Middle East
Zia Nabavi’s Latest Handwritten Notes from Prison
Humankind has traveled a long, uneven, and diverse path in creating culture and civilization. In this journey, it has created an enormous amount of knowledge, value, and law preexisting to new comers born and thrown into this collection. On the other hand, as human beings, in order to be civilized and cultured, we have to create a brief, intense, and complete version of humankind s journey throughout our lives by adapting to the process of socialization. This personal journey is how we become a human being who is in sync with society and the time. It is important to note two points about the end result of the socialization process:
Wife of political prisoner When I told authorities about the tortures, they laughed at me.
Journalist Siyamak Ghaderi has been incarcerated in Evin prison for over a year and a half without furlough. He was arrested in August 2009 and tried and convicted in branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court, presided by Judge Moghiseh. Ghaderi was convicted on the charges of "Propaganda against the regime", "Publishing and spreading lies", and "Disturbing the public".
Mahdieh Golroo and other students issued more prison sentences
A six-month prison sentence was upheld in branch 54 of the Revolutionary Court for student activist Mahdieh Golroo, according to the Committee of Human Rights Reporters. In 2010 Mahdieh Golroo wrote a letter from prison for the anniversary of Student Day (16 Azar/December 7th). Her new 6-month sentence, which is additional to an existing one-year prison term she is already serving, was issued by Judge Moghiseh in branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court. She was charged with, Engaging in propaganda activities against the regime and Conspiring to act against national security . The sentence was upheld by the Appeals Court.
Iranian authorities ignore deteriorating health of imprisoned journalist Keyvan Samimi
Iranian student activists write letter to Obama on anniversary of embassy hostage-taking
On the occasion of 13 Aban (November 4th, the anniversary of the hostage-taking of the American embassy in Iran), a group of current and former Iranian student activists have written a letter to Amerrican president Barack Obama. In the letter, the students stress the importance of sanctioning the Iranian authorities.
Student activist Shabnam Madadzadeh imprisoned more than 1000 days + Her letter to Ahmed Shaheed
Ayatollah Boroujerdi banned from prison visits
According to reports, Ayatollah Seyed Hossein Kazemeyni Boroujerdi, who is currently held in Evin prison, has been banned from prison visits by the Special Clerical Court. On Saturday morning, when Kazemeyni Boroujerdi s family members visited him in prison, prison officials did not allow the visit to occur. The family members protested against the illegal ban but they were ignored by the prison officials, and no explanation was offered.
Nasrin Sotoudeh on the front page of the Times, receives new sentence
Atefeh Nabavi writes letter from prison for her 30th birthday
Dr. Maleki’s letter to Ahmed Shaheed I testify to 32 years of crime
In a letter to Ahmad Shaheed, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Iran, Dr. Mohammad Maleki, the first president of Tehran University after the Islamic revolution, declared that he is ready to reveal the crimes he has witnessed over the past 32 years in Iran. Maleki was recently summoned to appear before the court.
More than ten political prisoners return to the horrific Karoun prison, concerns rise for Zia Nabavi
The Imprisonment of Iranian actresses Marzieh Vafamehr
The Feminist School - A month ago, Marzieh Vafamehr, an actress and documentary producer was detained and sent to the notorious Gharchak-Varamin prison; a place known as a torture chamber that possesses the bare minimum facilities. Her husband Nasser Taghvaie said that the accusations against his wife are 'legal' (according to Sharia law) and not political.
The Girl in the Plastic Slippers – Pegah Ahangarani
At the beginning of the 1979 Revolution, the ladies known as the *Zeynab Sisters would wear plastic slippers along with their black chadors (long fabric worn by Iranian women as hijab). The bearded men wear the plastic slippers at the office. The most interesting type of plastic slippers are the ones in the prisons. Prison slippers are different than the ones worn at the office because the prison slippers are mandatory.
Details on 43 Iranians killed in post-election protests
It has been two years since Iran s tenth Presidential election and the beginning of the Iranian opposition unrest that stemmed from the disputed election results. [Presidential candidates] Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi described the election as a 'coup d tat' on many occasions and protested against the fraud that led to Iran s Green movement and the street protests in Tehran and other cities in the country.
Today is the anniversary of ’18 Tir’ Support Iranian Students
Four years ago, on July 9, 2007 (the eighth anniversary of the 1999 Iranian student uprising), six members of the central council of Tahkim Vahdat (student alumni organization) protested at Polytechnic University (Amirkabir University of Technology). Some minutes after the above picture was taken by currently imprisoned student activist Milad Asadi, the six protesters were arrested and transferred to ward 209 of Evin prison.
Labour Activist Mansour Osanloo Released from Prison
Iranian media reacts to human rights report: He was 23 years old!
Iran Human Rights, May 28: Iran Human Rights (IHR) had published a report on May 26th regarding the public execution of "Mehdi Faraji" in Qazvin titled: "Young boy was used to carry out execution of a man in public in Iran". The information was based on eyewitness reports who said, "A young boy was used to draw the chair Mehdi was standing on and carry out the execution."
Iranian Protester Who Climbed Atop Crane February 14 Transferred to Evin’s Ward 350
Iranian lawyer revives Delara who is responsible for her death
The following is a recent letter on Delara Darabi's execution that occurred two years ago, from the blog of Mohammad Mostafaei, one of Delara Darabi's lawyers. Delara was executed in Iran on May 1, 2009. An alternate spelling to Delara's name is Delaram. "Del" in Persian means heart, "aram" means calm.
Videos: Iran’s Festival of Fire Sparks Protests
Increased Pressure on Students in Babol Forced Confessions, Mistreatment, and Torture
Young Iranian woman burned with acid tells her story
Recap of March 8th Opposition Protests in Iran + Videos
Over 100 political prisoners on hunger strike in Iran
Political prisoner with paralyzed arms sent to solitary confinement
Mousavi’s Daughters Address Nation, Express Grave Concern For Parents
March 3rd, 2011 - 18 days have passed since the disappearance of Mir Hossein Mousavi, and his wife and companion, Zahra Rahnavard. The state-run media outlets have continued to publish lies regarding whether or not they have been arrested, including misstating that the families of Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi and their immediate relatives are allowed to visit with them. Although these same media outlets insist that the only restriction imposed upon the leaders of the Green movement is "limited contact with the outside world", Mousavi's daughters had attempted to visit with him last night and was once again fruitless.
Disgraceful: Iran Now Member of Top UN Women’s Rights Body, with US approval
Concerns of torture for two missing opposition heads
The abuse on Iranian women continues
Brave man records graves of post-election freedom martyrs
A brave man video records the graves of Iranian civilians killed in the past year and a half. He shows the tombstones belonging to freedom martyrs Neda Agha Soltan, Ashkan Sohrabi, Sohrab Arabi, and Alireza Eftekhari; all of whom were killed on June 20, 2009. The man tape recording says in the video that the Iranian youth will continue to fight and struggle for freedom until the day that Iran is free.
59 political prisoners launch indefinite hunger strike in protest to repressive policies
59 political prisoners in Rajai Shahr Gohardasht prison released a statement announcing that they have launched an indefinite hunger strike since Tuesday morning. The hunger strike is in protest to the suppression of the Iranian people s righteous resistance and against the limitations imposed inside the prison.
59 political prisoners launch indefinite hunger strike in protest to repressive policies
59 political prisoners in Rajai Shahr Gohardasht prison released a statement announcing that they have launched an indefinite hunger strike since Tuesday morning. The hunger strike is in protest to the suppression of the Iranian people s righteous resistance and against the limitations imposed inside the prison.
Interview with human rights activist on executions “silence allows violators set the standards”
The International Campaign for Abolishing the Death Penalty in Iran spoke to human rights activist Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam on his organization's recent annual execution report that covers Iran s 2010 record. The Iran Human Rights group s report states that, according to Iranian sources, "85 people have been executed in January 2011. At least 3 of those executed in January 2011 were arrested in connection with the 2009 post election protests."
Iran executes at least 20 people in three days
Recap of Opposition Protests in Iran on March 1st
Nephew of Hashemi Rafsanjani severely beaten
Only three days after Iran s *head of the Expediency Council s daughter Faezeh Rafsanjani was insulted by plainclothes agents and his grandchildren taser attacked, his nephew Nasser Hashemi was confronted by plainclothes agents while visiting his mother s grave site on February 24th. He was severely beaten by plainclothes agents and transferred to a hospital, according to the Ayandeh website. Nasser Hashemi was injured on the head, chest, and hands.
Iran’s Opposition Calls for Further Nation-Wide Demonstrations on March 1st
In response to a calling by the youth and political and social institutions, The Council for the Coordination of the Green Path of Hope has issued its 4th statement inviting the nation of Iran to demonstrations from Imam Hossein Square to Azadi Square in Tehran and in all main squares across other cities in Iran, this Tuesday, March 1st, 2011, in protest to the continued illegal house arrests of the two loyal companions of the Green movement of Iran, Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi.
Mousavi and Karroubi in IRGC house-prison
As contradictory news about the house arrest or imprisonment of the two Iranian opposition leaders, Mehdi Karroubi and Mir Hossein Mousavi, is reported and circulated, an informed source told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that the two political dissidents are no longer under house arrest and have been moved to a safe house in an area close to Tehran
Iranian Students Issue Statements in Support of Calls for Demonstrations on February 14th
Protest in Berlin – Washington DC against 12 year prison sentence for Navid Khanjani
Two protests took place on Sunday by a group of social activists to protest against unjust charges and prison sentences issued to human rights activists like Shiva Nazar Ahari (4 years in prison and 74 lashes), Kaveh Kermanshahi (5 years in prison) and Ali Kalaie (7 years in prison). The rallies focused on the heavy 12 year prison sentenced issued to Navid Khanjani.
Location of Two Kurdish Political Prisoners Unknown, Fears of Secret Executions
On December 28, 2010, the publication Iran Daily, quoting Judge Abolghasssem Salavati, the head of branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, reported that Zaniar Moradi and Loghman Moradi were sentenced to death by public hanging on the charges of "Moharebeh" [enmity against God] and "Causing sedition and depravity on Earth" .
A Campaign for Abolishing the Death Penalty in Iran
Nazanin Khosravani denied release, despite securing bail
More Abuse in Rajai Shahr Prison, Arzhang Davoudi Severely Beaten
Attorney Khalil Bahramian Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison, Banned from Practicing Law for 10 Years
Iran Uses Media Stunts in Lieu of Fair Trials
Case of Saeed Malekpour “Canada, raise your voice louder”
A day after the illegal execution of Iranian-Dutch citizen Zahra Bahrami on January 29, 2011 in Evin prison, the Tehran Prosecutor released a statement on government-controlled news sites about more imminent executions. The announcement caused international Persian media outlets, namely BBC and Voice of America, to go on alert. The Tehran Prosecutor was quoted as saying that the death sentences issued to two admins of obscene websites were sent to the Supreme Court for confirmation and approval .
Jailed Supporter of Mourning Mothers in Poor Health and Banned from Prison Visits
Family members of Hakimeh Shokri announced that in their previous [attempt at a] prison visit, which [is supposed to] take place every two weeks, prison officials did not allow them to visit nor follow up on Hakimeh s condition. The family said that Hakimeh has been banned from prison visits and, after hours of waiting for news on her, they had no option but to leave.
Human Rights Activist Navid Khanjani Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison
Zahra Bahrami Executed, Another Victim of Iranian Regime’s Political Game
Human Rights Lawyer Becomes Spokesperson for ‘Human Rights House of Iran’
The Human Rights House of Iran (also known as RAHANA) would like to introduce prominent attorney and human rights activist, Mohammad Mostafaei, as its spokesperson. In furthering its goals of informing the public of human rights violations occurring in Iran, and defending prisoners and victims of human rights violations, the Human Rights House of Iran is introducing prominent lawyer Mohamamad Mostafaei as its spokesperson.
VOA Reports on Recent Executions
On the morning of January 24th, two more political prisoners were executed in Iran: Jafar Kazemi and Mohammad Ali Haj Aghaie, both accused of communicating and cooperating with the PMOI (People s Mujahedin Organization of Iran). The implementation of execution sentences of political and non-political prisoners has increased after the 2009 Iranian Presidential election
Executed Political Prisoner’s Wife ‘They DidnÂ’t Inform Me Or His Lawyer’
Happy Birthday Neda Agha Soltan, Rest in Peace!
Jafar Kazemi and Mohammad Ali Haj Aghaie Executed
On Monday morning, two political prisoners, Jafar Kazemi and Mohammad Ali Haj Aghaie were executed. According to the announcement by the the Tehran Prosecutor s office, these two political prisoners were labeled as hypocrites who were linked to the hypocrite group (hypocrite is the derogatory term the Islamic Republic of Iran uses to refer to the political opposition group the People s Mujahedin of Iran Organization ) backed by Britain that played a role in post-election protests.
Two Young Kurdish Men Face Death by Public Stoning
Based on unofficial reports, two young Kurdish men from the city of Piranshahr (in Iran Kurdistan) have been sentenced to death by public stoning. The sentence was determined after two court sessions and issued to Ayoub and Mosleh for what appears to be the crime of engaging in an illicit sexual relationship with a teenager who was between the age of 15 to 17 at the time. It is understood that the two young men did not have any legal representation at any stage from the time of their arrest. According to Iran s Islamic law, the age of criminal responsibility for boys is set at 15 lunar years. Ayoub and Mosleh were reportedly 18 and 19 years old.
Iranian Regime Executes Average of One Person Every Eight Hours
The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran called on the Iranian Parliament and the Judiciary to immediately institute a moratorium on executions and to move swiftly to abolish the death penalty, in the face of skyrocketing executions following unfair trials and opaque judicial proceedings.
Mother of Killed Ashura Protester “They even fear our childrenÂ’s graves!”
In an interview with Rooz Online, the family of Mostafa Karim Beigi, who lost his life last year during Ashura on December 27, 2009, announced that Iran s security forces are seeking to replace Mostafa s gravestone. Mostafa Karim Beigi was a 26 year old young man who was killed last Ashura when he suffered a gunshot wound to the forehead. His body was buried in Imam Zadeh Mehdi Jafar cemetery in the village of Joughin in Shahriar County in Tehran, Iran.
Daughter of Ashura Death Row Prisoner Mom’s False Confessions Based on Promise of Release
Zahra Bahrami is a woman arrested in the wake of the 2009 Ashura protests (December 27, 2009), but was sentenced to death on drug charges. Her daughter, Banafsheh Nayebpour has objected to the attempts made [by Iranian regime authorities] to depoliticize the case and to present it as dealing with a common offence.
Amirkabir University Students Publish Letter of Support for Majid Tavakoli and Family
In a letter addressed to jailed student activist Majid Tavakoli, a large number of students at Amirkabir University (Tehran Polytechnic) expressed their strong support for the Tavakoli family. The letter was written in the wake of recent pressures and threats by security forces on the Tavakoli family that led Majid Tavakoli to write a letter from prison requesting that people, in particular media outlets, refrain from temporarily contacting his family.
The Iranian Regime Executed Hossein Khezri in Secret
28 year old Hossein Khezri, an Iranian Kurdish political activist was hanged this morning in Orumiyeh central prison. According to reports by HRANA, on January 2, 2011, a team was sent from Tehran to Orumiyeh central prison to perform Khezri s execution over night. However, due to unknown reasons, prison officials decided to postpone the implementation of the sentence.
Mother of Nazanin Khosravani Says Daughter Forced to Sleep in Cold Cell with No Warm Clothes
Two Kurdish Political Prisoners on Death Row “We Were Threatened with Sexual Torture”
Loghman Moradi and Zaniar Moradi, two political prisoners sentenced to death by public hanging contacted CDPP from Rajai Shahr Gohardasht prison to seek help from human rights defenders and insisted that they were forced to confess under torture; that none of the accusations leveled against them were true.
The Judge Told My Husband Jafar Kazemi – We should have executed you back in the 1980’s
The case of Jafar Kazemi, a prisoner on death row, has been sent to the branch in the Revolutionary Court responsible for the execution of sentences. The upholding and confirmation of the sentence by the Supreme Court has raised concerns about the sudden [planned] execution of this prisoner of conscience. Jafar Kazemi was sentenced to death on the charges of Moharebeh [Enmity with God] through collaboration and ties with the People s Mujahedin of Iran Organization [PMOI] and propaganda against the regime .
Nasrin Sotoudeh Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison, Banned From Practicing Law & Leaving Country for 20 Years
Majid Tavakoli Writes Letter in Response to Attack on Family’s Home
Majid Tavakoli writes a letter in response to the recent raid by Ministry of Intelligence agents on his parents home in Shiraz. In the letter, in addition to condemning this outrageous act in order to ensure their piece of mind, Tavakoli requested that all media outlets, journalists, student activists, and political activists temporarily refrain from contacting his family or to request interviews.