. She was arrested in September 2010 and has not been granted even one day of furlough. She is sentenced to six years in prison and banned from practicing law for ten years. Sotoudeh is reportedly under pressure to give false confessions. According to close sources, the pressure on her family has been applied to get her to cooperate with Iranian authorities.
It is important to note that the summons issued for Reza Khandan and his daughter Mehraveh are not just enforcing regular travel bans but rather the Judiciary has opened case files for them. The travel ban is a temporary action the Judiciary has taken against him and his daughter until a decision is reached on the supposed crimes and subsequent charges.
FURTHER INFORMATION

Nasrin Sotoudeh’s 13-year Old Daughter Banned From Foreign Travel

Family of jailed lawyer banned from travelling abroad

Amnesty International: Iran must end harassment of imprisoned lawyer’s family

iraniam · Jul 31, 2012

Labour Activist, Pedram Nasrollahi, Sentenced to Three Years in Prison

Persian2English – On July 16, the public and revolutionary courts in Sanandaj charged Pedram Nasrollahi, labour activist and member of the Coordinating Committee to Help Form Workers’ Organizations, with “Propaganda against the regime through cooperation with an opposition group” and “Membership in the Coordinating Committee to Help Form Workers’ Organizations”. Nasrollahi was issued one year imprisonment for the propaganda charge even though he had strongly objected against the unwarranted accusation in court and during the interrogation process. He was also issued two years in prison for his membership in the labour group. Nasrollahi has 20 days to object his sentencing before his case file is sent to the Appeals Court for further review.

Habib Halafi, an Arab Political Activist, Arrested in Ahwaz

Persian2English – Habib Halafi, an Arab political activist, was arrested at his home in Hamidiyeh, Ahwaz and transferred to the Ministry of Intelligence detention center. Halafi, who was previously arrested and endured two years in prison, had been released since 2011. Additionally, Halafi’s brother Ali is held in Gonbad prison (in the Razavi Khorasan province) serving a 30-year exile sentence.

Amin Zargarnejad
Leftist Student Activist Amin Zargarnejad Released from Prison

Persian2English – Amir Zargarnejad, a leftist student activist who was arrested at his home on June 9, was temporarily released yesterday following 45 days of detention in Tabriz central prison. Zargarnejad, a mathematics graduate and a management specialist, endured more than 20 days in solitary confinement while subjected to interrogations. He was charged with “Propaganda against the regime”.

Leftist Student Activist Ali Ajami Expelled from the University of Tehran

Persian2English – Ali Ajami, a leftist student activist who ranked in 18th place among his peers upon entrance to the University of Tehran in 2005, was expelled. Ajami was majoring in law and needed only 15 more credits before completing his degree. Ali Ajami was arrested in summer 2009 during his last term in school. Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court presided by Judge Salavati sentenced Ajami to four years in prison and charged him with “Propaganda against the regime” and “Conspiring against the regime”. His sentence was reduced to two years in prison by the Tehran Appeals Court. He spent his detention in Rajai Shahr prison and was released in February 2012.
Prison Sentence Carried Out for Sara Mahboubi, Banned University Student

Persian2English – Sara Mahboubi, a Baha’i university student banned from her education, introduced herself to Sari prison on July 18 to serve her 10-month imprisonment sentence issued to her by a court in Sari and upheld by the Appeals Court. Mahboubi had been arrested twice before as well. Her first arrest occured on June 24, 2010 after she turned herself in to the office of the Ministry of Intelligence in Sari. AFfter 24 days of imprisonment, she was released on bail from the Sari Ministry of Intelligence detention center on July 18, 2010. She was arrested for the second time on July 11, 2011 and released 17 days later on bail.

Her brother Vesal Mahboubi was imprisoned for some time last year but has been released since then.

Roozbeh Khanpayeh, Political and Cultural Activist, Issued Prison Sentence

Persian2English– Roozbeh Khanpayeh, a political prisoner during the 1980′s and a political and cultural activist from the city of Yasuj (in the province of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, southwestern Iran), was issued a sentence of four and a half years in prison and 8 months suspended imprisonment by the Yasuj Revolutionary Court. According to the Committee of Human Rights Reporters, he was charged with:

“Propaganda against the regime”, “Having contacts with groups in opposition to the regime”, and “Participation in illegal protest gatherings”.

Khanpayeh, 48, was first arrested in 1984 and charged with “Having contacts with groups in opposition to the regime”. He endured 15 months in prison. He was arrested for the second time in 1987 during a gathering in Yasuj to protest the rising price of gasoline. He was charged with “Propaganda and collusion against the regime” and “Participation in an illegal protest gathering”. He endured three months in prison before he was released on bail.

iraniam · Jul 31, 2012

Mojgan Mohammadian, Civil Activist, Has Been Imprisoned Since May 2012
Persian2English– Mogan Mohammadian, a civil activist, has been held in Evin prison since May 2012. She is sentenced to six months in prison. Mohammadian was taken to the women’s security ward in Evin prison after the Iranian authorities summoned her by phone on May 23.

Hanieh (a.k.a. Sharareh) Farshi Prevented from Receiving Medical Treatment

Persian2English — Iranian authorities have prevented Hanieh Farshi, a political prisoner in the women’s ward of Evin prison who is suffering from severe pain in her kidneys and bladder, from receiving medical treatment. Evin prison doctors have prevented Farshi from receiving any sort of medication or treatment even though traces of blood were found in her urine.

According to HRANA, Farshi requires a medical examination and CT scan but her interrogators have prevented her transfer to the hospital.

Hanieh Farshi was arrested in the city of Tabriz in July 2010. According to reliable sources, she was arrested for her online activities. Judge Moghiseh in branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court sentenced her to seven years in prison on the charges of “Blasphemy” and “Insulting the Supreme Leader”.
Peyman Aref Summoned to Criminal Court

Persian2English — Peyman Aref, journalist and student activist who was recently released from prison, has been summoned to branch 1172 of the Tehran Criminal court. On July 17, Aref received a notice to appear at the court by 9:30 am on August 5 for the purpose of being tried on new, unfounded charges.

Peyman Aref’s recent court summons is related to a new case file against him issued on March 14, 2012, the day he was arrested for the fifth time since the aftermath of the 2009 Presidential election. The arrest occurred after a complaint against Aref was issued by Bahram Reshteh Ahmadi, Tehran’s Deputy Prosecutor in charge of prisons and Head of the Shahid Moghaddas Court in Evin Prison. Aref was charged with “Publishing lies with the intention to disturb public opinion through giving an interview with the Kaleme website”. Aref spoke to Kaleme in October 2011 following his release from prison. He spoke out about the brutal lashings he had to endure prior to his release from prison.

Bahram Reshteh Ahmadi is among the 17 Iranian authorities sanctioned by the European Union in March 2012.
FURTHER INFORMATION

Peyman Aref’s Roller Coaster Ride with the Iranian Judiciary

Student Activist Peyman Aref Released

Hossein Ronaghi Maleki’s Prison Leave Extended until August 1

Persian2English — Hossein Ronaghi Maleki, human rights activist and blogger who was released from prison on July 11 on an approximately million USD bail, will have his prison leave extended until August 1.
Ronaghi Maleki developed a severe kidney disease during his time in solitary confinement. He has lost the function in one kidney and risks to lose his second kidney. He is sentenced to 15 years in prison.
FURTHER INFORMATION on Hossein Ronaghi Maleki

Special thanks to Cyrus Irani and Babak Ahoura

http://persian2english.com/?p=24048

iraniam · Aug 1, 2012

Jailed activist, Narges Mohammadi released on bail

Nargess Mohammadi

Jailed human rights activist Nargess Mohammadi was finally given a temporary furlough today on bail of 600 million toumans.

The Human Rights Reporters Committee reports that Mohammadi, the deputy head of the Defenders of Human Rights Centre, was released Tuesday after three months and a week in jail.

The Melli Mazhabi website also reported that Mohammadi has been fiven a ten-day release to get treatment for her medical condition.

Mohammdi’s bail was raised from 500 million toumans to 600 million toumans.
Mohammadi, who reportedly suffers from periodic muscle paralysis, had fallen in prison and sustained injuries to her face.

Mohammadi was arrested in 2010 in the widespread crackdown on protesters who challenged the 2009 presidential election results. The crackdown included the overt persecution and arrest of human rights and women’s rights activists, student activists and journalists as well as prominent political reformists.

Mohammadi has been sentenced to six years in jail on the charge of “assembly and collusion against national security and membership in the Defenders of Human Rights as well as propaganda activities against the Islamic Republic regime.”

Two jailed journalists, Ahmad Zeidabadi and Mehdi Mahmoudian, as well as jailed student activists, Bahraeh Hedayat, Hassan Asadi Zeidabadi and Ali Malihi were also given furloughs earlier this month, Rafio Farda reports.

http://radiozamaneh.com/english/content/jailed-activist-released-bail

Internetzin · Aug 27, 2012

I am struggling to understand how it has all come to this. Dissent? It seems is punishable by the further removal of basic human/ womens rights.

Does capitulation to the silencing of dissent see the returning of basic human/women's rights? ( As poor as they were originally) Or is there something more fundamental afoot here. Is the voice of the people raised because they could see what was coming? I guess my question is a chicken or egg one.

Imperfect as any society is, I admired Irans culture and it's Educated people and it's modern approach to the education of women. I saw Irans role in this as setting forth a great example of how to balance religious belief and ancient values with the modern necessity of education for men and women.

I felt that the region in general could look to Iran and see how it could be done. I think now I got it wrong. When did it start to go wrong? Was I ever right? Was I naive to think that the theocrats were somewhat pragmatic and saw how beneficial it was for Iran to Educate, revere, and protect it's women folk? Very confused don't know what to think? All I know is this is truly the slow death of an impressive society.

Anonymous · Aug 27, 2012

Internetzin said: ↑

I am struggling to understand how it has all come to this. Dissent? It seems is punishable by the further removal of basic human/ womens rights.

Does capitulation to the silencing of dissent see the returning of basic human/women's rights? ( As poor as they were originally) Or is there something more fundamental afoot here. Is the voice of the people raised because they could see what was coming? I guess my question is a chicken or egg one.

Imperfect as any society is, I admired Irans culture and it's Educated people and it's modern approach to the education of women. I saw Irans role in this as setting forth a great example of how to balance religious belief and ancient values with the modern necessity of education for men and women.

I felt that the region in general could look to Iran and see how it could be done. I think now I got it wrong. When did it start to go wrong? Was I ever right? Was I naive to think that the theocrats were somewhat pragmatic and saw how beneficial it was for Iran to Educate, revere, and protect it's women folk? Very confused don't know what to think? All I know is this is truly the slow death of an impressive society.

lrn2history.

Internetzin · Aug 27, 2012

Will do.

iraniam · Sep 4, 2012

Nasrin Sotoudeh: Two Years Behind Bars, No Furlough

Reza Khandan with Mehraveh (left) and Nima (right)

TAKE ACTION TO FREE NASRIN SOTOUDEH(AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL)
PERSIAN2ENGLISH – September 4, 2012 marks two years of imprisonment for Nasrin Sotoudeh, prominent lawyer and human rights activist. She has not been given any days of furlough since her arrest and has been deprived of actual contact with her two young children. The courageous and resilient Nasrin is sentenced to six years in prison and banned from her profession for ten years.
In a note posted yesterday on Facebook, Nasrin’s husband, Reza Khandan described her arrest. The following is an English translation of his note:

It was Saturday, September 4th, 2010. Nasrin had left early in the morning to follow up on some cases. She returned around 10 o’clock. We went to the courtroom that day along with her lawyer, Ms. Ghanavi, but we weren’t prepared for Nasrin’s arrest. In the scorching heat there was a large crowd gathered in front of the court, making entry in the building very difficult. Nasrin informed a guard that she had been summoned. “They summoned me. If they can’t facilitate my entrance to the building, then I’ll return home. They can then go through the trouble of sending a car to pick me up,” she said. The guard finally opened the way, and Nasrin went through the large crowd and entered the court. She didn’t have the chance to say goodbye to me. She figured she would return within the hour. She didn’t even say goodbye to the kids.

Nasrin Sotoudeh seen embracing her husband Reza Khandan on May 29, 2011. Sotoudeh was brought in handcuffs from Evin prison to the Iran Bar Association to attend a hearing.
I had been a bit more pessimistic than her. I considered the possibility that they would keep her in jail and solitary confinement to ensure the pressures of imprisonment and being away from her children would force her to [eventually] leave the country. A few minutes later, Ms. Ghanavi exited the court and informed us that she was not permitted to be present during the questioning period. We left shortly after that but returned later with the hopes she would have been freed by then.

At 2:30PM we were under **Yadegar-e Imam Bridge. I ran into the father of one of Nasrin’s clients. He told us, “I tried a lot but I have been unable to reach Ms. Sotoudeh by phone. I thought perhaps it would be better to come here to see you.” He was aware that Nasrin had been summoned. He hid behind a column, hoping to run into us and get news on Nasrin.

Poster courtesy of Adam Evolution
It was around 3:30PM that Mehraveh [our daughter] called me sounding anxious, “Dad, a rude man called home and told me in a condescending tone to pass the phone to an elder. His phone number was not displayed. Since I was alone, I hung up on him and unplugged the phone so he would be unable to bother us again. I’m calling you from my cell phone.”

After my daughter had called, I quickly returned home. We went together to pick up Nima [our son] from day care. When we were near home, Nima asked where his mother was. I told him that mom would not be home tonight, that she had gone somewhere. His mother being away for a night was not unusual for Nima. However, the thought that his mother might not be there a second night was terrifying.

Tonight is exactly two years since [Nasrin's arrest]. Mehraveh and Nima have been deprived of their mother’s presence for 740 consecutive nights, not just two nights. Despite all the problems, the children have more or less come to terms with the facts. This is about the strength and resilience of human beings– a fact hatemongers tend to ignore.

Once, when we were returning home from a visit with Nasrin in prison, Mehraveh said: “Dad, the female agents who bring mom into the visit hall are very kind. Today, at the end of our visit, when Nima was saying goodbye to mom, one of the female agents stood in a corner and gently wiped her tears away.”
Written by, Reza Khandan
Translation, Siavosh Jalili___________________________________________
Translator’s notes
*Dadsara – where the magistrates and prosecutors are stationed. Preliminary investigations and evidence-gathering, and opening case files against defendants take place here.
**Yadegar-e Imam Bridge – In front of Evin Prison.

http://persian2english.com/?p=24166

anonysamvines · Sep 7, 2012

the sheer bravery of all these people, fighting so hard and peacefully for their country and future against such extreme suppression and brutality, both overwhelms and inspires me.

iraniam · Sep 17, 2012

After 19 Years in Prison, Political Prisoner Sews Lips and Starts Hunger Strike

An informed source told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that Mohammad Nazari, a Kurdish political prisoner at Rajaee Shahr Prison in Karaj, has sewn his lips shut and embarked on a hunger strike since August 28, 2012, to protest the judicial authorities’ disregard for his request for release.

“On Monday, August 27, Mohammad Nazari sent a letter to judicial authorities objecting to his conditions and stating that over the past several years, his family has pursued his case in the Revolutionary Courts in Mahabad and Orumiyeh and with the Supreme Leader’s Office, and each time they have been told that he would be released. But recently, after his family’s latest follow-up efforts with the Judiciary, authorities stated that he should have been executed when he was first convicted of ‘membership in the Kurdistan Democratic Party,’ and that he is only alive because of the Islamic Republic’s kindness and forgiveness. In his letter, Nazari refers to the prison deaths of two of his Kurdish cellmates, political prisoners Mohammad Mehdi Zalieh and Zaher Mostafaee, who faced slow deaths due to officials’ lack of attention to their illnesses after enduring about 20 years inside Orumiyeh and Rajaee Shahr prisons. Considering Mohammad Nazari’s more than 19 years inside Mahabad, Orumiyeh, and Rajaee Shahr Prisons, he stated to judicial authorities that he is no longer able to endure this slow death, asking them to either release or execute him,” the source told the Campaign.

Boukan security forces arrested then-23-year-old Mohammad Nazari, a resident of the town of Shahindej in Western Azerbaijan Province, on May 29, 1994, on charges of membership in the Kurdistan Democratic Party.

After three months’ detention in the Boukan Intelligence Office Detention Center, he was transferred to Mahabad Prison, where he was put on trial by Branch One of Mahabad Revolutionary Court on charges of “membership in the Kurdistan Democratic Party.” Six months later his case was forwarded to Branch One of Orumiyeh Revolutionary Court under Judge Jalilzadeh, and the court sentenced him to death. Despite appealing the decision, his death sentence was upheld. In 1999, Mohammad Nazari received one degree of forgiveness, reducing his sentence to life in prison. The source told the Campaign that after serving about 13.5 years at the Orumiyeh Central Prison, he and several other political prisoners were transferred to Rajaee Shahr Prison in November 2009.

“Two of this political prisoner’s cellmates who were transferred from Orumiyeh Prison to Rajaee Shahr Prison with him, Zaher Mostafaee [who died after 17 years in prison in March 2010], and Mohammad Mehdi Zali [who died after 21 years in prison in June 2012], became sick and died in prison due to a lack of attention to their treatment by authorities,” claimed the source.

The source also told the Campaign that on Monday, September 3, the head of Rajaee Shahr Prison, Mr. Moradi, and his deputy, Mr. Khadem, visited Nazari in his cell and talked to him about the reasons for his hunger strike, stating that his sentence is final and that they have no authority for a review of his judicial case. He was also briefly transferred to the prison infirmary for an examination on orders from the head of the Rajaee Shahr Prison that same day, and was returned to his cell, according to the source.

http://www.iranhumanrights.org/2012/09/nazari-2/

Anonymous · Sep 17, 2012

My prayers for Nasrin, Mehraveh and Nima, include that in spite of this injustice, and the time together stolen so cruelly, that their wills are made stronger for the experience of standing firmly by what is right and good in this world.Cold comfort, I know, for young children. I hope that the empathy displayed by the guard in wiping the tears away remains in their hearts and gives them some solace.

iraniam · Sep 19, 2012

United for Iran Highlights Ongoing Abuses at the 21st Session of the UN Human Rights Council

Geneva (18 September 2012) – United for Iran’s Puyan Mahmudian addressed the 21st UN Human Rights Council on a range of ongoing human rights violations in Iran. Mahmudian called upon Iran to allow access for the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, who authorities have denied entry to the country since the mandate’s establishment. Mahmudian further noted the climate of political repression, increased discrimination against women, and efforts to deny Iranian citizens online freedom and access to information. Additionally, he highlighted the deeply flawed penal code bill currently under consideration, which contravenes Iran’s international human rights obligations. Among other things, he urged authorities to end impunity for abuses, undertake a legitimate reform of the penal code, and ensure free and fair presidential elections in 2013.

A webcast and the full transcript of Mahmudian’s statement to the UN Human Rights Council can be viewed below.

Madam President,
I am speaking on behalf of the Democracy Coalition Project in coordination with United for Iran.
Since the Council established the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, Iranian authorities have not allowed him access to the country, despite repeated calls for cooperation by the UN Secretary-General, the UN General Assembly, and this esteemed body.

Yet violations continue pervasively against Iranian citizens, while those responsible for abuses enjoy impunity. Iran’s leadership has failed to launch a credible investigation into the killings and torture of protesters and civil society activists since 2009.

At least 500 political prisoners are languishing in prisons, and earlier this year, Iran executed four political prisoners from its Arab minority.

With presidential elections approaching, the climate of repression must be addressed. Opposition leaders remain under house arrest, while key opposition parties have been banned or severely restricted. We call on Iran to allow for free and fair elections with international observation.

Discrimination against women is worsening. Last month, Iranian universities announced a new quota policy, effectively banning women from 77 fields of higher education.

The National Internet project is of utmost concern, and comes in contravention of the Council’s determination that access to the internet is a right that must be upheld. We urge Iran to abandon plans aimed to restrict their citizen’s access to information.

Lastly, Iran’s new penal bill fails to prohibit stoning, allows for child executions, and expands vague national security laws that are used to persecute dissenters.

We call on Iran to allow access for the Special Rapporteur; to end impunity for human rights abusers; to release political prisoners and ensure free and fair elections; to end discrimination against women and minorities; to abandon its national internet project; and to undertake a legitimate reform of its penal code.

Thank you.

For video please click on the link:
http://www.united4iran.org/2012/09/united-for-iran-highlights-ongoing-abuses-in-iran-at-the-21st-session-of-the-un-human-rights-council[/QUOTE]

iraniam · Sep 21, 2012

Majid Tavakoli is the Winner of the Student Peace Prize

Iran Human Rights, September 21: Majid Tavakoli, prominent Iranian student leader activist, was announced the winner of the 2013 Student Peace Prize this morning. The announcement was made today to coincide with the United Nations’ International Day of Peace.

The prize committee acknowledged Tavakoli for his "non- violent fight for freedom of speech and democracy." The Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, commenting on the win, said: “The Student Peace Price is this year awarded to a young and brave person.” The Peace Prize’s website wrote: "The winner of the Student Peace Prize has thus become a symbol and a representative for Iranian students and political activists alike."

Majid Tavakoli is currently held in Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj. He was majoring in shipbuilding when he was violently arrested on December 7, 2009, Iranian National Student Day. He was reportedly arrested after delivering a speech at Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran. Sources have said Tavakoli’s speech criticized high-ranking regime officials, including Ali Khamenei, the leader of Iran.

The Student Peace Prize is awarded biannually, on behalf of all Norwegian students. Majid Tavakoli will be honored with a ceremony during ISFiT (International Student Festival in Trondheim) and will also receive a personalized monument in Jomfrugata in Trondheim, as a part of the “Walk of Peace”.

MORE INFORMATION ON MAJID TAVAKOLI
He was initially transferred to Evin prison and endured long periods in solitary confinement, subjected to physical and psychological torture. He was transferred to Rajai Shahr prison in August 2010. He has launched multiple hunger strikes in prison, leading to the deterioration of his health. There were reports in 2010 that he was suffering from abdominal bleeding.

He was first arrested in 2007 for protesting Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s presence at Amirkabir University. He was held in prison for 15 months and tortured. He was arrested again in March 2009, during a memorial ceremony for Mehdi Bazargan. He endured 115 days in solitary confinement in Evin Prison before his release on bail.

The Tehran Appeals Court sentenced Majid Tavakoli to a total of nine years in prison: 5 years for "Association and collusion with the intent to act against national security", 1 year for "Propaganda against the regime", 2 years for "Insulting the Supreme Leader", and 6 months for "Insulting the President". In November 2011, the Tehran Appeals Court issued an additional 6 months for a fresh charge of "Propaganda against the regime".

http://www.iranhr.net/spip.php?article2580

iraniam · Sep 28, 2012

Sotoudeh Nominated for Sakharov Prize, Denied In-person Visitation for Writing Defense on Tissue

Nasrin Sotoudeh, imprisoned lawyer and human rights activist, was nominated this week for the prestigious European Union Sakharov Human Rights Prize. News of her nomination arrived just as she has been deprived of in-person visitation because she wrote her defense bill on a tissue paper. In an interview with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, Sotoudeh’s husband said that his wife has been deprived of visiting with her two young children in person for three months now and has not been allowed to visit with her mother and brother for the past year, even through a booth.

“All other prisoners more or less enjoy the privilege of in-person visitations, but Nasrin, despite having two young children, has been denied this privilege for nearly three months now. She was denied this because she wrote her defense bill on tissue paper. She was preparing for her upcoming court trial in the Bar Association last June. Instead of respectfully giving her pen and paper to write her defense bill, the prison authorities deprived her of in-person visitations for secretly writing her defense on tissue paper, and took away the tissue,” Reza Khandan told the Campaign. “Her mother and brother have been deprived of visiting her even through a booth for almost a year,” he added.

Speaking of Sotoudeh’s physical condition, Khandan told the Campaign, “She is so weak and skinny, she is hardly recognizable. She was telling me today in our visit that when Faezah Hashemi came to the ward [this week] and talked to other prisoners, she inquired about her, asking whether Nasrin Soutodeh was among them. This is while Nasrin was sitting right in front of her! Nasrin’s appearance has changed so much; she is so skinny, and her eyes are hollowed, to the point where she is no longer recognizable. Nasrin is no longer like the person in the photos that were distributed everywhere. Her cellmates told Faezeh Hashemi that Nasrin was sitting right in front of her!”

Asked about Sotoudeh’s reaction to news of her nomination for a Sakharov Prize, Khandan said, “Just today [Wednesday, September 26], I visited with Nasrin through a booth, but ahead of me, families of other prisoners had already given her the news at the Sunday visitation, so Nasrin was aware of this development and was very happy. In her present state, hearing this kind of news and learning about all the support is very helpful to her and brings her happiness, but I wish her conditions would improve.”

Nasrin Soutodeh and Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi together represent one of the five nominees for the Sakharov Human Rights Prize. The five finalists for the European Union Human Rights Prize, known as Sakharov, were announced in the last few days. Nasrin Soutodeh and Jafar Panahi, the Iranian filmmaker sentenced to six years in prison and a 20-years ban on filmmaking, foreign travel, and interviews with domestic and international media outlets, are jointly one of the five nominees for the prize. The winner of this year’s award will be announced during an official ceremony in the city of Strasbourg, France, on October 23, 2012.

http://www.iranhumanrights.org/2012/09/sotoudeh_visi/

anonysamvines · Sep 28, 2012

it's good to know that these things help sustain people during such shitty times.

iraniam · Sep 30, 2012

Iran's leading human rights lawyer begins serving out 9-year jail term

GVF — A prominent Iranian human rights lawyer has begun serving out a nine-year jail-term.
According to opposition site Kaleme, Mohammad Ali Dadkhah has been transferred to ward 350 of the notorious Evin Prison in order to serve out the lengthy prison sentence.

In May 2011, Dadkhah was tried for charges such as membership in human rights organisation, and giving interviews to foreign media. In July that year, Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court sentenced him to nine years in prison and a ten-year ban on his legal practice and teaching.

Dadkhah has handled the cases of many political dissident and student activists arrested in the aftermath of the widely contested 2009 presidential election, including blogger Hossein Ronaghi Maleki and veteran political figure Ebrahim Yazdi.

He has also defended Youcef Naderkhani, a Christian pastor who was on death row for apostasy. Naderkhani was recently released after enduring three years of imprisonment.

Dadkhah is a member of the Defenders of Human Rights Centre (DHRC), a rights organisation headed by Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi. Most of the organisation’s leading figures including Mohammad Seifzadeh, Abdolfattah Soltani and Nasrin Sotoudeh are currently in prison for their activities as human rights lawyers.

http://en.irangreenvoice.com/article/2012/sep/30/3832

Xenu Is Lord · Sep 30, 2012

Where is the CCHR when you need them?

iraniam · Oct 1, 2012

Iran must release human rights defender Mohammad Ali Dadkhah

Iranian human rights defender and lawyer Mohammad Ali Dadkhah must be immediately and unconditionally released, Amnesty International said, after he was called to begin a nine-year prison sentence at Tehran’s Evin prison on Saturday.

Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, co-founder of Iran’s Centre for Human Rights Defenders (CHRD), was sentenced in July last year after being convicted of charges including “membership of an association [the CHRD] seeking the soft overthrow of the government” and “spreading propaganda against the system through interviews with foreign media”.

He was also banned from practising law and teaching for 10 years.

"Mohammad Ali Dadkhah is the fourth member of the CHRD to have been imprisoned in the last 18 months. He should never have been put on trial for his legitimate human rights activities - the Iranian authorities must overturn his conviction and sentence and release him immediately and unconditionally,” said Ann Harrison, Deputy Middle East and North Africa Programme Director at Amnesty International.

" Pending his unconditional release, the authorities must also ensure he is protected from torture or other ill-treatment, that he is provided with all necessary medical care and receives full and unrestricted access to his family and a lawyer of his choice."

Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, who is currently believed to be held in Section 350 of Evin prison, where many other political prisoners are also held, was tortured and otherwise ill-treated during his imprisonment there in 2009 when he was held for 74 days - the majority of it spent in solitary confinement.

He has represented many prominent clients, including former prisoner of conscience Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, who was acquitted and released from prison in September after facing a possible death sentence for alleged “apostasy from Islam”.

He also defended writer Arzhang Davoodi, the 60-year-old has been imprisoned since October 2003 and is facing the new charge of “enmity against God” (moharebeh) as a result of his peaceful political activism from within prison.

“Mohammad Ali Dadkhah and other human rights defenders should be encouraged and supported in their lawful and important work instead of being persecuted for their activism,” said Harrison.

“The continued harassment and punitive measures levelled against them and others with dissenting points of view are yet another nail in the coffin of Iran’s commitment to upholding its international human rights obligations.

“What hope do those arrested in Iran for peacefully expressing their views have that their rights will be respected when so many human rights defenders have been put behind bars or driven from the country for trying to defend others in a similar situation?”

Background

The CHRD, which was co-founded and led by Nobel Peace Laureate Shirin Ebadi, was forcibly closed by the Iranian authorities in December 2008.

Its members have faced repeated harassment, intimidation, arrest and imprisonment as they have continued their work in supporting human rights.

Abdolfattah Soltani, a prominent lawyer and co-founder of the CHRD who has been held in Tehran’s Evin Prison since his September 2011 arrest, is currently serving a 13-year prison sentence.

Another lawyer and founding member of the CHRD, Mohammad Seyfzadeh, is currently serving a two-year sentence.

Amnesty International considers them to be prisoners of conscience imprisoned for their peaceful exercise of their rights to freedom of expression and association.

Narges Mohammadi, the executive chairperson of the CHRD and mother of two young children, began serving a six-year prison sentence in April 2012 and was granted temporary medical leave on 31 July 2012 to obtain medical treatment, including for seizures and temporary loss of vision.

The UN Human Rights Committee, which oversees implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, expressed concern in November 2011 “about continuing reports of harassment or intimidation, prohibition and forceful breaking up of demonstrations, and arrests and arbitrary detentions of human rights defenders” in Iran.

The committee added that “human rights defenders and defence lawyers often serve prison sentences based on vaguely formulated crimes such as ‘mohareb’ (enemy of God) or the spreading of propaganda against the establishment”.

It recommended that all human rights defenders (HRDs) detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their rights to freedom of assembly and association should be released immediately and unconditionally and that threats, harassment and assault on HRDs should be promptly, effectively and impartially investigated, with the prosecution of perpetrators where appropriate.

Amnesty International has repeatedly called on the Iranian authorities to end the persecution of HRDs for their peaceful and legitimate work in defending the human rights of others. While many are now in prison, still others have been forced to leave the country for their own safety.
This is an amended version of an earlier story.

http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/news...se-human-rights-defender-mohammad-ali-dadkhah

iraniam · Oct 2, 2012

UN Human Rights Office Calls Out Iranian Crackdown on Critical Voices

a statement released October 2, 2012, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations expressed its concern over “the arrest and imprisonment of several prominent human rights defenders, journalists and political activists in … Iran in the past two weeks.” The OHCHR warned of “a further severe clamp down [sic] on critical voices in the country.”

The statement references six specific cases of human rights defenders, journalists, and activists imprisoned in Iran in the last two weeks of September 2012. The OHCHR expressed concern about lawyer Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, co-founder of the Defenders of Human Rights Center, imprisoned September 29; journalist Mehdi Rahmanian, publisher of the Daily Shargh, arrested September 26; journalist Ali Akbar Javanfekr, press advisor to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and head of Iran’s state-run news agency (IRNA), arrested September 26; journalist Parisa Hafezi, Reuters Iran bureau chief, charged with spreading propaganda; former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani’s daughter and son Faezeh Hashemi and Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani, arrested on September 22 and 24 for their participation in a 2011 opposition rally and the 2009 post-election protests. The statement also mentioned lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, an internationally prominent human rights defender and nominee for the Martin Ennals human rights award, currently serving a six-year sentence.

“The arrests and harsh sentences imposed on such figures reflect a disturbing trend apparently aimed at curbing freedom of expression, opinion and association, which are guaranteed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a State party,” the OHCHR statement said.

“We urge the Government of Iran to promptly release all those who have been arrested for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights,” it concluded.

https://www.iranhumanrights.org/2012/10/ohchr_crackdown/

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