American-Iranian journalist Roxana Saberi on hunger strike for past five days

Reporters Without Borders: Roxana Saberi, the young American-Iranian journalist who was sentenced to eight years in prison on a spying charge in Tehran on 18 April, has been on hunger strike for the past five days, her father has told Reporters Without Borders. He said she called him today from prison to tell him this. She is “determined and ready to go all the way,” Reza Saberi said, adding that he was “very worried.”

“We voice our complete solidarity with Roxana Saberi, who was unjustly arrested and convicted in a trial lacking any transparency,” Reporters Without Borders said. “Her decision to go on hunger strike, a last-ditch form of protest, is an act of rebellion against a fundamental injustice.”

The press freedom organisation added : “Saberi must know that she is not alone. Reporters Without Borders, the Committee to Protect Journalists and 35 other press freedom organisations, as well as Iranian human rights activists and journalists, are all supporting her and demanding her release. We will not abandon her.”

Saberi’s lawyer was not allowed to speak at her trial, held behind closed doors on 13 April, five days before the verdict was issued. He has filed an appeal against her conviction. She will be 32 tomorrow.

Saberi was arrested at the start of February although her arrest was not revealed until the start of the following month. The daughter of an Iranian father who lives in the United States and who acquired US citizenship, Saberi moved to Iran six years ago and worked for various international news media including the BBC, Fox News and the US public radio network NPR.

She was initially accused of working illegally as a journalist but was finally tried for “spying” for the United States, a charge that the Iranian authorities often use to silence outspoken journalists. Several American-Iranian journalists have been arrested in Iran in recent years but Saberi is the first one to be tried and given a jail sentence.

Seven journalists are currently imprisoned in Iran, which was ranked 166th out of 173 countries in the latest Reporters Without Borders press freedom index. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is on the Reporters Without Borders list of “Predators of Press Freedom.”

Read 24 April’s press release "International support for Roxana Saberi ahead for her birthday"

Student under critical condition in 209 Evin

Esmaiil Salmanpour, member of Student association of Amirkabir University, who was arrested on 6 February 2009 for participating in Bazargan's commemoration day ceremony with unspecific reasons, has been transferred to Evin clinic because of extreme physical conditions.

Human Right activists have reported that Mr. Salmanpour has had unusual weight loss, his hair was shaved and he did not seem to be physiologically apt. According to this report, the reason for the loss of weight is not clear, since this student has been kept in solitary confinement , under intense interrogation, all during his detention and while he was on hunger strike for several days.

He has not been allowed any visits by family or attorney so far. He is kept in incommunicado with the outside world as an extra method of pressure, known as the white torture.

Apart from Esmaiil Salmanpour, 8 other Amirkabir University students are under detention and extreme pressure in solitary confinement of 209 Evin prison, namely: Majid Tavakoli, Hossein Tarkoshvand, Kourosh Daneshyar, Ahmad Ghassaban, Nariaman Mostafavi, Mehdi Mashayekhi, Yasser Torkaman, Abbas Hakimzadeh.

Bahman Ghobadi, Iranian filmmaker, has written an open letter following the arrest and conviction of Roxana Saberi

The text of Bahman Ghobadi's letter is the following:

"To Roxana Saberi, Iranian with an American passeport"

If I kept quiet until now, it was for her sake. If today I speak, it is for her sake.

She is my friend, my fiancée, and my companion. An intelligent and talented young woman, whom I have always admired.

It was the 31st of January. The day of my birthday. That morning, she called to say she would pick me up so we would go out together. She never came. I called on her mobile, but it was off, and for two-three days I had no idea what had happened to her. I went to her apartment, and since we had each other's keys, I went in, but she wasn't there. Two days later, she called and said: "Forgive me my dear, I had to go to Zahedan." I got angry: why hadn't she said anything to me? I told her I didn't believe her, and again she said: "Forgive me my dear, I had to go." And the line was cut. I waited for her to call back. But she didn't call back. She didn't call back.
I left for Zahedan. I looked for her in every hotel, but nobody had ever heard her name. For ten days, thousands of wild thoughts came to my mind. Until I learned, through her father, she had been arrested. I thought it was a joke.

I thought it was a misunderstanding and that she would be released after two or three days. But days went by and I had no news from her. I started to worry and knocked on every door for help, until I understood what had happened.

It is with tears in my eyes that I say she is innocent and guiltless. It is me, who has known her for years, and shared every moment with her, who declares it. She was always busy reading and doing her research. Nothing else. During all these years I've known her, she wouldn't go anywhere without letting me know, nor would do anything without asking my advice. To her friends, her family, everyone that surrounded her, she had given no signs of unreasonable behavior. How come someone who would spend days without going out of her apartment, except to see me; someone who, like a Japanese lady, would carefully spend her money, and had sometimes trouble making a living; someone who was looking for a sponsor to get in contact with a local publisher so her book would be printed here (in Iran); could now be charged with a spying accusation?! We all know – no, we have all seen in movies – that spies are malicious and sneaky, that they peep around for information, and that they are very well paid.
And now my heart is full of sorrow. Because it is me who incited her to stay here. And now I can't do anything for her. Roxana wanted to leave Iran. I kept her from it.
At the beginning of our relationship, she wanted to go back to the United States. She would have liked us to go together. But I insisted for her to stay until my new film was over. She really wanted to leave Iran. And I kept her from it. And now I am devastated, for it is because of me she has been subject to these events. These past years, I have been subject to a serious depression. Why? Because my movie had been banned, and released on the black market. My next movie was not given an authorization, and I was forced to stay at home. If I've been able to stand it until today, it is thanks to the presence and help that she provided me with.
Since I had no authorization for my last movie, I was nervous and ill-tempered. And she was always there to calm me down.
Roxana wanted to leave Iran. I kept her from it. She is the one who took care of me while I was depressed. Then I convinced her to stay, I wanted her to write the book she had started in her head. I accompanied her, and thanks to my friends and contacts, I knocked on every door and was able to set up meetings with film makers, artists, sociologists, politics, and others. I would go with her myself.
She was absorbed by her book, to the point that she could stay and bear it all, until my film would be finished, and we would leave together.
Roxana's book was a praise to Iran. The manuscripts exist, and it will certainly be published one day, and all will see it. But why have they said nothing? All those who have talked, worked and sat with her, and who know how guiltless she is.

I am writing this letter for I am worried about her. I am worried about her health. I heard she was depressed and cried all the time. She is very sensitive. To the point she refuses to touch her food.
My letter is a desperate call to all statesmen and politics, and to all those who can do something to help. From the other side of the ocean, the Americans have protested against her imprisonment, because she is an American citizen. But I say no, she is Iranian, and she loves Iran. I beg you, let her go! I beg you not to throw her in the midst of you political games! She is too weak and too pure to take part in your games. Let me be present at her trial, sit next to her wise father and gentle mother, and testify she is without guilt or reproach.

However, I am optimistic about her release, and I firmly hope the verdict will be cancelled in the next stage of the trial.

My Iranian girl with Japanese eyes and an American ID, is in jail. Shame on me! Shame on us!

Bahman Ghobadi
April 21st, 2009.

Ronak Safazadeh Sentenced to 6 Years Mandatory Prison

Change for Equality: The sentence of Ronak Safazadeh, women’s rights activist, was issued to Mr. Mohammad Sharif, her defense lawyer. According to the ruling of the court, Ronak Safazadeh has been sentenced to serve 6 years in prison. The courts acquitted Ronak, on the charge of enmity with god, of which she was accused in this case. Dr. Sharif, the lawyer representing Ronak intends to object to the ruling by the court.

Dr. Sharif explained further: “my client was acquitted on the charge of enmity with god, but on the issue of membership in Pejak, and in reference to Article 499 of the Penal Code, she was sentenced to 5 years mandatory prison sentence and with respect to spreading of propaganda against the state and in favor of Pejak she was sentenced to one year mandatory prison sentence. In accordance with the Articles in the Penal Code relating to the charges against her, my client will be serving her prison term in the city where the crime was committed, meaning Sanandaj. Clearly given the nature of this case, I will object to the ruling of the court, so that the appeals court can make the final ruling in the case pending against my client.”

With respect to Ronak’s membership in the political opposition group Pejak, Mohammad Sharif had the following to add: “the activities of my client were limited to activities within the Azar Mehr Women’s NGO, and so her activities in Pejak were carried out toward this end as well. My client aimed to research “the reasons for women’s participation in Pejak under difficult conditions.” We hope that the appeals court will take into consideration the fact that my client’s activities were limited to the women’s movement and examination of women’s issues in this relation and overturn the sentence issued in this case.”

Students Held in Incommunicado Detention Are At Risk of Torture

International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran:
(4 April 2009) The Iranian government should immediately and unconditionally release all detained students the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said today. The students are being held in incommunicado detention in Tehran, Rejaee Shahr and Isfahan. The Campaign is seriously concerned for their safety and high risk of torture.

On 23 February 2009, the Amir Kabir University campus was violently attacked by government forces. Students were protesting the burial of “unknown martyrs” on their campus. The following day, 24 February 2009, security agents attacked the homes of four Amir Kabir students, Ahmad Ghasaban, Nariman Mostafavi, Mehdi Mashayekhi and Abbas Hakimzadeh. All four were detained. Previously, on 5 February 2009, four other Amir Kabir University students were detained. Majid Tavakoli, Hossein Torkashvand, Esmael Salmanpour and Koursh Daneshyar were arrested for participating in a ceremony to honor Mehdi Bazargan, the first Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic. The eight students are all being held in Evin Prison in Tehran.

In an interview with the Iranian Student News Agency (ISNA) on 6 March 2009, Judge Hadad, the Deputy of the Security Prosecution Court, was asked him about the situation of the four students arrested on 24 February. He said, “We have been after these people for a long time. This group planned and implemented radical student actions and they disseminated and published false information in Amir Kabir News. They were also being interviewed by radio services abroad. This group of students conducted the majority of these activities.”
“It is a violation of due process to announce charges against detainees publicly while their attorneys have not been allowed to visit them or even read their files,” Hadi Ghaemi, the Campaign’s spokesperson, said.

“The students’ colleagues and family are seriously concerned they are being tortured to make false confessions. Any confessions obtained under such circumstances should be impermissible by any court,” he added.

Brief phone conversations of the eight students with their families indicate they are likely being tortured. Some of the students, including Hakimzadeh and Torkashvand, have not been allowed to contact their families at all. Hakimzadeh is also critically ill and requires special medical treatment. Any effort by family members and attorneys to visit the students and ask for their release has had no effect.

Security and judiciary forces have not stopped at targeting students. During New Year Celebrations, family and friends of the detained students gathered in front of Evin Prison to show their support. The gathering led to the detention of Bahareh Hedayat, Milad Asadi, Mehdi Arabshahi, Majid Dari, Saeed Fayzolahzadeh, Hamed Azizi, Nariman Mostafavi’s mother and Milad Asadi’s parents. Following these detentions, Farid Hashemi and Amin Nazari, members of the Office to Foster Unity (Daftar e Tahkim Vahdat) were arrested when they went to the security office to ask for the release their colleagues. All these detainees were held in Darabad Police Station and ill-treated, causing Judge Matteen Rasekh to issue an apology. The detainees were released over the course of three days, with the last being released on 23 March 2009.
The Campaign has consistently reported on the relentless surveillance and targeting of university students. A report issued on National Student Day in November 2008 included an alert on surveillance of Majid Tavakoli. For the past three years, Tavakoli and three other students have been the subject of an anti-Islamic defamation case, even though the prosecution hasn’t met Iranian and international standards of fair trials. The three accused students in the case, including Tavakoli, spent 15 months in jail under severe pressure, ill treatment and torture despite the fact that they weren’t found guilty by a court. After their release, not only were they denied the opportunity to continue their studies, but their daily lives were monitored constantly by security forces. In a short phone call to his family, Tavakoli told them that he is still being interrogated with regard to this case.

Regarding the arrest of Tavakoli and others on 5 February, Judge Hadad told ISNA, “Seven people were arrested in the illegal ceremony to honor Bazargan. All of them have records and one of them is Majid Tavakoli, who is the main accused in the anti Islam defamation case at Amir Kabir University. These people were being monitored and pursued by security and judiciary forces for some time.”

“The surveillance and detentions of innocent students is not justifiable and the words of Judge Hadad once again show that the Iranian Judiciary works in concert with the Intelligence Ministry,” Ghaemi said. “Hadad is the presiding judge and should make clear under which laws and regulations students can be followed and arrested without judicial warrants and without being formally charged,” he added.

Another student, Shabnam Madadzadeh, a student at Teacher Training University and a member of the Students Union, was arrested on the street after being surveilled. She was abducted while on her way to attend the Students’ Union meeting in Tehran on 19 November 2009. She was transferred to Evin Prison on 24 February. Her mother went to the University and asked for her daughter’s release but was told that Madadzadeh was under investigation by Judge Hadad. According to Madadzadeh’s friends and classmates, she was a student activist who was involved in the students concerns and played an important role as a member of a team that negotiated with university authorities during a sit-in last year. After six weeks Madazadeh is still in incommunicado detention and being denied access to her lawyer. According to informal reports, Madadzadeh was charged with “acting on behalf of political opposition groups abroad.”
The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran has previously expressed its deep concern about Madadzadeh’s health and safety. Last year in a similar situation, a group of students faced the same charge. One of them, Ibrahim Lotfolahi, died under suspicious circumstances. Two other students, charged with “acting on behalf of political opposition groups abroad,” were tortured to make false confessions. These confessions were used as evidence against them during their prosecution. The confessions led to an execution sentence for Habibolah Latifi and lengthy prison sentence for Yaser Goli.

Several members of the Freedom and Equality Seeking student group have also been detained in February and March 2009. On 12 February, Mohammad Pourabdolah was arrested in Tehran and Alireza Davoudi, the spokesperson for the Freedom and Equality Seeking students was arrested in Isfahan. Bahman Khodadadi, a student in Isfahan, disappeared on 17 February 2009. Security agents went to his home for further search where it was revealed that Khodadadi was arrested. Arsalan Sadeghi and Hossein Sarshoomi, members of the group in Isfahan, were arrested on 28 February after being summoned to Intelligence Offices by phone. On 29 February, Amirhossein Mohammadifar and Sanaz Allahyari were arrested when intelligence forces attacked their homes. After long periods of pressure and torture, Allahyari and Mohammadifar were released on 18 March with the signs of physical torture still on their bodies. Mohammad Pourabdolah’s parents reported that Mohammad was under torture in Evin Prison. Without any explanation he has been transferred to a prison in Rejaee Shahr which holds violent offenders.

The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, citing the Iranian government’s international obligations to respect the rights of students to freedom of association and freedom of expression, called for the immediate release of all detained students. The Campaign urged the Judiciary to investigate and prosecute officials who ordered and implemented these arbitrary detentions. The Campaign called on the international community and UN mechanisms, including the Special Rapporteur on Arbitrary Detentions and the Special Rapporteur on Torture, to condemn the wide range of student rights violations in Iran and remind Iranian authorities of their obligations under international treaties.

Rejecting freedom of two woman activists arrested for New Year visits

On 26 March 2009, many families of political prisoners who were visiting their loved ones in prisons were arrested. Later ten of the arrested were released.

Ms. Khadijeh Moghadam and Mahboobeh Karami are still in custody of the security forces.

Nasrin Sotoudeh, attorney to one of those still in custody has explained that the Court has ordered Mrs. Moghadams' detention because she has had previous detention records. Accordingly they have announced Mrs. Moghadams' role in the families visiting their beloved ones for the New Year as pivotal and for this reason have prevented her release.

"My client in a telephone contact said she has been charged for "disturbing public order and congregating to create insecurity in public in favor of "strangers". The term "strangers" is absolutely illegal to be used for my clients" said Mrs. Sotoudeh.

Mrs. Sotoudeh reiterates: "According to article 27 of the Iranian Constitution, congregating is lawful; therefore even if our clients did try to congregate, they would not have underestimated the law. The fact is that; they were waiting in their cars for their friends to arrive, when they were surrounded by agents and arrested with no Court Order under the pretext that "they are under suspicion". They were therefore forced to accompany the agents to the police station. Therefore as is clear there was no "congregation".

Mr. Poor Babaii, attorney to Mahboobeh Karami has announced concern for his client explaining that her release under bail (Right of all individuals arrested under suspicion) has been rejected two times.

He declared his client innocent saying that it is not a crime to see relatives on the New Year! There fore her place is not in prison and that she should be encouraged for attaining to ancient customs with regards to the New Year.

Second transfer of political prisoner sentenced to 10 years to 209

There has been reports indicating the clandestine transfer of a political prisoner Saleh Kohandel, to the notorious 209 Evin's prison, and also of constant torture of prisoners in that section, which has worried their relatives immensely.

Prison agents transferred Mr. Kohandel suddenly on 18 March (only a day before the Iranian new Year) from section 4 to the death cells of 209 section, never announcing reasons for this transfer. It is almost certain that he is going to pass the New Year under torture and interrogation.

Mr.Kohandel was arrested on 6 March 2007 on the streets by intelligence Ministry agents. During his house search, all windows were smashed and his things were ransacked his written papers taken. He went under harsh and intense interrogation for at least 6 months and later sent to 209 after which he was transfer to public ward of 350 in Evin and again transferred to Rajayee shahr prison of Karaj.

His friends say Mr.Kohandel was sentenced was issued in a closed court, which only took a couple of minutes, for instigation against national security.

Mysterious death of a bloger in Evin

Omidreza Mir Sayafi, journalist and bloger, has died for unknown reasons in Evin prison.

On 6 March last, another political prisoner called Amir Saran also died under similar circumstances in Rajaii Shahr prison of Karaj. His death had deeply touched other prisoners.

Human Rights activists in Iran had previously reported that Omidreza Mir Sayafi, 28 years old was spending time in prison for "insulting sacred values". It is reported that he had last been removed to prison clinic on the morning of the 8 March this year, while his conditions became critical. It is not clear what had passed in the clinic but inmates have reported that had been suffering a considerable psychological pressure with no medical treatment.


Prison and judicial officials have not commented in this case so far, while his attorney has confirmed the death in prison of his client Mohammad Ali Dadkhah.

Dr.Hessam Firouzi who was Doctor to several political prisoners, has been imprisoned in Evin on charges of attempting against National security. It is said that he has on many instances asked and insisted on the transfer of Mr. Sayafi to hospital but his request was met with reluctance by prison officials, which lead to the death of this prisoner. It is therefore clear that the death of Mr.Mir Sayafi has been due to "incompetence and medical disregard" of Evin prison authorities.

Mr.Firouzi adds; "according to my professional view, Omidreza Mir Sayafi was deeply depressed and prison conditions would have been unbearable for him."

"The prison Doctors were even reluctant to have his blood pressure and primitive medical test done. Every thing was done because of my persistence at every step of the way" explained Dr.Firouzi.

Omidreaza's blogs were mostly on music ands culture, where as he was charged with "Insulting Ayatollah Khomeini and Khamenei" as well as inciting against national security for a 2 year prison term by the 15 Branch of Tehran revolution court.

He also had a second open case in the general prosecutors' office in Tehran for "insulting sacred values", and was supposed to be heard in the month of May to come.

Iran has one of the highest records in arresting blogers for contents of their blogs.

Mohammad Ehsani charged for “soft overthrowing”

Mohammad Ehsani, born in 1964, student of linguistics and member of documentary film production of Iran, has been imprisoned for the past 8 months in Evin prison. His name is the forth in a group of people who are charged with “soft overthrowing” by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Prior to this Alireza Jamshidi, Iranian judiciary spokesman had announced Alaii brothers charges to have been co-operating with the United States to topple the Islamic Republic, and had been sentenced to repeatedly six and three years imprisonment and financial penalty. He had not announced the third person charged but had referred to his sentence to have been 3 years of imprisonment.

Mohammad Eshani had been invited by Asian Association of New York and 5 other film centers in five US states, to exhibit his work in April 2005. His work was met with much enthusiasm. It is said that he was arrested unexpectedly during his wedding ceremony on 6 July 2008 in Tehran and sent to Evin prison. The same report also indicated that Mr.Ehsani has spent all his 8 month detention in solitary confinement while his situation was not mentioned by the media.

It is not clear, where and when his court has been held and if he was allowed an attorney, however he has been charged with co0operatiing with the United States for 3 years imprisonment.

IRNA state media, on 30 MAY 2008, reported the production of a film on Iranian music by Mr.Ehsani at the request of the New York Asian association, and the US Metropolitan Museum. This film was to be showed first at the inauguration of the Iranian art and culture beginning with Iranian music at its centre in New York. Reports indicate that the film was the request of sate Iranian Cultural Heritage and tourism and it was confirmed after visit of the Asian Associations delegation and US Metropolitan Museum to Iran.

It appears that the formal cultural transactions made under the supervision of the President had been part of charges of “soft overthrow brought onto Mr. Ehsani

Mysterious death of Political prisoner

Amir Heshmat Saran, political prisoner of Rajaii shahr prison in Karaj, dies mysteriously on March 6, after he was transferred to hospital for brain damage.

His sudden death has been confirmed by his family.

The reasons of his death are claimed to be brain hemorrhage, but according to Human Right activists, experience with mysterious deaths of other political prisoners makes Mr. Saran's death a suspicious one.

Amir Saran was arrested in 2004 for founding a group named "National United Front", and was finally sentenced to 16 years imprisonment by Karaj Court.

He was spending his fifth year of imprisonment in Rajaii Shahr prison during which he was only allowed out once after which he was once again arrested and transferred to prison. He had announced in an interview "Since I am not guilty , I shall not go to prison"

Deputy Prosecutor says Roxana Saberi will be released

Hassan Haddad, deputy Public Prosecutor of Tehran, referring to US-Iranian journalist Raxsana Saberi's case in the 2^nd enquiry branch said: "We have processed an investigation on her and she will be released in a couple of days".

Judicial authorities have neither announced charges adhered to Ms. Saberi nor details of her arrest, but it appears her engagement in providing news for US media has been the basic reason for here detention.

Roxans' father, Mr. Saberi in an interview with Radio NPR had explained the last telephone contact with his daughter from 209 Evin Prison.

Roxana Saberi , 31, had traveled to Iran six ears prior to her arrest as a journalist working for the NPR and some other news media.

Family denied of their beloved ones corps

On the early hours of Saturday morning 2009, Mehdi Ghassemzadeh , a follower of the "Ahle Hagh" dervishes, was executed on charges of blasphemy, in Urumieh prison.

Neither his arrest, charges nor imprisonment were officially announced by authorities, but it is claimed that Mr.Ghassemzadeh was arrested when he was wounded in an armed clashe with the police in "Ojtapeh" ( A district in Urumieh) . He had been in prison for 4 years till his execution.
His family was denied the corps of their son, and was told to peruse the matter with the Intelligence Ministry.

It is worth noting that three others who shared the same case, sentenced to be hanged have now received a thirteen year prison sentence. These individuals are: ShahandAli Mohammadi, BakhshAli Mohammadi, Ebadollah Ghassemzadeh.

All three are members of the "Atashgera" (Fire lenient) sect in "Ojtapeh" district and have been reported to have been tortured in prison.

According to Azerbaijan websites following news on political prisoners, all three individuals have been on hunger strike in protest to Mr.Ghassemzadehs's sentence for execution.

Parallel to the hanging of Mr.Ghassemzadeh, Human Right activists are expressing concern on the possible hanging of another follower of the dervishes ; Youness Aghayan in the following days.

Four Student activists arrested in Tehran

Early morning of March 1st, 2009, four students affiliated with the leftist "Freedom and Equality seeking Students" movement were arrested by Intelligence Ministry agents and are reported to have been transferred to Evin prison.

The situation of these students is not yet clear but, there is concern that they will face persecution or solitary confinement.

Student committee of Human Rights Reporters has announced these students to be as follow: Sanaz Allahyari, Nassim Roshanayee, Maryam Sheikh and AmirHossein Mohammadi. This report has been confirmed by their families.

It is also reported that other students seeking freedom and democracy have also been amongst those arrested.

Prior to this purge, two other students affiliated with the same movement had been arrested in two different cities on 12 February 2009. Mohammad Poor Abdollahi and ALireza Davoodi were both arrested in Ispahan and Tehran and are detained in unknown locations.

On the verge of the "Student Day" in Iran, in December 2007, intelligence agents had arrested 40 students affiliated with the leftist who are known to be under torture in the notorious 209 section of Evin.

More than 70 students have been arrested on 23 February 2009, during recent protests against the burial of the remains of those killed in the Iran-Iraq war in University campuses. According to Iranian student internet sites, 20 of those arrested are in Evin prison. Four of these students who had not been in the protests had already been arrestee at their homes on 24 February.
Many students had been treated in hospital because of knife wounds received from thugs and Bassidge forces .

4 other students who had been arrested for participating in a commemoration ceremony for Bazargan ( first prime minister after Shah's downfall) , had been arrested on 5 February 2009 on charges of taking part in the ceremony, and are still in Evin Prison.

20 students under torture

According to the students commitee of Human Rights reporters, those arrested in the recent demonstration of students, protesting burial of remains of the old Iraq-Iran war dead in University compounds have been taken to the notorious Evin prison and are under torture.

The students committee of Human Rights reporters has released information indicating the aforementioned students have been put under immense pressure and torture and are not allowed to contact anyone.

Abbas Hakimzade – central committee of "Tahkim Vahdat", Mehdi Mashayekhi, Nariman Mostafavi and Ahmad Ghassaban were arrested a day after the remains of the dead were buried. There was no warrant for their arrests.

Amirkabir website, which is the students informing site has recently been threatened by unknown persons and has been hacked.

Other imprisoned students such as: Majid Tavakoli, Hossein Tarkashvand, Esmail Salmanpour and Kourosh Daneshyar have long begun a hunger strike in support of their friends.

The students were to participate in a commemoration celebration of Mr.Bazargan, when they were arrested.

Bahai leaders charged for spying for Israel

On 21 February, Haddad, vice chair of Tehran prosecutors office announced that 7 Bahis , known to be leaders, have been charged for Insulting " sacred values of Islam", propagating against the State and spying for Israel.

According to Haddad, the seven were charged by the First prosecutors' office in Tehran and would be followed in Tehran's revolution court later.

All seven arrested are part of the known "Iranian Bahai Assembly" and had been arrested on 14 May 2008 during an attack by security forces on their homes.

Mahvash, Fariba kamal Abadi, Jamal Aldin Khanjani, Afif Naiimi, Saiid Rezaii, Behrooz Tavakoli and Vahid Tiz Fahm are the arrested members' concerned.

Prior to this Bani Dogal, Bahai community representative in the UN, had condemned the attack saying : " Their only crime is their faith ".

The arrested individuals are known to be part of a group called:"Friendship group" whose mandate was to take care of difficulties faced by the Bahai community.

Priro to this case, Ali Ashtari who was charged with spying for Israel has been hanged. According to the Bahai community spokesman, they suffer a great deal of prejudice in Iran for their religious belief.

Expelled Human right Student under torture

Javad Alizadeh, student of Alameh Taba Tabaei, was expelled from University for activities allegedly against the Islamic regime in Iran. Mr.Alizadeh was arrested for the second time on 15 January 2009 and is reportedly held in Sanandaj interrogation centre- in the Iranian Kurdish region- and is under intense interrogation and torture.
Mr.Alizadeh's relatives have reported a telephone conversation with him after 22 days in which he was cutt-off while revealing his appalling physical condition.

According to this conversation, Mr. Alizadeh is suffering from brain hemorrhage and facial bone fracture as well as psychological damage.

Mr. Alizadeh , was arrested after participating in the funeral of an other student reported to have been killed under interrogation – Ebrahim Lotfollahi- and has been in Evin prison for several months as he was unable to pay the enormous Bail asked by prison authorities.

Concern over elderly prisoners' situation

Relatives of over 18 families, including elderly men and women, who had been arrested in Tehran's International airport for trying to legally go to Iraq to visit their next of kin and relatives of Camp Ahsraf (where PMOI members reside) have been arrested and are in a dangerous situation.

Most of the arrested are elderly women aging between 60 to 80 years.

Soleiman Zahed, Zahra Javadi,Ferdows Mahboobi,Fateme Sadeghi, Kobra AMirkhizi, Mr.and Mrs. BoorEghbal, Parisa Pooreghbal,Azizeh Shafinia, Jamileh Mohammadzadeh, Kobra Badiroodi, Mr.Bahrami, Atifeh Bahrami, andmany members of the Rezaii Familly. ( Rezaii family has been famous in Iranian families for having 9 members of their family killed under the Shah and Khomeini)

No reasons have been given for their arrest, but that they had tempted to visit their family members (in Camp Ashraf).

It is said that some of these people are in a very bad physical condition. Considering the fact that these people are in a volatile situation and under heavy interrogation, families fear their health.

Prior to this incident, the Judiciary of the Intelligence Ministry had arrested a young student named Houd Yazerloo, who had been visiting his relatives in Camp Ashraf in Iraq.

Mr. Yazerloo has been transferred to the public ward 7 of Evin after having been in solitary confinement.

British film director Ken Loach: I am writing to strongly protest against a new wave of arrests and repression of labour activists in Iran

Ken LoachBritish
Film and television director

To: info@leader.ir ; dr-ahmadinejad@president.ir ; info@judiciary.ir ; iran@un.int Cc: info@workers-iran.org

Subject: protest letter

I have read the information about Labour activists imprisoned in your country. These words express exactly the outrage of many people at your government's callous disregard for civil liberties. From Ken Loach, Film Director, England.

I am writing to strongly protest against a new wave of arrests and repression of labour activists in Iran. According to the latest news, the current labour activists who are known to be in jails across Iran are as follows:

- Mr. Mansour Osanloo, the president of the board of directors of the Syndicate of Tehran and Suburb Bus Company, sentenced to five years imprisonment, incarcerated since July 2007. Mansour Osanloo was kidnapped by plain clothes agents in the evening of Tuesday, July 10, 2007. Osanloo has been beaten numerous times by security forces. He has some serious health problems.

- Mr. Afshin Shams, a member of "Coordinating Committee to Help Form Workers' organizations", a member of the "Committee in Defence of Mahmoud Salehi" and a member of "Caricaturists. He was arrested at his work in city of Aligoodarz on July on July 3, 2008 and later was transferred to Dastgerd prison in Isfahan. On November 1, 2008, he was November 1, 2008. Afshan Shams received his verdict from the court according which he has been sentenced to one year imprisonment. The verdict was given without the presence of Afshin's lawyer.

- Mr. Farzad Kamangar, a 33 year old teacher and union and human rights activist from Kurdistan province. He has been sentenced to death by the Iranian government and has been severely tortured. He has been transferred to Rajayee Shahr Prison since December 25, 2008 and he is kept in Infectious Diseases section of the prison. His lawyer has expressed surprise with this transfer. Despite legal efforts in Iran and international protests, Farzad's execution sentence has not been revoked. For more info please refer o the http://www.labourstart.org/farzad

- Mr. Mohsen Hakimi, a member of the Coordinating Committee to Form Workers' Organization and a member of the Iranian Writers' Association, was arrested by the plain-clothes security agents near midnight on December 22, 2008 in Tehran. According to the latest news, he is incarcerated in section 209 of the Evin Prison.

- Mr. Bijan Amiri, who is an auto worker and a member of workers' mountain-climbing board, was arrested by the Iran Khodro Company's security forces on December 22, 2008 in the factory. According to the latest news, he is incarcerated in section 209 of the Evin Prison.
- Mr. Ebrahim Madadi, the vice-president of the board of directors of the Syndicate of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company. Mr. Madadi has been arrested a number of times before. The latest arrest took place in the North Branch of the Employment office in Tehran on December 27, 2008. Mr. Molayee, Maddi's lawyer, has told the BBC Persian that Mr. Madadi has been arrested according to a court order issued by division 14 of the Islamic Revolution Court according to which he has been sentenced to three and half years of imprisonment for "acting against the national security" and "propaganda against the system" . However, Mr. Molayee reports that the court order was never given to him or Mr. Madadi, thus they did not have a chance to appeal it. The court claims that they had verbally informed Mr. Madadi about it when he was detained for another case previously. Mr. Madadi had spent about 4 months in prison last year. Mr. Madadi is currently detained in Evin prison.

- Mr. Pedram Nasrolahi, who is a member of the Coordinating Committee to Help Form Workers' Organizations in Kurdistan, arrested on December 24, 2008.

- Mr. Bakhtiar Rahimi, a labour activist in Kurdistan was arrested on December 23, 2008. Mr. Rahimi had been previously incarcerated and released after a few months.

In addition, many labour activists in Iran are under suspended sentences or await trials and are suspended or expelled from their workplace as the result of their labour activities, including many member of the Vahed Syndicate in Tehran as well as five leaders of the Syndicate of Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane Company Workers' Syndicate who were put on trial on December 20, 2008 and are now awaiting their verdict.

Therefore, I condemn all these arrests and repression of labour activists and organizations in Iran and demand the immediate and unconditional freedom of all incarcerated workers. I also ask the Iranian government to respect workers' rights to organize, assemble and strike, put an end to persecution of labour activists and not to interfere in the affairs of independent workers' organizations.

Save the life of Farzad Kamangar

Please join with the thousands of trade unionists and human rights defenders around the world who are mobilising in defence of Farzad Kamangar, an Iranian Kurdish teacher and trade unionist who is at risk of execution.

Education International received information from reliable sources that on 26 November Kamangar was taken from his cell 121 in ward 209 of Tehran's Evin prison in preparation for execution by hanging. However, the latest information is that he is still alive and was able to meet with his lawyer on 27 November for the first time in over two months. His situation remains precarious nonetheless.

Kamangar, aged 33, was sentenced to death by the Iranian Revolutionary Court on 25 February 2008 after a trial which took place in secret, lasted only minutes, and failed to meet Iranian and international standards of fairness. His lawyer, Kahlil Bahramian, said: "Nothing in Kamangar's judicial files and records demonstrates any links to the charges brought against him." Indeed, Kamangar was initially cleared of all charges during the investigation process.

Education International, the International Trade Union Confederation, the International Transport Workers Federation, Amnesty International and LabourStart are appealing to the Iranian authorities to commute the death sentence and ensure his case is reviewed fairly.

http://www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/solidarityforever/show_campaign.cgi?c=453

Alaei brothers given 9 year prison term

Iranian revolution Court has sentenced Dr. Arash Alaei and his brother Kamyar Alaei , specialists in research and curbing AIDS, to altogether 9 years imprisonment. They are charged with participating in "soft toppling".

On Monday 19 January the head of the anti espionage section of the Intelligence Ministry had referred to the brothers as those who had participated in" toppling the regime softly".

Mr.Shafiee, their attorney, has said that the terms given are not final and they still have time to appeal!

According to article 508 of the Islamic penal code, the brothers have been sentenced to 9 years. The code indicates " Any person or organization in touch with a foreign government for any activities against the Islamic Republic, if not sentences to be untouchables, will be sentenced to one to ten years of prison". The attorney sees this reference inapplicable for his clients because the brothers have declined any relation with any US institution or foreign institutions. They have solely been active on scientific research to combat AIDS.

The anti espionage section has prior to this announced that they will release some of the confessions received of the convicted persons in a TV channel.

TV confessions have been used against political prisoners as long ago as 29 years and is a tactic well known to cover political motives.

Political prisoners whose "Confessions" have been released in the TV later have revealed the amount of torture inflicted on them for these confessions.

Trials of those involved in "peaceful toppling" of Tehran

According to ISNA-17 January, the 25th branch of Tehran's Revolution Court has convicted those involved in "soft toppling" of the regime in Iran to life imprisonment .

The court has not clarified their names and whereabouts or even the prison in which they are being detained. According to a statement released by three Human Rights NGOs; Doctors defending Human Rights, Human Right Watch (Iran), and "International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran: The Alaei brothers are amongst those accused of trying to topple the regime.

According to the Court , these people had been "in contact with US Intelligence", under the pretext of working in governmental and non governmental institutions while being supported by the US Ministry of State and financed by the Senate". According to the accusations, they have been trying to instigate a "soft toppling" and were arrested by Iranian Intelligence.

Prior to this Alireza Jamshidi, spokesman of the Judiciary, had referred to the trial of four members of a network formed for a "soft toppling of Tehran", which was "financed by the US", on 13 January 2009.

He had declared their crimes to be in context with article 508 of the Islamic Penal Code: "Cooperating with Hostile governments to the Islamic Republic", which could result in a ten year prison term for the accused.

Many Arrested; Bahai affiliates and Dervish members

14 January 2009, in a coordinated operation, ten families affiliated with the Bahai faith were harassed by Iranian regime security agents, their belongings searched, confiscated and their members arrested and taken away to Evin prison.

According to reports released by Bahai students; Jinus Sobhani, Shahrokh Taeff, Azizollah Samandari, Payam Aghsani, Didar Raoof, Nima Haghar have been arrested.

Junis Sobahani had been secretary of the society of "Defenders of Human Rights" until it was banned in December 2008. She was also a member in the "Society of participating mine detectors".

A spokesman from the Society of Defenders of Human Rights said Sobhani was arrested at 6.30 in the morning of the day her house was searched, along with her husband. She had recently written legal articles on Human Rights in local media.

Iranian officials have not yet clarified the reason for their arrest. Dian Alaei, representative of the Bahai Community in the UN has declared the arrest to be related with their affiliation to the Bahai faith.

Other members of the Bahai faith, arrested previously on 14 May 2008 are still in detention without legal clarifications.


Gonabad Dervishes

Six members of the Dervish community of Gonabad, have been arrested in an attack by security agents in Kish (Island in the South of Iran)

According to these reports, Mohammad Jafar Entezami, Abdolreza Goodarzi, Ahmad Goodarzi, Amin Goodarzi, Omid Hassan Zadeh, Mehran Assadpoor,TOoraj Yeganeh have been among those arrested.

These people have been arrested during a violent attack on Mr. Jafarpoor's house by intelligence agents. Their location at the moment is reported to be in the Security Detention centre of Kish.
This attack follows the forced closure of the "Hosseinieh" (prayers sanctuary) of the Gonabad Dervishes in Kish.

They have been arrested for their religious beliefs.

Alaei brother's trial ahead

On 30 December 2008, Alireza Jamshidi, spokesman for the judiciary confirmed the awaiting trials of Arash and Kamiar Alaei. He stated the brother's crime to be "acting against National security by collaborating with the USA, carrying out media campaigns against the state and also being a member of outlawed political groups".

Kamiar and Arash Alaei have been vanguards in combating Aids in Iran. They were both arrested on 23 June 2008 by security agents and are believed to be kept in the notorious 209 section of Evin Prison.

+ Hossein Derakhashan's arrest confirmed

Hossein Derakhshan, an Iranian- Canadian citizen, was arrested as he returned to Iran on November 1 2008.

His relatives have indicated that he has been accused of traveling to Israel, which is not allowed in the Islamic constitution.

Mr.Derakhsahn who has been one of the leading Iranian blogger, was invited to participate in a seminar in Israel in 2006. The seminar was titled: "Reforms, opposition and disputes in the Middle East" and also " Blogging, a true way to oppose in the Middle East".

Harassing a prisoner for annulling the Quaran

Azizi is the name of the head of section 7 of the notorious prison Evin, in which thousands of prisoners are being tortured and harassed. The most common punishment used on a prisoner is to abandon them in a solitary confinement.

Hamidreza Mohammadi, imprisoned in section 7, has been charged with insulting the holy book Qoran and inciting revolt to overthrow the regime, and has been sentenced to 11 years imprisonment. He said that he was harassed and insulted after which he was sent to solitary confinement in section 240. After six days of psychological torture in solitary confinement, he was sent to be among dangerous inmates in the public ward.

Mr.Mohammadi has said he faces the danger of being deported to Rajaii shahr prison, a place known to be used for pressurizing prisoners into false confessions. Despite the fact that prison laws have distinctively reiterated on the separation of political prisoners from criminals, as Mohammadi reminded the head of prison of the law, Azizi had replied "I am the law!"
It is said that Hamidreza Mohammadi who has actually stamped all seven pages of the Quoran as void of authenticity has been badly harassed and deprived of having an attorney.

Apart from Mr.Mohammadi, Ahmad Ghassaban has also been sent to the criminal ward 8 of Evin prison, for having undermined prison code of conduct, is also undergoing much distress and harassment.

It is known that these wards are used to increase pressure on political prisoners, and are being used by prison authorities since the latest change in prison organizations.

It is important to note that the mixing of political prisoners with normal criminals is a sign of implosion within regime ranks who cannot even abide by their own laws.

Students harassed in prison for informing whereabouts of Alaei brothers

Hood Yazerlou, student of Industrial management of Massoomein University of the religious city of Quom, who was arbitrarily arrested on 24 May 2008, for no clarified reason, has been transferred to solitary confinement since 7 December in 209 section of Evin prison and is under immense pressure.

Hood had informed his family during a visit about the transfer of Kamyar and Arash Alaei (two Aids specialists also arrested under charges of being in contact with the US) to solitary confinement.

The two brothers are founders of the triangular system of clinics established to curb Aids and are members of the Asian society, and have been in prison since June this year. In this regard, Hassan Haddad, deputy prosecutor general for security was quoted to have stated "The US is infiltrating Iran, and apart from using tough measures they use methods to attract people to their cause".

According to information received by Human Rights activists for Democracy in Iran, Mr.Yazerloo has been transferred to solitary confinement and is deprived of basic warmth and sanitary facilities under the present cold weather. He has been deprived of blankets and windows leading to his cell have been left open intentionally by prison officials as a means of torture. Hood (nearly 21 years old) is spending day and night under freezing conditions. He is left in unbearable conditions as a weak light is always on so as to prevent his sleep (if any).

Hood Yazerloo has been under these horrendous situations for the past 6 months. During the first thirty seven days of his solitary confinement, his prison conditions and sanitary was extremely poor as the result of which his lungs were infected and eventually he was coughing blood, but any medical assistance for him was prevented by prison officials.

Mr.Yazerloo, 21, was arbitrarily taken in to detention, after he came back from visiting his Aunt who is a member of the PMOI stationed in Iraq.

Four deprived University students end up in Evin Prison

Sadegh Shojaii, Mehdieh Golroo, Majid Dorri and Saiid Feizollahzade, the four students who had been deprived of their studies by the University Allameh Tabatabaii, have been arrested on Monday 24 November, after a sit-in and then transferred to Evin prison.

According to the students committee of Human Rights reporters, the four had begun a sit-in in front of the University which drew attention and support from other students.

The four students had been deprived after there were protests in Allameh for the shut down of Student press and clashes and harassments caused by the security forces of the University in the spring of 2007.

Their families had joined their protest in support of their loved ones outside the University.

Before being arrested, Ms. Mehdieh Golroo had spoken of the harassment by the University guards and said; "It was dawn, all four of us were sleep. Suddenly we were confronted with 25 people who dragged us out of the University Campus. I told them they have no right to speak and treat students like this, but the security agent began using foul language and begun hitting me instead, slapping me so much that I felt half of my face had gone paralyzed and swollen.".

At least 500 students rushed to support the four subjects and their demands; to be allowed to study.

It is noticeable that the Right to Education is one of the basic rights of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 26, and the Iranian constitution has also accepted this. But in reaction to the explosive situation and the student's activities, the Islamic Republic officials use the disciplinary committees created in the Universities to curb student movements.

Two related to the Bahai faith arrested

According to Shole Allah Verdi Gorji , her parents , Sonya Tabibian and Tarazallah, both Bahais, are being held in Sari's Intelligence Ministry.

"When we approached my parents' house we realized it was in a mess for some reason. Some o the books and documents had also been taken. There had been no contact with us neither to say that they had been taken away", Says Shohel in an interview with Radio Farda.

According to Mrs.Shole, judicial officials have agreed to release her parents with bail, but local officials of Sari, refrain from releasing them, under the pretext of "unfinished investigation".

In a visit to her parents Shole says her parents seem to be under heavy stress. Although the family has not received any official charges m but apparently during their interrogations and verbal exchange with the prosecution officer , they are supposedly "offending the sacred and also promoting this" in the region, and should not continue doing so.

Mrs. Shole says that it has been difficult to get an attorney for her parents' defense, obviously because most fear consequences of taking cases related to the Bahai faith. "If they accept, it would bear consequences for them as well" says Sholeh.

She said they have been looking for help from Lawyers without boarders, but that even is not clear to give fruit.

Iranian-American student released though bail

Esha Momeni Iranian-American student who had returned to Iran to complete her thesis involving a film documentary on women's situation -arrested on 15 October 2008-, has been released on a 198000 dollar bail from Evin prison.

According to Reza Momeni, his father, Esha is not allowed to leave Iran and has to be present in a political court hearing on charges of "acting against national security and propagating against the government".

These charges are heavy enough to have her sentenced to a life prison term.

Mr. Momeni says her daughter has lost eight kilos under stress and difficult situation in prison but is generally in a moderate situation. He emphasized that his family house has been taken ransom for Esha's bail while she is waiting to confront the judge on Tuesday to be clarified on the future process of her case. He was hopeful that her daughter would soon leave Iran for Los Angeles.

Esha was arrested by the traffic police in Tehran for driving errors but was followed to her house, arrested and her belongings searched and confiscated.

Miss Momeni had only ten weeks left to finish her course in the US, and had traveled to Tehran to complete her thesis using a documentary over women activists' campaign collecting the 1 million petition in support of Women's Rights in Iran.

Two other Iranian-Americans are now in prison, charged with "acting against National Security". Arash Alaei an Kamyar Alaei , two brothers have long been specialists working on the elimination of aids in Iran. They have also been held by the Intelligence agents in 209 of Evin prison.

Student activist condemned for 15 years imprisonment

Second Branch of the revolutionary courts of Sanandaj (Iranian Kurdistan) has sentenced Yasser Goli to 15 years prison term in exile.

"The sentence ordered by the court is only 10 lines! This court order which is supposed to be based on article 168 of the Islamic penal code has no reference on any evidence provided against my client Yasser Goli. My client has in none of his interrogations, let alone in the court sessions held against him, confessed against himself" Reiterates attorney Nemat Ahmadi.

According to Human Rights defense organization in Kurdistan (Iran), while rejecting all charges against his client of being affiliated to opposition Kurdish groups Mr.Ahmadi said: "Unfortunately there is a plot here to handicap Kurdish writers and give them guns and send them off for battle in the mountains". Mr.AHmadi continues" I see no logic in labeling civil activists as supporters of political parties, while there is no proof supporting this claim, and no crime committed to prove this and no pretext for the prison term".

Mr. Ahmadi refered to Yasser Golis' high marks in the national University exams said " Is it just to label such highly enthusiastic youth of our nation and dispose of them in different corners and prisons of our land and waste them, instead of encouraging them? What lies ahead for such youth, after they spend 15 years of their best and ripe years behind bars?".

Dr.Ahmadi adds; "I shall put on trial all judicial conscience with regards to this court decision". He then reiterated a point for the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Intelligence and said "As a jurist, I am not against clarifying crimes, but I like to ask Mr. Shahroodi and Mr. Ejei both with practical experiences in both domains, specially that the agent who has been directly involved in fabricating the case against my client has been a direct employee of Mr.Ejei ,to call my clients case from the Sanandaj tribunal and review it with a righteous conscience, the true Islamic and judicial values , so that the innocence of my client be revealed".

Yasser Goli is the first secretary of the Kurdish Student union of Iranian Universities and a civil activist in Sanandaj. It is now 13 months since Yasser has been arrested and imprisoned by the Intelligence of Sanandaj.

According to Dr. Nemat Ahmadi, he has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

American-Iranian student in solitary confinement in Iran

Gholamreza Momeni, in an interview with Rooz Online expressed deep concern about her daughter's wellbeing.

Esha Monein is a graduate student at the School of Communications, Media and Arts at California State University, Northridge, and an active participant of the 1 million campaign signature collection in support of basic women's rights in Iran, said his efforts to ensure the safety and freedom of her daughter has been ineffective so far.

"We have not been able to do a thing. They simply won't answer. They keep saying go away. We will call you as soon as her interrogation is over". He nevertheless expressed his hopes that Iranian officials would realize the misunderstanding concerning her daughter and set her free.

"In any case, when a student, institutions or even an organization wishes to have social activities, it should be supported by the government, and not be imprisoned for trying to improve situations. My daughter was a volunteer and was helping people. My daughter returned to Iran for her thesis. She had interviewed respected and known people in the society. All exchanged contents and comments have been already released publicly in the media. The subject was about women and women's rights. Neither the questions posed not the content replied has been out of the unusual framework permitted in the media. It was concentrating on women's rights' was Mr. Momeni's comments n his daughters charges.

"I believe Iranian officials have to face the issue concerning women's rights one day.
There is a lot to be defended here. Is it right to imprison some one for talking about his rights and the rights of his kind? Women's right is not a political issue. It has nothing to do with regime change! It is not a political issue" expressed Mr. Momeni emphasizing on her daughters principles on civil rights.

" I am ashamed of this situation and that I live in this country under these conditions. I have served this country for years. It is 10 am and I still am engaged on Esha's situation. Her mother is in a wreck. Is there no justice?' exclaimed Mr. Momeni.

As Mr. Momeni highlights the effect of Esha's arrest on other people around them he says "The effect has been simply this: I and many of my colleagues have opened a new interest on the issue concerning women. Women's issues are not to be dodged. Imagine a lady having married a madman. And later when she wishes to divorce the madman, who would support her? It would be practically impossible for her to divorce the Guy.! So it turns out that, if my daughter has such concerns she has to go to prison! My daughter had a good life in the US, but her hear beats with Iran and her fellow Iranians and their problems. Is it fair to treat her like this? If someone tries to produce a University documentary about social problems so that even government officially could use to develop the issues, should she be arrested? This kind of research would have to finally be done at the expense of the government, while she is doing it now foe them.'

Esha's father asks; "why should anyone be arrested for having a camera? She was not loose in public places taking photos. On the contrary, she had taken shots of people with a prior agreement. Why is there no comprehension of charges before any one is arrested without notice in this country? My daughter has not committed any crime to be imprisoned for it. I had no intention of talking to the media, because I was hopeful that officials would realize the misunderstanding and release my daughter. But unfortunately this is what happens" you are suddenly faced with a sudden search and confiscation of your belongings! My daughter lives with her parents. Why have they poured into our house with no notification and searched our house? My wife was seriously hurt in the raid and my other daughter had to leave school for a couple of days for the shock she received. Is this how they should treat citizens whose hear beats for the sake of their country's well fare? We have under gone a revolution in our country and it is time that things follow legal procedures here. They surge some one while he is driving then it turns out that they are themselves members of the security forces. If the case is judicial, then they should summon her for the court. The normal legal procedure of questioning and self defense in the court would guarantee that both sides have had their rights preserved.

Mr. Momeni while expressing deep concern of his daughter's well being in solitary confinement said "Any statement made by my daughter in solitary confinement is void of any credibility. Talking under stress and fear has no validity. Mr. Ahmadinejad who claims to defend Freedom, had gone to the US and spoke out. Did his reflections hurt the US? On the contrary, everyone praises the US democracy. Now my daughter has interviewed a couple of civil right activists as a researcher, but she is sent to prison. Is there any justice in this? Where is justice?

Mr. Momeni stressed that her daughters concerns are his and said: We should re think over women's issues. They should talk to spiritual leaders here and solve the problems.
It is not right to allow all rights for men and none for women. My daughter is saying the same thing. What I leaned from my daughters arrest is that our government should take women's issues seriously. It is nit a good idea to imprison the one who is trying to point to shortcomings that have to be looked over. This is not good for the Islamic Republics image! Where is Islamic justice?

Esha Momeni, producer and photographer, student activist on women's issues and a volunteer of the 1 million signature campaign. She was arrested in Modaress highway on 15 October by the camouflaged police. She was illegally arrested. Her car was stopped for speed, but she was transferred to 209 Evin prison ward. Before she was arrested, her house was searched and her belongings had been confiscated, which included her computer, the films she had recorded for her theses.

Her parents approached the Court to clarify her situation after 5 days. They were told not to approach the court any more until her interrogations are over.

Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, declared Esha's arrest illegal. Mr. Dadkhah officially declared in the "Equality" Internet site, that she is representing the Momeni family for Esha. "As far as I have been told by the family, Eshas arrest has been for filming for a University thesis. According to article 23 f the Constitution, photography and taking film of public places which are not listed as illegal does not constitute a crime and therefore is subject to inquiry prior to any attempt for guilt. The aforementioned films had been taken in homes of the subjects interviewed, which does not fit the category of public places and buildings.

Being a member of the Human rights society, Mr.Dadkhah said; "Iran has accepted the general framework of the Human Rights charter. Article 27 of this Charter reiterates that no government can, under the pretext of respecting its own rules, undermine internationally respected rules. According to basic civil rights mentioned in the charter, and article 3 of Nations rights in the constitution, guarantees individual freedoms of citizens. Therefore this arrest is illegal and in violation of all international covenants" .

Hassan Ghashgaii, spokesman for Foreign affairs said in a press conference, on Monday 27 October 2008; "Institutions concerning this issue are following up the persons arrest, the foreign office has not yet received any news of the investigation so far."

9 years prison sentence for two Isfahan University students

Jamal Rahmani of the industry faculty and Rashed Abdollahi of the political science faculty of Isfahan University were arrested on 12 June 2008 by the security guards in Isfahan. They were first taken to Kermanshah security centre and later transferred to Sanandaj prison centre (Situated in the western Kurdish region of Iran).

They have been put on trial by Judge "Tiary" and charged for having contacts with Kurdish opposition groups.

Kamal Rahmani has been sentenced to 6 years conditional imprisonment and exile to Izeh prison in a small village.

Mr.Abdollahi has also been sentenced to exile, but in a separate district of Masjid Soleiman, along with 3 years conditional imprisonment.

Relatives to the two students have reported that both have been subjected to torture and psychological pressure while under interrogation.

17 years imprisonment for ceremony

According to Amirkabir news site, political activist, Mr. Mohammad Ali Mansouri has been sentence 17 years prison and exile to Gohardasht prison, for having participated in a ceremony marking the great massacre of more than 5000 political prisoners in 1988 by Khomeini's orders.

Mr. Mansouri was arrested in September 2007, at his home. This arrest was only three days after the memorial held in remembrance of the massacred political prisoners. In the attack, his belongings were confiscated, his house searched and Mr. Mansoori was scuffled and transferred to the notorious 209 solitary confinement.

It is unclear, how ever, why the Intelligence Ministry has removed the first applied charges against him, which entailed his participation in the mentioned memorial services, and later charged under other pretexts.

During the six month of his detention, Mr. Mansouri had spent four months in the notorious 209 Evin section and in solitary confinement. According to family members and eyewitnesses he has been subjected to violence during his detention.

Concerns over situation of Al Alam sacked journalist

Mohammad Hassan Falahi Zade, former journalist working in Al Alam TV channel, has gone on hunger strike. He was said to have been dismissed for refusing to work with the Intelligence Ministry agents at work and hence sacked, and later arrested.

Prisoners rights group; Activists in support of Human Rights and Democracy, has reported that Mr. Falahi Zadeh has been protesting against ethnic prejudice used against him has been demanding for his basic rights.

Considering his blood disorder and also previous cases of political prisoners murdered under various pretexts while on hunger strike, such as Akbar Mohammadi and Valiollah Feiz Mahdavi , activists are extremely worried of Mr. Falahie Zades situation.

On his second day of hunger strike, Mr. Falahi Zade was summoned to prison security and threatened by a known " Koorgal".

Mr.Falahi Zade is demanding for his basic rights such as, the right to council, the right to defense and clarification of his charges and an end to psychological torture.

According to reports released by Activists in support for Human Rights and Democracy, Mr. Falahi Zade had revealed news on execution of those charged with bombing attacks in Southern Iran in an interview with Dubai TV and various other Arab media.

Mr. Falahi Zade was arrested on 1 November 2006, transferred to Evin prison and under went White torture. His trial was only a few minutes in which he was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment along with 30 thousand dollars for compensation.

Baghi is freed

The one year prison sentence of Emadeddin Baghi, a renown Human Right activist has officially terminated .

Mr. Baghi approached the First Branch of the prosecutor on 14 October 2007, to account for his accusations regarding activities in defense of freedom of press, when he was arrested.

He had protested his deteriorating conditions in the 209 Evin sections, where he was kept in complete isolation by the Intelligence Ministry. He suffered two heart attacks and was transferred to public ward and later to Hospital and eventually was allowed temporary leave for his health conditions.

During his leaf, Mr.Baghi was interrogated 5 times, for which he was transferred to and from Evin. Despite his Doctors' prescription which emphasized on his deteriorating heart condition and suggested a peaceful atmosphere for his recovery, he was again transferred to solitary confinement in 209 Evin. This prompted much protest.

His wife, in the meantime printed an open letter addressed to the Public prosecutor, protesting to 24 restrictions imposed on his husband. In this letter she had also pointed out that Mr. Baghis' family members were also called by the prosecutors' office at least 77 times during his detention.
Although confiding prisoners strictly to solitary confinement and blindfolding them are supposedly illegal, Mr. Baghi had claimed, he was not allowed to leave his cell for 4 days, not even for the bathroom, which lead to severe kidney disorders later on.

Osanlou's transfere to Rajaii prison: He talks

Parvaneh, spouse to Osanlou, a prominent leader of the independent Transport Syndicate of Tehran and the suburbs, has said her husband is in prison because he has been striving for the rights of workers within Iran's legal framework.

Parvaneh's interview has appeared in the "Shahregan" site.

"here eyes all filled with stress and anxiety, as she speaks of her husbands heart problems or the recent stitches of his eyes. She tries very hard to hide her troubled mind but her trembling voice gives way to her stressful life.

She complains of Iranian official conduct which contradicts the Iranian President's comments in New York, while he had told a reporter that in Iran, prisoners are trialed with presence of their attorney and have a fair and open trial.

As far as she is concerned, her husband has never had these advantages.

She is aware of the "Right to have Leave" for prisoners, but is puzzled as to why her husband has never been allowed to leave the prison , during the last painful 25 months, even for his heart problems and medical care, let alone for any "Leave".

Parvaneh speaks with much complaint, as she explains how her husband was harassed and handcuffed, when he was being taken to hospital once, for a heart failure, and tears run down her worrisome eyes.

Shahregan reporter: Mrs. Osanlou, according to information received your husband was taken to hospital in hand cuffs and chains?

Mrs.Osanlou: Yes! After several months of delay they finally allowed my husband to be visited in LabfiNejad hospital on 21 September. The way he was transferred was shocking in hand cuffs and chains. Seeing this only caused more pain. One of his stitches had gone bad and apparently his blood pressure was exceptionally high (it had reached nearly 14). Drs prescribed new medication for his heart and looked over his stitches.

Shahregan reporter: What did the Doctors say about his condition?

Mrs.Osanlou: They emphasized Mansour should be under treatment and his conditions to be controlled and checked. It seems that two of his arteries are blocked and to treat this situation he has to be kept in a hygiene and peaceful atmosphere. One of the Drs. had also written a letter to prison officials, highlighting the fact that handcuffs and chains and so forth will cause much stress and should not be used on this patient.

Shahregan reporter: Mrs. Osanlou, how have officials in charge of this case, explained this transfer?

Mrs.Osanlou: I along with his mother and sister approached the judge responsible for his case on 25 August. He claimed he knew nothing of the situation but would follow it up. The next day we approached the judge and after several hours of waiting finally were received. He said the decision had been taken by the Security Council of Tehran and Prison Organizations, and the only reason is that Mr. Osanlou "Talks". I replied "any living man "talks". When you hold some one in prison, his reaction to talk and release his stress or even protest, is very natural".

Shahregan reporter: You are defiant to Mr.Osanlous transfer to Rajaii Shahr prison and seek his hospitalization. Could you tall us about his conditions in that prison?

Mrs.Osanlou: Osanlou should never, under any conditions be kept there. Firstly, he should not be held in the non political ward. He should be kept in the political wing, even if he is to be imprisoned. At the moment, we are worried at all times, (because f the threats posed to political prisoners moved to these wards). Our life is shattered. For example fo reach call, he has to wait in a long queue (with his conditions) and finally when his turn comes, we are never able to confer with him all the problems and hazards.

On the other hand the atmosphere and environment of that prison is in sharp contrast to conditions necessary for his treatment. As my husband had said several times, the inmates in that ward often have knife fights and the place is very dangerous. Most people smoke and there is no ventilation. It is practically airless. Apart from the conditions, apparently from two in the afternoon onwards, they are not allowed to have fresh air. Smoke and stress is the worst thing for Mansour's heart and eye conditions.

19 Azerbaijanis Arbitrarily Arrested

International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran

Rights of Ethnic Minorities Routinely Violated

(17 September 2008) Intelligence Ministry agents arrested 19 prominent members of the Azerbaijani minority at a private Ramadan celebration on the evening of 10 September 2008, and detained them in Evin Prison where nine are still being held without charge, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said today.

“We condemn these arbitrary arrests and detentions, and call upon the authorities to return the citizens to their families,” the Campaign said. “The mistreatment of the Azerbaijani minority in Iran should end.”

According to witnesses, between ten and fifteen plainclothes security agents entered the home of Sayad Muhammadian, who was hosting the Iftar dinner, and began arresting the guests. Among those arrested were three youths attending the dinner with their mother Raqieh Alizadeh, the wife of Abbas Lisani, an Azerbaijani activist imprisoned in exile in Yazd.

Upon arrival in Evin Prison they were separated from their mother. Raqieh was interrogated until 2 AM on 11 September. She was later released from prison with three of her children, along with Akram Najari, Rabab Azimi, and Farhad Rezai. On 14 September, three other prisoners, Yusef Hoshiar, Shabaz Ebrahimzadeh, and Muhammad Abbaspour, were released. No reason has been given for any of the arrests.

Most of those arrested are prominent writers, teachers, and journalists. The nine men currently in detention are: Alireza Sarafi, Hasan Rashdi, Akbar Azad, Saeed Muhammadi, Mahdi Namimi Ardabili, Hasan Rahimibayat, Abbas Naimi, Hasan Haydari and Sayad Muhammadian.

Alireza Sarafi is the author of the book, Ethnic Pluralism and Iranian National Identity, and director of the monthly publication Dilmaj (which until October 2007 was being published in Azerbaijani Turkic and Persian). He is also a contributing writer for the bilingual magazine Varliq, and teacher of Azerbaijani folklore at universities in Tehran. He has conducted seminars on language at Tabriz University and is also one of the founding members of the National Peace Council.

Hasan Rashdi and Akbar Azad are contributing writers for Varliq magazine. Rashdi is a teacher of Azerbaijani Turkic literature, journalist and contributor to various national publications, author of three books on the Azerbaijani Turkic language and Azerbaijani identity. Rashidi and Azad are founders of the Chicheklar Qorulushu Forum that works for the protection of children’s rights. Akbar Azad is also the author of children’s books in Azerbaijani Turkic and contributor to numerous publications.

Saeed Muhammadi is a poet, author, journalist, and editor-in-chief of the literary magazine Yashmaq. He is the former editor-in-chief of the publication Paryaq.

Namimi Ardabili is a poet and teacher of Azerbaijani Turkic language at Tehran University. Hasan Rahimibayat is a human rights activist and a member of the Reporters Committee for Human Rights.

Iranian authorities routinely accuse Azerbaijani cultural activists and scholars of acting against national security. Those involved with promoting Azerbaijani culture and its study have routinely been arrested and sometimes imprisoned. According to Mr. Alireza Javanbaksh--spokesperson for the Committee for the Defense of Azerbaijani Political Prisoners (ASMAK)-- ten Azerbaijani activists are currently serving prison terms, and ten Azerbaijani university students are awaiting sentencing in Iranian prisons.

The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran called for an investigation of the arbitrary arrests on 10 September, and for the observation of cultural and linguistic rights of Azerbaijanis and all minorities in Iran.

“While the government of Iran, as a member of the United Nations, is obligated to protect the rights of its minority citizens to pursue studies in their own language, yet the authorities consider the study of Azerbaijani culture and language as a transgression,” the Campaign stated.