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Armed clashes break out among regime forces

According to obtained reports by the National Council of Resistance of Iran, in the midst of rising conflicts and divisions within the Iranian regime and among its various factions, on Wednesday, agents from the regime’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) engaged in a gun battle with members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to Jaras website, the clash took place after the IRGC’s intelligence agents installed hidden cameras and eavesdropping devices in a building in Tehran. A physical altercation broke out in public among the regime’s forces which led to an armed conflict. The IRGC Sarollah compound operates under the orders of the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and his son, Mojtaba, who is in charge of installing spying devices.

USCCAR Deplores Iraqi Forces’ Assault on Ashraf, Calls for US and UN Immediate Intervention

The US Committee for Camp Ashraf Residents (USCCAR) deplores the August 24, 2010, assault on and severe beating of two residents of Camp Ashraf by the Iraqi forces. It urges the United States and the United Nations to intervene immediately to halt the blatant violation of Iraq’s written assurances on humane treatment of Ashraf residents.
USSCAR also calls on the United Nations Secretary General, the United Nations Assistance Mission to Iraq and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to also intervene to lift all restrictions placed on Camp Ashraf. Camp Ashraf is home to 3,400 members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). In July 2009, the Iraqi forces launched a deadly attack on unarmed residents of the Camp, killing 11 and wounding more than 500.

Amnesty International: Journalist Shiva Nazar Ahari may face death penalty

Amnesty International issued an urgent action on Monday saying Journalist and human rights defender Shiva Nazar Ahari appears to have been charged with moharebeh (enmity with God), which can carry the death penalty. Her next hearing is scheduled for 4 September 2010. She is a prisoner of conscience, held solely for the peaceful exercise of her rights to freedom of expression and association. Shiva Nazar Ahari, who is a member of the Iranian organization, the Committee of Human Rights Reporters (CHRR), has been detained since December 20, 2009. Apparently charged with of moharebeh, under Article 186 of the Iranian Penal Code, she has also been charged with 'assembly and collusion to commit a crime' (Article 610) and 'propaganda against the Regime' (Article 500). Amnesty International fears that such vague charges do not amount to a recognizably criminal offense. She is being tried in Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran. Judicial officials and pro-government news agencies have publicly accused the CHRR and Shiva Nazar Ahari of contacting a banned group, the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI), The CHRR and Shiva Nazar Ahari have strenuously denied these accusations. According to her mother, in April 2010, Shiva Nazar Ahari was charged with 'causing unease in the public mind through writing on the CHRR’s website and other sites' and 'acting against national security by participating in [anti-government] demonstrations on 4 November 2009 and 7 December 2009.'. Shiva Nazar Ahari denied attending the demonstrations, saying that she had been at work on those days. She has been in solitary confinement for much of the time. In February 2010 she told her family by phone that she had been placed in a 'cage-like' solitary confinement cell where she could not move her arms and legs. She has had only limited access to her family.

Iranian Refugees in Athens accepted for Political Asylum

After 32 days of hunger strike six Iranian refugees were accepted as political asylum seekers in Greece. By a high-level delegation from the Interior Ministry with Greek Minister personly signing ((Mykhalys Khrystvkhvydys)) their interviews had been held in hospital, whereto they had been transferred. Hamid’s mouth is open again. He saw his mouth in protest to his claim for refugee status in Greece in early July. Hamid and Vahid did not have to go through an interview, they just had been accepted. HAMID SADEGHI, VAHID FARSHBAF, SEYED ROUHOLLAH RAOUFI KALACHAYEH, FARHAJ GOLAMI,MOHAMAD SHAHANDEH, SADEGH FAREHAIE, are among those who were accepted for refugee status. Yanni will have his interview in the ministery on Tuesday. The interior minister told the Iranian refugee before their hunger strike that because of the very good relationship with the Iranian government, Greece was not able to accept them.

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Iran: Political prisoner’s tongue cut out by interrogators

Interrogators at the notorious Evin prison in Tehran have reportedly cut out the tongue of a Kurdish political prisoner, leaving him in critical condition. According to the 24-Katjemi website and Dijleh news agency, Matin Arjan, a resident of Bateman town in Turkey’s Kurdistan region, had his tongue cut out by interrogators at Evin. Over the past year, Mr. Arjan suffered two brain strokes, leaving him paralyzed and unable to walk.The political prisoner’s brother told Dijleh news agency, “I have come to Iran 4 times and met my brother. Matin is constantly under torture and spends most of his time in solitary confinement. They have cut out his tongue. He is not being treated and is now on the brink of death.” Mr. Zeki Arjan added, “I have already paid officials 20,000 Euros to free my brother, but they have not done so and have threatened me that I will be killed if I don’t leave Iran.” Last year, the Committee of Human Rights Reporters referred to the psychological and physical pressures against the Kurdish activist, saying that the beatings he has endured have caused kidney and lung complications. Matin Arjan is 35 years old. He was arrested in May of 2005 on charges of entering Iran and contacting Kurdish activists, and subsequently sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Iran: Female protestor charged with "moharebeh," may be sentenced to death

The Iranian regime tried a female protestor this week on charges of “acting against security,” “distributing propaganda against the establishment” and “moharebeh” (waging war on God). Ms. Zahra Bahrami was arrested during Ashura day protests on December 27, 2009. Another prisoner who was arrested on Ashura Day has been sentenced to execution. The Iranian regime has also sentenced a prisoner to death in the southern province of Boushehr. Amir Abbas Tavakoli Borazjani is a member of a well-known family in Bushehr who along with his brother was arrested two years ago during a violent raid by the regime for beating and killing an agent of the State Security Forces (SSF) and carrying a weapon. During the violent SSF raid, the mother of the family, Ms. Soudabeh Shadpour, was shot in the neck. Amir’s brother, Hossein, died under torture on July 27, 2008, while in prison about a month after his arrest. According to obtained reports by the NCRI, Mr. Tavakoli Borazjani is being held at Gohardasht prison and is being subjected to torture. He is known to rise up in defense of prisoners against attacks by guards, which leads to his torture. Regime intelligence agents have reportedly visited Tavakoli Borazjani family threatening them not to reveal the facts of their son’s case in court. The judge who sentenced Amir Abbas to death is identified as Nourollah Azizi who according to his own admissions in the regime’s media has signed the death sentences of 3,500 people.

Cleric smuggles narcotics into Iran prison

Iran focus reported on Thursday that a Cleric named Massih Mottalebi, congregation leader of Gohardast Prison in Karaj, west of Tehran, is responsible for the entry of narcotics into the prison. His involvement has become common knowledge among prisoners. Inmates who oppose his actions are transferred to other prisons. Iran Focus added: So widespread is the entry of narcotics into the prison that the smell of opium fills the air in most hallways and common areas throughout the day, sources say. Many prisoners, especially those who are downtrodden, have become addicted.

Iran: Young man shot dead by suppressive forces in Ahwaz

A 26-year-old man was shot dead in Yaser township of Omidieh in Ahwaz, provincial capital of Khuzistan, on Tuesday, August 17, by agents of the State Security Forces (SSF). He was identified as Ali Badiri from Arab ethnic population. People who witnessed the criminal act protested against the suppressive forces and they had to call in reinforcements. The regime’s agents transferred the young man’s corps to the mortuary. He was under prosecution for his opposition to the clerical rule but the regime accused him of robbery and drug smuggling in order to justify its crime.

Iran: Three weeks on, the fate of political prisoners on hunger strike still unknown

According to the Aug. 17th report by the NCRI(National Council of Resistance of Iran) almost three weeks into a hunger strike launched by political prisoners in Ward 350 of the notorious Evin in Tehran, a lawyer for two of them says it is unclear how many are still continuing their strike after 20 days. The strike was launched in protest to the transfer of the prisoners to solitary confinement as well as to the cruel treatments of political prisoners by guards. In an interview with German radio Deutsche Welle, the lawyer, Ms. Nasrin Sotoudeh, said other lawyers are unaware of the situation of their clients and families have written a letter demanding an opportunity to meet with their detained loved ones. Ms. Sotoudeh said she represents Messrs Keyvan Samimi and Zia Nabavi. She told the German radio, “In view of the two prisoners’ lengthy hunger strike, it is natural for me to express worry about their health. There have been no phone calls or any credible information about these prisoners. We don’t know if they have ended their strike or if they are in good health or not.” Ms. Sotoudeh added, “Zia Nabavi’s family visited my office and said their attempts to make inquiries at Evin prison or from judiciary officials have led to no where, and they face a continued threat of detention as well as insults and other forms of abusive behavior.”

Iran: Political prisoner in Oroumieh launches hunger strike

A political prisoner in northwestern Iran launched a hunger strike on Sunday, August 15, according to reports. Mohammad Amin Agoushi, who is being held at the central prison in Oroumieh, has been sentenced to death by the Iranian regime on charges of “moharebeh” or “waging war on God.” He went on a hunger strike in protest to pressures in prison and a decision to keep him in a ward where regular prisoners are being held.

Iran: Suppressive forces attack and arrest youth in Tehran on bogus charges

The Iranian regime’s State Security Forces (SSF) attacked youths and passersby in Tehran’s Narmak and Tehran Pars districts, according to reports on Monday, arresting more than 50 people under the pretexts of “mal-veiling” and as “hooligans and thugs.” The SSF forces went on alert on Monday afternoon in Narmak, Haft Hoz, and Javadieh streets in Tehran Pars, patrolling the areas and arresting and beating passersby. Youths, however, resisted the violent attack and clashes ensued. The SSF forces fired tear gas to combat the protests. In Haft Hoze St., a number of young girls were arrested for “mal-veiling.” Motorcycle riders were also attacked and a number of them were arrested and later transferred to the police station in Haft Hoz. On Sunday, there were reports of several hours of clashes between people and the regime’s suppressive forces, with gun shots being heard, in the southern Tehran district of Ghiasi. A number of pictures have in recent days been published on the Internet showing the suppressive agents’ attacks against youths in Iran

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A Prisoner killed under torture in Karaj

According to National Council of Resistance of Iran, the Iranian regime in has killed a prisoner in Karaj under torture on Wednesday. The victim, Hassan Qashqai was arrested after he protested State Security Forces (SSF) in Varamin city, and taken to solitary confinement at Karaj’s Gohardasht prison. NCRI added: based on reports reports, he lost consciousness under severe tortures, and lost his life shortly thereafter. The 35 year old belonged to the Qashqa tribe and had spent 5 years in prison.

Three people executed in public in Iran

The Iranian regime executed three people in public on Wednesday in the city of Azna in Lorestan province. According to the state-run Fars news agency on Thursday, the execution was carried out “in the midst of high security and in public at the town’s Namaz Square.” A number of local officials, including the town prosecutor, were present at the scene.
The news agency identified the victims only with their initials, S. R., A. M., and M. Kh., adding that they were charged with kidnapping.

Televised ’confession’ in stoning case condemned

Amnesty International has condemned the TV “confession” of an Iranian woman, in which Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, a 43-year-old mother of two awaiting execution by stoning for adultery, appears to implicate herself in the murder of her husband. The interview was broadcast last night on the “20:30” program by Seda va Sima, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting. Amnesty is pointing out that televised “confessions” have repeatedly been used by the Iranian authorities to incriminate individuals in custody. Many have later retracted these “confessions”, stating that they were coerced to make them, sometimes under torture or other ill-treatment. Amnesty International Middle East Deputy Director Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui said: “This so-called confession forms part of growing catalogue of other forced confessions and self-incriminating statements made by many detainees in the past year. “Statements made in such televised exchanges should have no bearing on Iran’s legal system, or the call to review her case. This latest video shows nothing more than the lack of evidence against Sakineh Ashtiani.’

Amnesty understands that last week, Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani’s lawyer, Javid Houtan Kiyan, submitted a 35-page request for a judicial review of her case, and that a response is expected on or around 15 August. Unconfirmed reports indicate that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani has recently been tortured or ill-treated while in Tabriz Central Prison, underscores Amnesty’s concern. Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui added: “It appears that Iran’s authorities have orchestrated this ’confession’, following the call for a judicial review and now appear to be inventing new charges of murdering her husband. “Having Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani broadcast in this manner calls into question the independence of the judiciary, at least vis-a-vis the state broadcaster, and its ability to adhere to Iran’s own laws. If the judiciary in Iran is to be taken seriously, this ‘confession’ needs to be disregarded and assurances given that it will not affect the review of her case.

Toyota suspends auto exports to Iran over nuclear row

Associated France Press reported on Aug. 11 that Toyota Motor Corp. has suspended auto exports to Iran indefinitely in line with global sanctions against Tehran’s nuclear program, the company said Wednesday.
AFP added: The world’s largest car maker has halted auto shipments to Iran since early June, ’considering the international environment,’ Toyota said in a statement. ’Our company will continue to closely monitor the international situation,’ it said without elaborating. Toyota’s auto shipments to Iran sharply declined to some 250 Land Cruiser four-wheel-drive and other vehicles in 2009 from 4,000 units in 2008. Toyota has exported 220 cars so far this year. The UN Security council adopted fresh sanctions in June against Iran’s nuclear program, while the US and the European Union have strengthened their own sanctions.

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Iranian regime set to execute 18-year-old on false charge of sodomy

Guardian in London reported Aug.8 that an 18-year-old Iranian is facing imminent execution on charges of homosexuality, even though he has no legal representation. Ebrahim Hamidi, who is not gay, was sentenced to death for Lavat, or sodomy, on the basis of “judge’s knowledge”, a legal loophole that allows for subjective judicial rulings where there is no conclusive evidence.

Hamidi had been represented by human rights lawyer Mohammad Mostafaei, who has since been forced to flee Iran after bringing to international attention the case of another of his clients, Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, a 43-year-old Iranian mother of two who has been sentenced to death by stoning for adultery. Mostafaei was due to arrive in Norway yesterday to begin a life in exile while continuing his campaigns on behalf of his clients, including Hamidi.

At the same time, human rights activist Peter Tatchell has written to the foreign secretary, William Hague, urging him to contact the chief justice of Iran and ask that the execution be halted.

“Ebrahim’s case is evidence that innocent heterosexual people can be sentenced to death on false charges of homosexuality [in Iran],” said Tatchell, co-founder of the London-based gay rights group OutRage.

Hamidi was arrested two years ago in the suburbs of the western city of Tabriz in the East Azerbaijan province after a fight with members of another family.

A person convicted of homosexuality in Iran can be lashed, hanged or stoned to death. The law includes a variety of penalties for different acts: 99 lashes if two unrelated males sleep “unnecessarily” under the same blanket – even without any sexual contact. A boy raped by an adult man would also be lashed if the court decided that he had “enjoyed” the experience.

After three days in detention, Hamidi confessed to the crime, allegedly under torture. The other three were cleared of all charges when promised by officials that they would be freed if they testified against Hamidi.

Mostafaei initially wrote an open letter about Hamidi’s case to highlight the execution of juvenile offenders. But two weeks ago Mostafaei’s wife, Fereshteh Halimi, was arrested and had been kept in solitary confinement in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison without charge until late last night, when the Observer understood that she was released.

Mostafaei fled to Turkey, where he was promptly arrested for entering the country illegally. On Friday, however, the Turkish authorities released him after EU diplomats intervened on his behalf.

Amensty International appealed for the halt of Ja’far Kazemi’s execution

Amnestly International on Aug. 8: Iran’s Supreme Court has rejected Ja’far Kazemi’s request to appeal against his death sentence. The sentence was imposed for his alleged participation in anti-government demonstrations and links with a banned organization. His sentence may be carried out at any time. Ja’far Kazemi was arrested on 18 September 2009 and interrogated and possibly tortured for months in Evin prison in Tehran. He was accused of participating in protests which followed the disputed outcome of Iran’s presidential election in June 2009, but was not accused of committing any violent acts; and for his alleged contact with banned opposition group, the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI). He was sentenced to death for ’enmity against God’, and is also believed to have been convicted of “propaganda against the system”. Amnesty International is aware of six other men sentenced to death in Iran for alleged links to the PMOI. Mohammad Ali Haj Aghaei, Ali Saremi, Abdolreza Ghanbari, Ahmad Daneshpour Moghaddam and Mohsen Daneshpour Moghaddam were reportedly also found guilty of ’enmity against God’, possibly in the same case as Ja’far Kazemi. Information received on 4 August indicated that another man, Javad Lari, a merchant in the Tehran bazaar, had been sentenced to ‘death, without pardon’ for ’enmity against God’. He is also held in Evin prison, where he was reportedly tortured and forced to ‘confess’.