Middle East Public date: 24.08.2017 23:12:18

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7 Dec 2010

Iran refuses enrichment halt

Iran will refuse to talk about stopping its enrichment of uranium at the next meeting in January on its nuclear programme with six major powers, the country's chief nuclear negotiator says. "I am announcing openly and clearly that Iran will not discuss a uranium enrichment halt in the next meeting in Istanbul with major powers," Saeed Jalili said on Tuesday, after two days of talks with the six powers in Geneva. Any discussions between world powers and Iran on Tehran's disputed nuclear programme must be based on co-operation, he said, and not pressure.
Iran will refuse to talk about stopping its enrichment of uranium at the next meeting in January on its nuclear...

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7 Dec 2010

In Iran, Divorce Soars, Stirring Fears of Society in Crisis

The numbers are still modest compared with the United States, which typically records about a million divorces a year in a population about four times as large. But for Iran, with a conservative Islamic culture that strongly discourages divorce, the trend is striking, and shows few signs of slowing. In the last Iranian calendar year, ending in March, divorces were up 16 percent from the year before, compared with a 1 percent increase in marriages.
The numbers are still modest compared with the United States, which typically records about a million divorces a year in...

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7 Dec 2010

More Than 1000 Students at Islamic Azad University of Qazvin University Shout, ‘Death to Dictator!’

Protests in commemoration of Student Day began at Ghalam Circle with more than 1000 students. They started with shouting the slogan, Ya Hossein, Mir Hossein while the Basij forces threatened them with arrest and took videos of the protesting students. According to Daneshjoo News, the students sang Yare Dabestani [My school sweetheart] and yelled Our Ashkan is not dead! and Our Amir is not dead! in memory of these two students who were slain by the government forces last year after elections. They protested against the thugs who have arrested fellow students.
Protests in commemoration of Student Day began at Ghalam Circle with more than 1000 students. They started with shouting...

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7 Dec 2010

Clashes Continue Between Polytechnic Students and Basij, 4 Students Arrested

According to Daneshjoo News, during clashes between students and security forces, four students were arrested on the orders of Mr. Bagheri, a school security administrator who has played a large role in the repressions that have occurred in the past years. A number of the school custodians also helped for this to take place. There is still no news from those arrested.
According to Daneshjoo News, during clashes between students and security forces, four students were arrested on the...

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7 Dec 2010

Resistance and National Students’ Day

But in Iran's capital, the developments were far from scripted: on the eve of National Students Day, hundreds of those students turned out at Tehran University to shout defiance. For the first time in many weeks, mass chants of "Ya Hossein Mir Hossein", "Free the Political Prisoners", and even "Marg Bar Dictator" (Death to the Dictator) were heard.
But in Iran's capital, the developments were far from scripted: on the eve of National Students Day, hundreds of those...

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7 Dec 2010

The Regime’s Ninja Assassins

In September 2009, an Iranian political source --- who also happens to be trained in martial arts --- tells the US Embassy in Azerbaijan that the regime is pressuring martial arts clubs, despite suspicions that they could be assisting opposition groups, to provide instruction for the Ministry of Intelligence and the Revolutionary Guards.
In September 2009, an Iranian political source --- who also happens to be trained in martial arts --- tells the US...

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7 Dec 2010

Little hope for release of Cdn. resident facing Iranian death sentence expert

Any Canadian attempts to secure the release of a Richmond Hill, Ont., website developer facing the death penalty in Iran for allegedly designing 'adult' websites are unlikely to be successful, says an expert in Middle East politics. Saeed Malekpour, a 35-year-old Iranian-born Canadian resident, was sentenced to death Saturday by an Iranian judge after being charged with so-called 'Internet offences,' including 'taking action against national security by designing and moderating adult content websites,' as well as 'agitation against the regime' and 'insulting the sanctity of Islam.'
Any Canadian attempts to secure the release of a Richmond Hill, Ont., website developer facing the death penalty in Iran...
6 Dec 2010

Iran cracks down on Sunni clerics

The leaders of Shi'ite-majority Iran are growing increasingly impatient with the Sunni clergy in the southeastern province of Sistan-Balochistan. The shift in official mood appears to reflect falling confidence in once-favored Muslim leaders, in a region where the government worries about Sunni fundamentalism and separatism. In October, two son-in-laws of Maulana Abdulhamid Esmail-Zehi, the most prominent Sunni cleric in Iran, Abdulalim Shahbakhsh and Hafez Esmail Molla-Zehi, were arrested.
The leaders of Shi'ite-majority Iran are growing increasingly impatient with the Sunni clergy in the southeastern...

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6 Dec 2010

Geneva hosts Iran nuclear talks

Iran has began talks on its controversial nuclear programme with global powers, 14 months after a previous round of negotiations broke off. The talks, which started in the Swiss city of Geneva on Monday, are spearheaded by Catherine Ashton, the European Union's top diplomat, who will be negotiating on behalf of the five UN Security Council members - Britain, France, the US, Russia and China - plus Germany.
Iran has began talks on its controversial nuclear programme with global powers, 14 months after a previous round of...

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5 Dec 2010

Iran unveils use of locally mined uranium for the first time

Iran took a step towards nuclear self-sufficiency today, using locally mined uranium for the first time in an act of defiance to the west on the eve of the resumption of talks over its atomic programme. The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran announced it had used domestically produced uranium yellowcake (refined ore) at its conversion plant in Isfahan. The mining and milling of uranium ore is not banned by UN resolutions (which focus on uranium enrichment), but one of the ways the international community has sought to close down Iran's nuclear programme is to stop it importing yellowcake
Iran took a step towards nuclear self-sufficiency today, using locally mined uranium for the first time in an act of...

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5 Dec 2010

Nuclear Talks Cannot Ignore Terrible Human Rights Situation and Free Speech in Iran

Reporters Without Borders has written to the foreign ministers of the six countries conducting negotiations with Iran about its nuclear programme - Germany, China, United States, France, Britain and Russia - urging them to raise the subject of freedom of expression in Iran with their Iranian counterpart when talks resume next week.
Reporters Without Borders has written to the foreign ministers of the six countries conducting negotiations with Iran...

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5 Dec 2010

Iranian official’s speech highlights obstinacy, isolation

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said Saturday that Iran hoped for "constructive talks" with world powers on Monday and Tuesday but left little doubt that the gaps between the two sides remain almost insurmountable. Speaking to a security forum here one day after Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton assured the same gathering of a "good faith" effort in the negotiations, Mottaki was by turns caustic and defiant, both on stage and at a news conference. He insisted Iran had no interest in possessing a nuclear weapon, that sanctions had had "no impact" and that the real problem in the region was a "Zionist regime" that had "hundreds of nuclear warheads in occupied Palestine."
Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said Saturday that Iran hoped for "constructive talks" with world powers on...

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3 Dec 2010

Dirty tricks and sticky bombs in Iran

While one target survived, the "sticky bomb" attacks on two high-ranking Iranian nuclear scientists in Tehran this week have dealt a blow to the program ahead of international talks on Iran. The sophisticated, clinical and coordinated nature of the incidents suggest a resourceful foreign power has a covert destabilization campaign underway, with indigenous militants used for the final deployment. - Ben West (Dec 3, '10)
While one target survived, the "sticky bomb" attacks on two high-ranking Iranian nuclear scientists in Tehran this week...

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2 Dec 2010

Obama’s Policy – All Tactics, No Strategy

In many ways, in the twenty-two months since Barack Obama took office not much has changed in U.S.-Iran relations. With upcoming talks in early December, it is unlikely that changes in the status quo will occur in the interim. At this point, neither the location nor the agenda for talks have been set. There is also little goodwill on both sides. Nonetheless, there is a perceptible shift in the diplomatic winds between the two countries that may signal an end to this enduring saga, even if it may be slow in coming. Ironically, the change has much to do with the Obama Administration s decision to play the last card short of military action, namely, sanctions that bite , as well as its declared refusal to settle for containment. As Defense Secretary Gates stated, I don t think we are ever prepared to talk about containing a nuclear Iran. Our view is that a nuclear Iran is unacceptable.
In many ways, in the twenty-two months since Barack Obama took office not much has changed in U.S.-Iran relations. With...
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2 Dec 2010

Ali Saremi Writes on Deplorable Conditions in Gohardasht ‘Rajai Shahr’ Prison

Ali Saremi is a 62 year old political prisoner who has spent more than 20 years in captivity. He is one of the oldest prisoners, serving one of the longest prison sentences in Iran. During these years, Ali Saremi has endured torture and medieval prison conditions but has persevered with determination and ironclad will to attain freedom and democracy for Iran. The following is a report written by Ali Saremi to describe the deplorable conditions in Iran s Gohardasht Rajai Shahr prison in the city of Karaj.
Ali Saremi is a 62 year old political prisoner who has spent more than 20 years in captivity. He is one of the oldest...

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2 Dec 2010

Tehran Air Pollution Keeps Iran’s Capital Shut Down Amid ‘Unbreathable’ Smog

In Tehran's northern suburbs, 24-year-old Sepehr Shaygan is nursing a stubborn headache he blames on the smog. His mother puts on a surgical mask to do the shopping for a barbecue on the roof. The family then peered out into a soup of yellow haze instead of the vista of cityscape and distant mountains when the weather is clear.
In Tehran's northern suburbs, 24-year-old Sepehr Shaygan is nursing a stubborn headache he blames on the smog. His...
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1 Dec 2010

Shahla Jahed Iran executes woman accused of murdering lover’s wife

An Iranian woman convicted of murdering the wife of her football player lover was hanged in Iran early today, state news agencies reported. "A few minutes ago, Shahla Jahed was hanged in the courtyard of Tehran's Evin prison after 3,063 days of being kept in prison," the Fars news agency said. Islamic Republic Student Agency (ISNA) said that Jahed was hanged at 5am, in the presence of the murdered wife's family. According to Iranian law, her life could have been spared if the family of the murdered woman pardoned her. Iran executes those sentenced to death before the Islamic morning call for prayer.
An Iranian woman convicted of murdering the wife of her football player lover was hanged in Iran early today, state news...
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1 Dec 2010

Lion’s Den Islamist Turkey vs. secular Iran

As the secular Turkey founded by Atat rk threatens to sink under a wave of Islamism, the Islamist Iranian state founded by Khomeini is apparently teetering on brink of secularism.
As the secular Turkey founded by Atat rk threatens to sink under a wave of Islamism, the Islamist Iranian state founded...
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30 Nov 2010

Needle Exchange in Iran

This is a story about a courageous policy in an unexpected place. In this place homeless shelters have vending machines selling clean syringes for injecting drugs. Drug users are not prosecuted as long as they are in treatment programs. Drug addicts are given clean needles and methadone maintenance therapy - available on a widespread basis even in prison. These tactics have worked to reduce crime, lower H.I.V. rates among drug users and keep AIDS from spreading out into the general population. The place is not Amsterdam. It is Tehran.
This is a story about a courageous policy in an unexpected place. In this place homeless shelters have vending machines...

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30 Nov 2010

Needle Exchange in Iran

This is a story about a courageous policy in an unexpected place. In this place homeless shelters have vending machines selling clean syringes for injecting drugs. Drug users are not prosecuted as long as they are in treatment programs. Drug addicts are given clean needles and methadone maintenance therapy - available on a widespread basis even in prison. These tactics have worked to reduce crime, lower H.I.V. rates among drug users and keep AIDS from spreading out into the general population. The place is not Amsterdam. It is Tehran.
This is a story about a courageous policy in an unexpected place. In this place homeless shelters have vending machines...

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29 Nov 2010

Who is killing Iran’s nuclear scientists?

The last possibility is that these scientists have been killed by the state either for giving away secrets, or on suspicion of contemplating defection. The fact that that two of the victims were members of the Sesame Council, with contact with Israelis and westerners, could be seen as possible pointers in that direction.
The last possibility is that these scientists have been killed by the state either for giving away secrets, or on...

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29 Nov 2010

Air pollution lingering in Tehran

An air pollution emergency taskforce held a meeting on Sunday to discuss the choking pollution in the Iranian capital, Mehr news agency reported. The committee announced that the quality of air in Tehran will be critical throughout the remainder of the week.
An air pollution emergency taskforce held a meeting on Sunday to discuss the choking pollution in the Iranian capital,...

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29 Nov 2010

Bomb Kills Iranian Nuclear Scientist

Unidentified assailants riding motorcycles launched bomb attacks early on Monday against two Iranian nuclear physicists here, killing one of them and prompting accusations in the state-run media that the United States and Israel were behind the episode.
Unidentified assailants riding motorcycles launched bomb attacks early on Monday against two Iranian nuclear physicists...

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29 Nov 2010

Wikileaks-Iran Analysis What This Means For Tehran and Arab States (Tehrani)

The latest Wikileaks "dump" of previously secret US diplomatic communication gives us little in the way of new information on the Islamic Republic of Iran. There is no smoking gun on the atomic programme nor any new revelation on the Iranian meddling in Iraq, Lebanon and beyond. However, the documents provide an illuminating confirmation of what many could have previously sensed to be the prevailing mood within the Middle East regarding the regime run by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Ali Khamenei
The latest Wikileaks "dump" of previously secret US diplomatic communication gives us little in the way of new...
29 Nov 2010

Nuclear dilemma Israel vs. Iran

The year, as I recall, was 1994. The setting: a small, discreet restaurant in Herzliya, a northern suburb of Tel Aviv. During dinner with an Israeli official, I expressed the opinion that all efforts to deny weapons of mass destruction to so-called rogue Middle Eastern regimes, whether through sanctions, embargoes or otherwise, could at best be considered delaying actions
The year, as I recall, was 1994. The setting: a small, discreet restaurant in Herzliya, a northern suburb of Tel Aviv....

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29 Nov 2010

Iran Stirs Distress in Mideast

In late May 2009, Israel s defense minister, Ehud Barak, used a visit from a Congressional delegation to send a pointed message to the new American president. In a secret cable sent back to Washington, the American ambassador to Israel, James B. Cunningham, reported that Mr. Barak had argued that the world had 6 to 18 months in which stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons might still be viable. After that, Mr. Barak said, any military solution would result in unacceptable collateral damage.
In late May 2009, Israel s defense minister, Ehud Barak, used a visit from a Congressional delegation to send a pointed...

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29 Nov 2010

WikiLeaks documents shed light on U.S.-Israel talks over Iran

Diplomatic cables obtained by the website WikiLeaks show a continuous dialogue between Israel and the United States about the threat posed by Iran, with the Israeli defense minister and other Israeli officials suggesting that 2010 would be a critical year.
Diplomatic cables obtained by the website WikiLeaks show a continuous dialogue between Israel and the United States...

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27 Nov 2010

Hariri Visits Iran to Lobby for Stability

Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri visits Iran on Saturday, seeking its help to prevent political tensions turning violent if a U.N.-backed tribunal indicts Hezbollah members for killing his father. Western diplomats have said that the tribunal could indict members of Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran and Syria, by early next year for the 2005 bombing which killed former premier Rafik al-Hariri and 21 others.
Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri visits Iran on Saturday, seeking its help to prevent political tensions turning...

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25 Nov 2010

Minorities under Mullahs’ Regime

The Islamic Republic of Iran places the Shiite sect of Islam at the heart of the state apparatus. The Islamisation of all life, based on Khomeini s own interpretation of Islam, is the central policy of the Islamic ruling elite. Religious minorities, which include the Sunnite sect of Islam, Christian, Jews, Zoroastrians, and Baha'is, compromised about 10 [...]
The Islamic Republic of Iran places the Shiite sect of Islam at the heart of the state apparatus. The Islamisation of...

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25 Nov 2010

Mohammad Mostafaei Writes Letter to Ban Ki-moon on Situation of Iranian Refugees

As you are aware and there exists numerous supporting reasons and evidence, the current social, judicial, and political conditions in the Islamic Republic of Iran are such that Iranian citizens are forced to leave their homeland by legal or illegal means. This exodus is occurring because Iranians fear repercussion and confrontation with security and judicial forces that alongside the government arrest and torture Iranian people due to their religious, social, and political affiliations.
As you are aware and there exists numerous supporting reasons and evidence, the current social, judicial, and political...

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24 Nov 2010

Assembly Pushes to Oust Iran President

Iran's parliament revealed it planned to impeach President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad but refrained under orders from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, exposing a deepening division within the regime. Lawmakers also launched a new petition to bring a debate on the president's impeachment, conservative newspapers reported Monday. The reports of challenges to Mr. Ahmadinejad were intended as retorts to a powerful body of clerics that urged Mr. Khamenei to curb the parliament's authority and give greater clout to the president.
Iran's parliament revealed it planned to impeach President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad but refrained under orders from Supreme...

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22 Nov 2010

Judiciary’s Larijani on Sakineh, Nukes, and Israel

In the American tour of Mohammad Javad Larijani, the high-level official Iran's judiciary, this is a fine example of how not to conduct an interview. CNN's Fareed Zakaria, with the nominal "head of the human rights section" before him, reduces all the human rights issues in Iran to one case --- that of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, the woman condemned to death for adultery and then complicity in the death of her husband. Unsurprisingly, Larijani is ready for this headline example and knocks back Zakaria's portrayal of the cruelty of stoning.
In the American tour of Mohammad Javad Larijani, the high-level official Iran's judiciary, this is a fine example of how...

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22 Nov 2010

Sixty Publishers and Administrators of Persian Internet Sites Arrested

The spokesman for Iran s Judiciary branch, in addressing the government s approach to dealing with Persian internet sites, stated that individual cases have been followed up and pursued, and those found guilty have been sentenced. The same spokesman also added that sixty individuals were identified and arrested by a task force working for Iran s intelligence agencies including that of Iran s Army of the Guardians. These individuals were operating in a network active in several of Iran s provinces.
The spokesman for Iran s Judiciary branch, in addressing the government s approach to dealing with Persian internet...

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22 Nov 2010

Hossein Khezri, Kurdish Political Activist Sentenced to Death as “Enemy of God”

Hossein Khezri is a 28 year old Iranian Kurdish political activist who was arrested in Kermanshah on July 31, 2008 by the Nabi Akram Sepah branch. He suffered inhuman and despicable physical and psychological torture while under interrogation for 49 days in the Kermanshah detention center. The abuse was so much that his eyesight is now severely damaged. On May 11, 2009, he was transferred to Orumiyeh prison [in the Western Azerbaijan province].
Hossein Khezri is a 28 year old Iranian Kurdish political activist who was arrested in Kermanshah on July 31, 2008 by...

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22 Nov 2010

Judiciary’s Larijani on Detained Sotoudeh and on US Hikers

In his public-relations tour in New York, Mohammad Javad Larijani, the head of the human rights section of the Iranian judiciary, explains to NBC television that attorney Nasrine Sotoudeh was detained in early September as "a threat to national security". The threat? "She indulged in propaganda against Islam."
In his public-relations tour in New York, Mohammad Javad Larijani, the head of the human rights section of the Iranian...

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22 Nov 2010

VOA’s duplicitous Pro-Islamic regime Broadcasts

Massive budget increases for the Voice of America's Persian News Network (PNN) since 2006 have quadrupled the number of broadcasting employees without enhancing the quality of the programs they produce or the audience they reach. Worse, when it comes to influencing behavior, or even just promoting a culture of democratic values, we are getting no bang for our bucks. In many cases, PNN's programming actually has made things worse by making the United States appear a feckless power, uninterested in the struggle of the Iranian people for freedom.
Massive budget increases for the Voice of America's Persian News Network (PNN) since 2006 have quadrupled the number of...
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21 Nov 2010

Iranian Students Call For Protests On Student Day, Dec 7th

According to Jaras, in the statement the students stated: In the past year we have witnessed incidents such as street protests (in which our citizens were massacred), the scandal at Kahrizak prison, the brutal attack on the University of Tehran dormitories, forced confessions of activists in prison, the arrest and imprisonment of thousands of innocent individuals, indiscriminate executions of individuals and thousands of other illicit acts, all in violation of our nation s laws. - They call upon all student organizations and associations to participate in a nationwide strike by students in order to ensure that the roar for freedom is heard by the oppressors and freedom seekers across the globe.
According to Jaras, in the statement the students stated: In the past year we have witnessed incidents such as street...

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20 Nov 2010

In Qom, the Mullahs are Worried

Iran's 'Supreme Guide' Ali Khamenei is not a travelling man. He has not set foot out of Iran since 1988 partly for fears that an international arrest warrant issued against him by Interpol on behalf of a German court, which found him guilty of ordering the assassination of Kurdish dissidents in Berlin, may cause him a spot of bother. He is also reluctant to travel inside Iran, cocooning himself in his palace in the foothills of Alborz. So, it is something of a surprise that the 'Supreme Guide' has found enough time this month to visit Qom, a provincial centre some 90 miles south of Tehran, on two occasions.
Iran's 'Supreme Guide' Ali Khamenei is not a travelling man. He has not set foot out of Iran since 1988 partly for fears...
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19 Nov 2010

Get Involved: Calling to Iranian studenets abroad to commemorate 16 Azar, Iranian Student Day

With Students Day, December 7th (16 Azar) fast approaching, a group of Green students and student activists abroad are calling upon all Iranian students abroad to simultaneously organize gatherings in order to commemorate this important day across the globe.
With Students Day, December 7th (16 Azar) fast approaching, a group of Green students and student activists abroad are...
19 Nov 2010

Faster, Please! -The Blind Who Will Not See The President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Iranian Death Spiral

I sometimes wonder where some of our smartest people get their ideas. Take Defense Secretary Bob Gates, for example. Discussing the possibility of military action against Iranian nuclear weapons facilities, he said: And if it s a military solution, as far as I m concerned, it will bring together a divided nation, it will make them absolutely committed to attaining nuclear weapons and they will just go deeper and more covert.
I sometimes wonder where some of our smartest people get their ideas. Take Defense Secretary Bob Gates, for example....

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19 Nov 2010

Lawyer Shadi Sadr What Do We Mean By Violations of Human Rights

Choosing a topic for my speech tonight was both easy and difficult. It was easy because I knew I will be speaking to a crowd well aware of the violations of human rights in Iran. And it was difficult because I was not sure what comes to your minds when I say violation of human rights in Iran. Would it be the violent crushing of the demonstrators after the 2009 election? Would the torture and violation of the rights of the prisoners be what comes to your minds? Will you be reminded of the stoning sentences carried out? Would you remember the legal and executive discriminations against women? What about the details? How many names come to your minds? How many faces have been burned on your mind? How many victims? How many human rights violators? Do you remember any names at all or just an overall picture; somewhere in the world that we can find on the map, with difficulty at times, human rights in general are being violated and in general, we oppose violations of human rights.
Choosing a topic for my speech tonight was both easy and difficult. It was easy because I knew I will be speaking to a...
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18 Nov 2010

France Says Diplomats Attacked In Iran – Radio Free Europe

France has accused Iranian security services of committing "unacceptable acts of violence" on French diplomatic personnel in Tehran. The French Foreign Ministry said in a statement today that the entry to the French Embassy residence in Tehran was blocked by unidentified officials on November 14.
France has accused Iranian security services of committing "unacceptable acts of violence" on French diplomatic...
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17 Nov 2010

Mohammad Mostafaei Writes First and Final Letter to Supreme Leader Khamenei

This is the first time I am writing a letter addressed to you; it will also be the last time I am addressing you, because I believe you do not possess the merits to lead a democratic country and system. You know very well that you took the helm of leadership through deception, lies, hypocrisy, and duplicity, and have attained the title of ayatollah through recommendation and expediency, and have become undeservedly the leader of Iran after the death of Imam Khomeini. In any case, fate was such that you are leading a country that eight million of its people are living among the diaspora and are unable to return to their homeland as a result of your incompetence and establishment of a non-democratic dictatorial system. I hope you will read this letter written by a son of this land, or at least [I hope] it is passed on to you after your anonymous agents have read it.
This is the first time I am writing a letter addressed to you; it will also be the last time I am addressing you,...

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17 Nov 2010

Gates Iran strike wouldn’t stop nuclear program

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Tuesday suggested that sanctions against Iran may be creating internal rifts in the country's top leadership, Reuters reported. Speaking to the Wall Street Journal CEO Council, Gates revealed: "We even have some evidence that [Iranian supreme leader Ali] Khamenei, now, [is] beginning to wonder if [Iranian President Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad is lying to him about the impact of the sanctions on the economy. And whether he's getting the straight scoop in terms of how much trouble the economy really is in," according to the report.
US Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Tuesday suggested that sanctions against Iran may be creating internal rifts in the...

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16 Nov 2010

Iran says arms seized in Nigeria misunderstanding

Iran's foreign minister said Monday that the issue of an alleged Iranian arms shipment intercepted in Nigeria was a "misunderstanding" that has been settled. Nigeria says the artillery rockets and other weapons, found at a Lagos port last month in shipping containers labeled as building supplies, originated in Iran and may have been destined for Nigerian politicians intending violence if they lose in upcoming elections. Nigeria said last week it would take action against Iran if an investigation shows it violated international law and U.N. sanctions.
Iran's foreign minister said Monday that the issue of an alleged Iranian arms shipment intercepted in Nigeria was a...

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15 Nov 2010

Just Killing Time

Washington Post columnist, David Ignatius, asked in yesterday s edition of the newspaper, whether Iran was serious about negotiating with the U.S. over the nuclear issue, or if it was merely killing time. The answer is, of course, that Iran is procrastinating, and killing time, whether the subject is the nuclear issue, or Iraq and Lebanon. Syria is also guilty of this. Some may wonder: What is the connection here?
Washington Post columnist, David Ignatius, asked in yesterday s edition of the newspaper, whether Iran was serious about...

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15 Nov 2010

Court Date for Nasrin Sotoudeh Delayed, Breaks Hunger Strike

Nasrin Sotoudeh s trial took place this morning in branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court, with Judge Pir-Abassi. According to reports by the Committee of Human Rights Reporters (CHRR), the trial took place in the presence of Sotoudeh s lawyers Abdolafatah Soltani, Mahnaz Parakand, Mina Jafari and Nasim Ghanavi who defended Sotoudeh against the following three charges: acting against the national security of the country , gathering information and collusion with the intent to disrupt the security of the country and working with the Human Rights Defenders .
Nasrin Sotoudeh s trial took place this morning in branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court, with Judge Pir-Abassi....

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13 Nov 2010

The Regime’s War on the Lawyers — 3 More Arrested

Three more prominent defence attorneys have been detained in Iran. At 4 a.m. local time, Sara Sabaghian, Maryam Kianarsi, and Maryam Karbasi were arrested by security officers at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport as they returned from Turkey. There is no news of the whereabouts of the three lawyers.
Three more prominent defence attorneys have been detained in Iran. At 4 a.m. local time, Sara Sabaghian, Maryam...

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12 Nov 2010

Former Iran Air Force Officer Applies For Asylum in France

While sympathetic to the goals of the Green Movement, led by failed presidential candidates Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi, Mr Jahanchahi believes change will only come by co-opting members of the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other officials.
While sympathetic to the goals of the Green Movement, led by failed presidential candidates Mir-Hossein Mousavi and...

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11 Nov 2010

Justice Lawyer in Exile Sentenced to Prison

Judge Moghiseh of branch 28 of Tehran's Revolutionary Court has sentenced Mohammad Mostafaei in absentia to six years prison exile in the town of Izeh. He is charged with acting against national security by giving interviews to Persian-language media, in which he discussed the Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani case, and propaganda against the regime.
Judge Moghiseh of branch 28 of Tehran's Revolutionary Court has sentenced Mohammad Mostafaei in absentia to six years...

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11 Nov 2010

Four Recently Elected Central Tahkim Vahdat Members Arrested

Four prominent Iranian student activists were arrested over the weekend in a fresh crackdown targeting students. Iranian authorities have been tightening security ahead of a controversial government plan to phase out basic food and fuel subsidies. The government is bracing for social unrest, and has increased the police presence in Tehran and other cities.
Four prominent Iranian student activists were arrested over the weekend in a fresh crackdown targeting students. Iranian...

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9 Nov 2010

Rahnavard – Sending Female Political Prisoners to the Ward for Addicts Won’t Cure them of their Addiction to Freedom and Democracy

Tuesday November 9th, 2010 - In response to the recent transfer of all female political prisoners in Evin to the Methadone quarantine ward reserved for addicts, Zahra Rahnvard writer, university professor and Mir Hossein Mousavi's wife stated: "Transferring female political prisoners to the Methadone quarantine ward for addicts is a waste of time, as it will not only NOT cure their addiction to freedom and democracy, but will bring them closer to God. You who claim to be the defenders of Islam, should follow the example of the prophet Mohammad when treating women and release all imprisoned women, unconditionally.
Tuesday November 9th, 2010 - In response to the recent transfer of all female political prisoners in Evin to the...

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8 Nov 2010

US rejects Israel’s call for Iran

The US has rejected comments by Israel's prime minister calling for a military threat against Iran to ensure it does not obtain nuclear weapons. "We know that they are concerned about the impact of the sanctions. The sanctions are biting more deeply than they anticipated and we are working very hard at this," Robert Gates, US defence secretary, said on Monday.
The US has rejected comments by Israel's prime minister calling for a military threat against Iran to ensure it does not...

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6 Nov 2010

Iran holds four ‘UK-linked men’ for killings

Iran says it has arrested four men allegedly paid by a man based in Britain to carry out assassinations, an official state TV station reports. Press TV said the four "Britain-linked terrorists" were detained in the western city of Marivan. The men are accused of carrying out five assassinations in the past two years for money, Press TV reports.
Iran says it has arrested four men allegedly paid by a man based in Britain to carry out assassinations, an official...

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6 Nov 2010

Iranian Students to Obama: Don’t Forget ‘Student Hostages’

On the 31st anniversary of the hostage-taking of U.S. diplomats in Iran, a dozen of Iranian student activists and members of the country's largest reformist student group have called on U.S. President Barack Obama to follow up the case of current and former student activists who are in jail in Iran. In a letter to the U.S. president, the student activists call those in jail "student hostages
On the 31st anniversary of the hostage-taking of U.S. diplomats in Iran, a dozen of Iranian student activists and...
6 Nov 2010

Obama’s game of nuclear chicken with Iran

While American eyes were focused on the midterm elections, a bitter conflict has continued between the United States and Iran for influence in the Middle East. The flash points have been Iraq and Lebanon, where the Iranians have been pushing through their proxies for what amounts to political control. The United States and its allies have been resisting - sometimes feebly but enough to slow the Iranian advance. In both Baghdad and Beirut, the proxy warfare may escalate in coming weeks.
While American eyes were focused on the midterm elections, a bitter conflict has continued between the United States and...

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5 Nov 2010

Confidential Report Forecasts Collapse of Iranian Economy

The Les Echos [publication] has obtained access to a confidential report addressed to [Iran's] Supreme Leader [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei] in September 2010 that states the Iranian economy could collapse within one year - as a result of the western-imposed sanctions, unless drastic measures are taken.
The Les Echos [publication] has obtained access to a confidential report addressed to [Iran's] Supreme Leader [Ayatollah...

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5 Nov 2010

Revolutionary Guards Speak Out Against Ahmadinejad

The president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has come under harsh and unprecedented criticism from his usually close supporters, the Revolutionary Guards, in a move that suggests rifts among the Islamic Republic's power centres are widening
The president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has come under harsh and unprecedented criticism from his usually close...

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3 Nov 2010

The Iranian Regime Threatens World with Sakineh’s Death

Additionally, in the blog post of Sakineh s lawyer who fled Iran, Mohammad Mostafaei stated that, as far as he is concerned, a sentence of execution [by hanging] was never presented in Sakineh Ashtiani s case. Mostafaei insists that the method of death issued to Ashtiani has always been stoning. In contrast to the facts, Iran s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad delivered false news at the NYC UN General Assembly in September 2010, stating that the sentence of stoning never existed for Ashtiani
Additionally, in the blog post of Sakineh s lawyer who fled Iran, Mohammad Mostafaei stated that, as far as he is...

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2 Nov 2010

Secret Report Predicts Collapse of Iranian Economy

Acording to a secret report that was sent to the supreme leader, and reached Les Echos, the Iranian economy may "deteriorate within a year" if the severe sanctions imposed by the west are not removed. A secret report, sent in September to the Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, emphasizes the "significant risks of financial collapse within a year" due to the intemational sanctions intended to force the country to abandon its nuclear program.
Acording to a secret report that was sent to the supreme leader, and reached Les Echos, the Iranian economy may...

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1 Nov 2010

Guard Led 3 Americans Across Iran Border, Released Hiker Says

The three American hikers accused of espionage by Iran stepped off an unmarked dirt road - inadvertently crossing from Iraq into the Islamic republic - only because a border guard of unknown nationality gestured for them to approach, the lone hiker to be released said Sunday.
The three American hikers accused of espionage by Iran stepped off an unmarked dirt road - inadvertently crossing...

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29 Oct 2010

Iran Says It’s Ready to Resume Nuclear Talks With the E.U.

In a two-paragraph letter to the bloc s foreign affairs chief, Catherine Ashton, the Iranians said their senior negotiator, Saeed Jalili, was willing to hold discussions starting on Nov. 10. Ms. Ashton, who had written to Mr. Jalili this month, described Iran s offer to resume discussions as a very important development. If a date and place can be agreed on, they will be the first talks between Mr. Jalili and Ms. Ashton, who took over in December as the European Union s foreign policy chief. The talks will also include senior officials from the United States, Russia, China, France, Germany and Britain.
In a two-paragraph letter to the bloc s foreign affairs chief, Catherine Ashton, the Iranians said their senior...

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29 Oct 2010

RSF Iranian Government Continues Relentless Crackdowns

Developments in the past two weeks confirm that the Iranian government is continuing its relentless crackdown on the media. A journalist was arrested for the second time in a year and courts imposed or upheld jail sentences on two women journalists whose journalist husbands are already in prison. Two of these developments took place on 22 October, just two days after Reporters Without Borders released its annual press freedom index, in which Iran was ranked 175th out of 178 countries.
Developments in the past two weeks confirm that the Iranian government is continuing its relentless crackdown on the...
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28 Oct 2010

Kouhyar Goodarzi Moved to Prison Exile as End of Sentence Approaches

Kouhyar Goodarzi's mother informed the Committee of Human Rights Reporters (CHRR) that with less than a month and a half remaining of her son's one year prison sentence, he was transferred from ward 350 in Evin prison to Rajai Shahr prison. Goodarzi is a founding member of CHRR, a journalist and blogger. He was arrested on December 20, 2009. Parvin Mokhtareh, Kouhyar Goodarzi s mother informed CHRR of her son s exile to Rajai Shahr prison. She added, "Such a transfer is surprising, given that Kouhyar is completing the last few weeks of his prison sentence. Kouhyar called us from the quarantine ward in Rajai Shahr prison and informed us that without any explanation they requested that he gather his belongings and prepare to be transferred to Rajai Shahr."
Kouhyar Goodarzi's mother informed the Committee of Human Rights Reporters (CHRR) that with less than a month and a half...

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27 Oct 2010

The Small Exchanges of Currency and Politics

Ever since the sanctions materialized, money transfers have become very knotty. In the old days, we would provide our bank s foreign rep and routing information (another bank in Europe for example), and our account number, and then waited for notification of the transfer, but those days are gone. Even currency exchange shops are no longer providing this service. They used to receive money in their accounts on foreign soil and pay us Rials out of their accounts in Iran, making a profit in the exchange. These days, their accounts are under scrutiny, frozen, or they re just afraid to make such moves.
Ever since the sanctions materialized, money transfers have become very knotty. In the old days, we would provide our...

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26 Oct 2010

Why It is Vital to Speak Out for the US Hostages

I have never looked at the detention of the American hikers as anything but hostage-taking. Iran has had past experience with this: in the first years of the Islamic Republic, the Government brazenly broke international laws and held American diplomats and citizens. It is a strategy that has paid off in the past, and to the leaders in Tehran, it is a tried and tested method of getting back at their adversaries.
I have never looked at the detention of the American hikers as anything but hostage-taking. Iran has had past experience...

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25 Oct 2010

The Written Defence of Heshmatollah Tabarzadi

Heshmatollah Tabarzadi has been imprisoned now for over eight months. The past three months of his detention have been spent in exile at Rajai Shahr prison (Karaj). He endures harsh conditions and suffers from very little sanitary services. He is the Secretary-General of the National Democratic Front of Iran and a political prisoner. In October 2010, branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court issued his sentence of nine years in prison and 74 lashes.  The charges against Mr. Tabarzadi are the exact same charges against the majority of political prisoners in Iran.
Heshmatollah Tabarzadi has been imprisoned now for over eight months. The past three months of his detention have been...

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25 Oct 2010

Report says Iran grabbed 3 U.S. hikers in Iraq

The three American hikers arrested by Iran last year were on the Iraqi side of the border, according to US military documents released on Friday by WikiLeaks, reported the New York Times. The internal US document highlights military grids where the group was detained, which the Times said were on the Iraqi side of the border. Two of the three - Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer - have been held in a Tehran jail for more than a year, and their female companion Sarah Shourd was released last month. All three, along with US authorities, have insisted they were not in Iranian territory.
The three American hikers arrested by Iran last year were on the Iraqi side of the border, according to US military...

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23 Oct 2010

Iran Said to Give Top Karzai Aide Cash by Bagful

One evening last August, as President Hamid Karzai wrapped up an official visit to Iran, his personal plane sat on the airport tarmac, waiting for a late-running passenger: Iran s ambassador to Afghanistan. The ambassador, Feda Hussein Maliki, finally appeared, taking a seat next to Umar Daudzai, Mr. Karzai s chief of staff and his most trusted confidant. According to an Afghan official on the plane, Mr. Maliki handed Mr. Daudzai a large plastic bag bulging with packets of euro bills. A second Afghan official confirmed that Mr. Daudzai carried home a large bag of cash.
One evening last August, as President Hamid Karzai wrapped up an official visit to Iran, his personal plane sat on the...

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23 Oct 2010

Iran’s ‘involvement’ – Secret Iraq Files

The US has also long blamed Iran for some of the deadliest unconventional attacks in Iraq, particularly the growth in popularity of explosively formed penetrators (EFP), an especially lethal form of IED. It is difficult to determine from these documents whether those allegations are true - though in a few cases, they offer reason to doubt the official US line. In February 2007, for example, the US claimed that a weapons cache uncovered in Hillah in Babil province showed evidence of Iranian involvement. 'The new evidence includes infrared sensors, electronic triggering devices and information about plastic explosives used in bombs that the Americans say lead back in Iran.'
The US has also long blamed Iran for some of the deadliest unconventional attacks in Iraq, particularly the growth in...

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22 Oct 2010

Iraq War Logs Detail Iran’s Aid to Militias – Wikileaks Documents

On Dec. 22, 2006, American military officials in Baghdad issued a secret warning: The Shiite militia commander who had orchestrated the kidnapping of officials from Iraq s Ministry of Higher Education was now hatching plans to take American soldiers hostage.
On Dec. 22, 2006, American military officials in Baghdad issued a secret warning: The Shiite militia commander who had...

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22 Oct 2010

Father of Zia Nabavi Summoned and Interrogated for 7 Hours

According to reports from The Committee of Human Rights Reporters (CHRR), Seyed Ali Akbar Nabavi, the father of imprisoned student Zia Nabavi, was summoned by the Ministry of Intelligence and interrogated for seven hours. Informed sources report that Ali Akbar Nabavi was summoned to the Ministry of Intelligence after visiting his son in Ahvaz prison. He was put under pressure and interrogated as a result of "giving an interview and following up on his son s unacceptable condition."
According to reports from The Committee of Human Rights Reporters (CHRR), Seyed Ali Akbar Nabavi, the father of...

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22 Oct 2010

Covert ops sabotage US-Iran ties

For years, the United States and Israel have engaged in a covert effort to destabilize Iran's government and sabotage its nuclear program. But these operations frequently escape mention in public discussions. By ignoring the covert effort, the current debate about the relative wisdom of diplomacy, sanctions, and preventive military action addresses an incomplete picture. To understand the challenges and potential of US-Iranian relations, the covert program must be factored into the equation.
For years, the United States and Israel have engaged in a covert effort to destabilize Iran's government and sabotage...

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21 Oct 2010

Iran, trying to skirt sanctions, attempts to set up banks worldwide

Iran is secretly trying to set up banks in Muslim countries around the world, including Iraq and Malaysia, using dummy names and opaque ownership structures to skirt sanctions that have increasingly curtailed the Islamic republic s global banking activities, U.S. officials say
Iran is secretly trying to set up banks in Muslim countries around the world, including Iraq and Malaysia, using dummy...

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20 Oct 2010

Date Set for Hiker Trial in Iran

Two American hikers held in Iranian custody for nearly 15 months as well as a companion released in September who is now back in the United States will be tried on spying accusations Nov. 6, a lawyer for the three confirmed Wednesday.
Two American hikers held in Iranian custody for nearly 15 months as well as a companion released in September who is now...

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20 Oct 2010

Meanwhile, The Economy….

Iranian authorities have again postponed the lifting of subsidies on gasoline, maintaining a monthly quota of 60 litres (13 gallons) per motorist at subsidised prices of about 10 US cents per litre until November 21.
Iranian authorities have again postponed the lifting of subsidies on gasoline, maintaining a monthly quota of 60 litres...

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20 Oct 2010

Karroubi “So-Called Economic Sedition an Excuse to Embezzle Nation’s Wealth!”

A number of journalists and reporters representing Saham News recently met with Mehdi Karroubi and asked him questions about the recent events related to the Green Movement, the future of the Green Movement, and the reference to a so-called economic sedition or conspiracy. Karroubi also discussed the comment made by a regime theorist who stated that if it weren t for the Supreme Leader, friends of the revolution would have derailed by now.
A number of journalists and reporters representing Saham News recently met with Mehdi Karroubi and asked him questions...
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19 Oct 2010

Hikers held in Iran pass captivity mark

Two U.S. hikers in prison in Iran have been held as long as the U.S. Embassy hostages were during the presidency of Jimmy Carter, observers said. Monday marked the hiker s 444th day in custody, the same number of days the 52 American hostages taken by armed Iranian students who seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution in 1979 were held, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
Two U.S. hikers in prison in Iran have been held as long as the U.S. Embassy hostages were during the presidency of...

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19 Oct 2010

US fears Chinese companies are breaking Iran sanctions

The United States has asked the Chinese government to do more to stop Chinese companies helping Iran with its nuclear programme and missile technology. A senior US official told the BBC that Washington had provided Beijing with a list of firms it believed had been operating in violation of UN sanctions. Beijing promised it was committed to implementing the sanctions and that it would investigate, the official added.
The United States has asked the Chinese government to do more to stop Chinese companies helping Iran with its nuclear...
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18 Oct 2010

U.S. believes Chinese companies are helping Iran develop nukes

The United States government believes that several Chinese companies are violating United Nations sanctions and providing Iran with assistance in improving its missile technology and developing nuclear weapons, the Washington Post quoted a senior U.S. official as having said Sunday.
The United States government believes that several Chinese companies are violating United Nations sanctions and...

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18 Oct 2010

Witness Journalist Jalali Farahani We Knew That Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Was Not Re-Elected

In February, Iran's Ministry of Intelligence announced seven members of "counterrevolutionary satellite network organizations and Zionist media", whom it said were affiliated with the Green Movement, had been arrested. Specifically, the seven were supposedly trained in "various soft subversion and other sabotage techniques abroad" and had links to the US Government-backed Radio Farda.
In February, Iran's Ministry of Intelligence announced seven members of "counterrevolutionary satellite network...

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18 Oct 2010

Iran Sends Delegate to Meeting on Afghanistan

For the first time, Iran sent a representative on Monday to a meeting of an international group that convenes regularly to discuss developments in Afghanistan and Pakistan, a move welcomed by both American and international officials.
For the first time, Iran sent a representative on Monday to a meeting of an international group that convenes regularly...

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18 Oct 2010

The Regime Show Moves to Qom

There is still post-game cheerleading for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's trip to Lebanon. Press TV headlines the joint statement of the Shi'a parties Hezbollah and Amal expressing gratitude to the President for his assurances of support for the Lebanese people and adds the praise of Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati at Tehran Prayers (while ignoring Jannati's sharp criticism of Ahmadinejad over impending subsidy cuts). IRNA hands over a chunk of space to Ahmadinejad's media spokesman to declare, "A New Chapter in Relations Between Iran and Lebanon Has Been Opened
There is still post-game cheerleading for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's trip to Lebanon. Press TV headlines the joint statement...

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18 Oct 2010

Authorities Ignore Doctor’s Orders for Jailed Iranian Student Majid Dori

Evin prison authorities have failed to transfer jailed Iranian student Majid Dori to a specialty clinic [outside the prison] to seek needed medical aid. Majid Dori suffers from severe headaches and dizziness that sometimes last up to 48 hours. The prison physician has prescribed an MRI scan and a visit to a neurologist for him. According to reports from RAHANA, authorities have not granted permission for the medical order.
Evin prison authorities have failed to transfer jailed Iranian student Majid Dori to a specialty clinic [outside the...

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16 Oct 2010

Lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh Being Severely Tortured

According to Human Rights and Democracy Activists in Iran, interrogators in prison are torturing jailed lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh who is on her 20th day of hunger strike. News from the gruesome torture chamber of Evin prison s ward 209 is that even though Nasrin Sotoudeh is on hunger strike, the interrogators keep torturing her. The entire ward hears her agonizing cries in the middle of the night caused from pain and torment.
According to Human Rights and Democracy Activists in Iran, interrogators in prison are torturing jailed lawyer Nasrin...

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16 Oct 2010

Mohammad Mostafaei Delivers Speech Against Executions

Mohammad Mostafaei, prominent human rights lawyer who was forced to flee Iran, recently gave a speech at the French Bar Association Against Executions for International Day Against the Death Penalty. The following is the English translation of the speech:
Mohammad Mostafaei, prominent human rights lawyer who was forced to flee Iran, recently gave a speech at the French Bar...
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