Stand for Freedom in Iran

Labor Unions and Activists Targeted and Detained.

2010-07-21T06:44:00.000-07:00

Statement of the Union of Free Workers of Iran regarding the Haft Tapeh Sugarcane Workers Syndicate

Members of the Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane Workers Union have been fired, harassed, and evicted for their association. Mr. Karimi and Kei-Khosrohi who work for Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane Industries were recently put on trial for acting against State security while celebrating International Worker's Day. Separately, Mr. Fereydoun Nikoofar, head of the union, was sentenced to one year in prison for his actions and fired after he was released. There are many others who have been imprisoned for their relationships with labor unions. The Union released a statement including:

"We strongly condemn the trials of Mr. Karimi and Kei-Khosrohi for the crime of belonging to the Free Workers Union of Iran. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Saeed Torabian, Reza Shahabi, Behnam Ebrahimzade, Ebrahim Madadi, Mansou Osanloo, Mehdi Farahi Shandiz, and all other persons seeking their legitimate and freedom-loving rights.

We ask all of the labor organizations and groups in Iran and throughout the world to stand unified and demand the immediate and unconditional release from prison of workers and humans demanding their rights, and to end the relentless judicial pursuit of labor leaders and labor activists."

Labor activists around the globe should view these actions personally and advocate for the rights of the worker.

http://planet-iran.com/index.php/news/19539

Bulldozers demolish homes of Baha'is in Iranian village

2010-07-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

Homes demolished in campaign to drive Baha'is out of Iranian village

The homes of 50 Baha'i families in Ivel, Mazandaran were demolished as part of an official action by the government to expel them from the region. The families were blocked from the village while at least four front-end loaders leveled the houses. This is just the latest development of actions to target the Baha'is.

"They're being forbidden to associate with Muslims, or even offer service to their friends and neighbours," said Diane Ala'i, representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations in Geneva.

Images of the homes and maps can be found linked to the article.

http://news.bahai.org/story/780

IRQR reports on arrest of at least 17 homosexuals in Shiraz

2010-07-21T05:54:00.000-07:00

New Arrest of "Gang of Faggots in Shiraz"

The Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees reports on the arrest of at least 17 individuals accused of homosexuality in the city of Shiraz, Iran. The group was arrested after a raid on a private party on Sunday, July 11th. In addition to the events in Shiraz, the article also gives updates on other known cases which are expected to lead to executions.

"On the July 8, 2010, Mohammad Mostafai, an Iranian lawyer announced that three of his four clients were cleared of sodomy charges, but one, an eighteen year old youth named Ebrahim Hamidi, was sentenced to be executed.
Also on June 18, 2010 we received reports from Iran regarding three more possible death sentences for homosexuality, one man receiving 74 lashes for his homosexual act and the murder of a 23 year old bisexual man by the Iranian security forces."

http://www.irqr.net/English/254.htm

July 11: International Day Against Stoning

2010-07-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

Equal Rights Now - Iran gives a brief overview of International Day Against Stoning held on July 11, 2010.

"We, the International Committee against Stoning, heartened by the success of our campaign to save the Amina Lawal from the brink of stoning, and overwhelmed by the level of support and sympathy directed towards our campaign, are proposing to declare July 11, the day on which in 2001 Maryam Ayoubi, an Iranian woman and mother of three children, was stoned to death, as the International Day against Stoning.

This day was proposed by the International Committee against Stoning at the International Conference against Stoning, held in Naples, Italy on September 26, 2003, and was endorsed by the conference. July 11 should be the day on which people around the world reaffirm their rejection of stoning."

Human Rights Watch calls for a halt to execution for adultery

2010-07-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

Iran: Prevent Woman’s Execution for Adultery

Human Rights Watch makes their official statement on the case of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, a 43-year old woman, who is guilty of having an “illicit relationship” with two men following the death of her husband.

“Death by stoning is always cruel and inhuman, and it is especially abhorrent in cases where judges rely on their own hunches instead of evidence to proclaim a defendant guilty,” said Nadya Khalife, Middle East women’s rights researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Iran should immediately put a stop to this execution – and all executions.”

Human Rights Watch reported that Ashtiani’s lawyer, Mohammad Mostafaei, fears his client could be executed at any moment.

Stop Stoning Forever Campaign; an Unfinished Story by Shadi Sadr

2010-07-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

Stop Stoning Forever Campaign; an Unfinished Story by Shadi Sadr

Shadi Sadr is a member of the Stop Stoning Forever Campaign. Her efforts to save women have been recognized internationally. Her story discusses the history of the organization, some cases, and the successes.

"Now, one year after the campaign started its activities, we can think back and consider our achievements. We managed to save three women, Parisa, Hajieh and Soghra, from stoning by the assistance of domestic and international civil society; we released them from prison and stopped the implementation of the stoning verdict of five other women, Ashraf, Kobra, Kheirieh, Iran and Mokarrameh. We also managed to raised the issue of stoning, which was previously considered taboo, amongst public, women's movement activists, journalists, elites and even high ranked governmental authorities and enhanced it."

Amnesty International - End executions by stoning

2010-07-07T08:42:00.000-07:00

In 2008, Amnesty International published a report called "Iran - End executions by stoning"detailing the laws and practices of stoning in Iran. This report also gives examples of the influence of the international community can stop the executions from happening.

‘The size of the stone used in stoning shall not be too large to kill the convict by one or two throws and at the same time shall not be too small to be called a stone.’

Article 104 of Iran’s Islamic Penal Code

This posting is part of a series that focuses on stoning in Iran as we approach July 11, 2010 which is International Day Against Stoning.

Iranian Woman Sentenced to Death by Stoning

2010-07-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

Iranian Woman Sentenced to Death by Stoning

Andrei Naeymi-Rad reports on Sakineh Mohammadie Ashtiani who was recently sentenced to death by stoning. The execution method is gruesome, the punishment disproportionate to the crime, and the law biased against women. The case against Ashtiani many disparities even within the unjust law.

This week we will post several articles related to stoning leading up to July 11, which is International Day Against Stoning.

International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran - Weekly Podcast

2010-06-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran just released its second weekly podcast relating to human rights violations in Iran. This is a great way to get caught up on some of the recent news in six minutes or less while on the train. One segment of this week's podcast reports on the abduction and beating of an activist's daughter to intimidate him from continuing his efforts after he is released from jail.

http://www.iranhumanrights.org/category/podcast/

Member of the One Million Signatures Campaign continues to be held without bail

2010-06-30T06:40:00.000-07:00

After 120 days of confinement, Mahboubeh Karami’s court was not held today and postponed to 9th of July. Mahboubeh Karami is a member of the One Million Signatures campaign.

http://www.signforchange.info/english/spip.php?article724

Resolution in the House

2010-06-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

H.RES.1371 -- Condemning the selection of the Government of Iran to serve on the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women

This resolution recognizes the limitations that Iranian laws place on women.

Salman Sima Arrested on June 12

2010-06-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

RAHANA reports that Salman Sima, an Iranian Activist was arrest during a protest on June 12th. This is his second arrest this year. He was supposed to be transported to Evin prison, but his whereabouts are unknown.

http://www.rhairan.in/en/?p=4407

Christian Convert Ali Golchin Detained

2010-06-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

Iran Human Rights Documentation Center condemns the detention of Ali Golchin

The IHRDC issued a press release regarding a Christian convert named Ali Golchin who has been detained in Evin prison since April.

This is yet another case of religious persecution by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Human rights violations read aloud in the U.N. Human Rights Council

2010-06-16T07:04:00.000-07:00

Western nations slam Iran over human rights record

The UN Human Rights Council read their statement aloud despite protests from Iran. The council broadly condemned the numerous actions of Iran.

"Iran's shortcomings include "the violent suppression of dissent, detention and executions without due process of law, severe discrimination against women and minorities including people of Baha'i faith, and restrictions of expression and religion," said the statement. It was agreed to by 56 nations."

Larijani refutes these claims, but as we have seen these violations are neither "ill-founded" or "without substance".

"The head of Iran's delegation, Mohammad Javad Larijani, has rejected the U.S. criticism of his government's human rights record, saying it was mostly "ill-founded and without any substance.""

12June.org

2010-06-11T05:35:00.000-07:00

12June.org is organizing demonstrations around the globe. To see where they are and how to get involved, visit their website at 12June.org.

A Year Later: Suppression Continues in Iran -Iran Human Rights Documentation Center

2010-06-11T04:52:00.000-07:00

Short report on the suppression of dissent in the days, weeks and months following the election

This report by the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center provides a detailed synopsis of the human rights violations perpetrated by the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the days, weeks, and months following the election. They also feature those responsible for the crimes with photos, dates of birth, hometowns and specific claim. See an example below.

Mohammad Reza Naqdi

Born: Hometown: Positions:

1953 Najaf, Iraq

Deputy Director of Intelligence, Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guards and Head of Basij

“Those groups that chant slogans against the revolution’s values ... should know that they will be confronted by Basij.”

Known as the “Tyrant of the Campus,” Mohammad Reza Naqdi was born in Najaf, Iraq but moved to Iran following the revolution in 1979. In 1993, he became Deputy Director for intelligence of the “Quds Force,” a branch of the Revolutionary Guards tasked with exporting the Islamic Revolution. During 1997 and 1998, Naqdi was allegedly involved in the imprisonment and torture of Tehran mayor Qolam-Hossein Karbaschi as well as other prominent city officials. He is reported to be a “key figure” in the organization and financing of Ansar-i-Hezbollah, a group that was involved in the 1999 attacks on students at Tehran University.

Journalist and former Basiji, Amir Farshad Ebrahimi, claims that Naqdi was present during torture of protesters at Kahrizak prison in the summer of 2009. On January 5, 2010, Naqdi told the hard-line daily Kayhan “[a]nyone who objects to this [Islamic] revolution or the rule of the Just Jurisprudent is making futile efforts to bring the establishment to its knees. These people are either morally or financially corrupt or are drug addicts, and it is rare to find someone who has objections [to the establishment and the Supreme Leader] to have a healthy personal life.” He has blamed the demonstrations following the June 12, 2009 election on the United States.

President Obama Addresses the Human Rights of Iranian

2010-06-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

Today President Obama addressed the tragedy of last years election violence and the consequences of ignoring the human rights of the citizens of Iran. He also describes how the actions of the Islamic Republic of Iran affect others.

"Saturday will mark one year from the day that an election captivated the attention of the world -– an event that should have been remembered for how the Iranian people participated with remarkable enthusiasm, but will instead be remembered for how the Iranian government brutally suppressed dissent and murdered the innocent, including a young woman left to die in the street.

Actions do have consequences, and today the Iranian government will face some of those consequences. Because whether it is threatening the nuclear non-proliferation regime, or the human rights of its own citizens, or the stability of its own neighbors by supporting terrorism, the Iranian government continues to demonstrate that its own unjust actions are a threat to justice everywhere."

Remarks by the President on United Nations Security Council Resolution on Iran Sanctions

Sanctions not for Human Rights

2010-06-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

We Must Not Forget Those Imprisoned in Iran

Kate Allen of Amnesty International points out in the telegraph that the sanctions on Iran are still ignoring the blatant human rights violations.

"This repression is part of a wider pattern. Iran's authorities have criminalised contact with over 60 foreign institutions, media organisations and NGOs, isolating Iranians and preventing news, including on human rights violations, from leaving the country. Newspapers have been closed down, websites and email services have been filtered or blocked and the police have warned that SMS messages are monitored. University professors and staff have been fired on the grounds that they do not have sufficient “belief” in the Islamic Republic. Renewed efforts to implement “morality” codes concerning dress and gender segregation are underway which impede women’s ability to function freely in society. And numerous threatening statements have been issued, backed up by executions of political prisoners, to make it absolutely clear that those who express any form of dissent – whether by speaking out, writing or attending demonstrations – will face the harshest penalties."

Golnaz Esfandiari reports on the need for unrestricted internet access in Iran

2010-06-09T07:07:00.001-07:00

Haystack in the fight for internet freedom

Human rights activists in Iran are increasing their calls on the United States and other countries to help Iranians access an unfiltered Internet by lifting sanctions and sharing key software and technology.

Amnesty International - IRANIAN POLITICAL PRISONERS DETAINED FOR DISSENT SINCE THE 2009 ELECTION

2010-06-09T06:21:00.001-07:00

IRANIAN PRISONERS DETAINED FOR DISSENT SINCE THE 2009 ELECTION

Amnesty International uses the anniversary of the election protests to highlight a few cases of prisoners of conscience to shed light on the ever-expanding repression in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Remembering the year since the June 12 elections

2010-06-09T06:07:00.000-07:00

WARNING! This video is EXTREMELY GRAPHIC!

This video is a compilation of the violence of that occurred since June of last year. While very graphic, it shows the brutality of the Islamic Republic of Iran in response protestors.

1 Year Later, Iran's Opposition Still Relies On Internet - NPR

2010-06-09T05:45:00.000-07:00

1 Year Later, Iran's Opposition Still Relies On Internet

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127586505

AccessNow.org founder Cameran Ashraf discusses the need for freedom of speech and freedom from censorship for those who choose to oppose the government in Iran. He also discusses the ways that people in the United States can help from home.

Men of Violence

2010-06-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

Men of Violence by the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran

The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran has put together a spectacular compilation of the men you have been accused of perpetrating the violence following the June 12, 2009 elections. Included in the report are:

1. Hossein Taeb - Commander of the Basij Forces at the time of June election

2. Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei - Minister of Intelligence at the time of election

3. Ismail Ahmadi Moghadam - Head of the Iranian Police

4. Saeed Mortazavi - Tehran’s prosecutor General at the time of June election

5. Sadeq Mahsouli - Minister of the Interior time of June election

6. Abolghassem Salavati - Presiding judge of Branch 15 of the Islamic Revolutionary Courts

7. Seyed Hassan Firouzabadi - Chief of Staff of the Joint Armed Forces

8. Mohammad Ali Jafari - Commander of IRGC

9. Mohammad Moghisseh - Head of Branch 28 of the Islamic Revolutionary Courts

10. Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati - Secretary General of the Guardian Council

11. Yadollah Javani - Head of the IRGC Political Office

12. Rouhollah Hosseinian - Member of Parliament

13. Ali Saeedi - Representative of Supreme Leader in IRGC

14. Ayatollah Mohammad Taghi Mesbah Yazdi - Member of the Assembly of Experts

15. Hossein Shariatmadari - Managing Editor of Kayhan Newspaper

Brazil is Forgetting About Human Rights

2010-05-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

Thomas Friedman discusses the lack of human rights discussion during Lula's trip to Iran

Mr. Friedman points out that Brazilian President Lula is turning his back on the labor unions that he based his campaign on by ignoring the persecution of labor unions by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The Stand for Freedom in Iran Coalition is disappointed that the two met at all after this letter was sent by the members of the coalition to President Lula.

International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran – Continued Detention of Amir Hossein Kazemi at Evin Prison

2010-05-19T08:31:00.000-07:00

International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran – Continued Detention of Amir Hossein Kazemi at Evin Prison

The temporary custody of Amir Hossein Kazemi has exceeded the allowable limit by 10 days already! The people of Iran and everyone deserve the right to be free. By detaining Amir they are also silencing his ability to accurately report on the situations surrounding him. Stand for Freedom of the press.

Shadi Sadr and Mahboobeh Abasgholizadeh receive jail sentences

2010-05-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

Women's rights activists sentenced in absentia

Shadi Sadr and Mahboobeh Abasgholizadeh received their sentences this week for "acting against state security by holding rallies intended to disrupt public security, violate law and order, and challenge security forces." Along with jail terms the women were also sentenced receive lashes for their assemblies. Let us Stand for Freedom of assembly this week in Iran.

More on the Kurdish executions by Roxana Saberi

2010-05-14T07:08:00.000-07:00

Roxana Saberi's response to the execution of Kurdish prisoners

In the Washington Post yesterday, journalist Roxana Saberi urges average American citizen's to use their voice to speak out against the human rights violations in Iran.

Labor Unions Condemn the Hangings this Weekend

2010-05-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

Labor Unions Condemn the Hangings this Weekend

This posting by Enduring America shows the rally held in response to the hangings of five political prisoners this weekend. While much of the recent media coverage about Iran has been regarding nuclear issues, this rally reminded CNN that people are still interested in the human rights abuses in Iran.

International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran – Clampdown on Teachers and Labor Activists

2010-05-12T06:50:00.000-07:00

International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran – Clampdown on Teachers and Labor Activists

Teachers and Labor Activists Take Notice: The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran reports on the unlawful detention of activist. The article discusses the floggings that teachers received for participating in a protest.

Open Letter to His Excellency Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Members of the UN General Assembly

2010-04-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

Open Letter to His Excellency Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Members of the UN General Assembly

Dr. Shirin Ebadi calls for the UN to reject Iran's addition to the UN Human Rights Council because it has not addressed its own violations. She identified religious persecutions, limited rights of women, and excessive punishment in her letter.

Iranian Bloggers Publicize Cases Of Lesser-Known Prisoners

2010-04-16T06:52:00.000-07:00

Iranian Bloggers Publicize Cases Of Lesser-Known Prisoners

Even though we see many of the same names over and over again, there is a whole group that receives little publicity but still needs our support.

Barring the Bahais

2010-04-16T06:29:00.000-07:00

Barring the Bahais

Faraz Sanei's report on the religious persecution of the Baha'is is another clear indication that the Iranian government does not value to religious freedoms that everyone deserves.

International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran – Intelligence Agents Pressure Judiciary for Harsh Sentences

2010-04-16T06:19:00.000-07:00

International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran – Intelligence Agents Pressure Judiciary for Harsh Sentences

The Iranian government is breaking it's own laws by violating Article 168 of the Iranian Constitution. With a clear disregard for their own laws, they continue to ignore international human rights laws.

April 8 - Iran is still holding 35 journalists after crackdown, human rights group says - Times Online

2010-04-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

Iran is still holding 35 journalists after crackdown, human rights group says - Times Online

Stand for Freedom of the press!

International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran – Protestor in Danger of Execution as Iran Flouts Human Rights Standards

2010-04-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran – Protestor in Danger of Execution as Iran Flouts Human Rights Standards

Thank you to the International Campaign for highlighting the excessive use of capital punishment in Iran.