Petition Tag - iran election

A political activist is arrested in Tabriz

Hrana 15th May, 2013

Abdollah Sadoughi, a political activist living in Tabriz, has been arrested on 13th May.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Abdollah Sadoughi was already sentenced to 1 year of prison by the revolutionary court of Tabriz.

He is believed to be arrested to serve his imprisonment sentence.


Abdollah Sadoughi had been arrested in a gathering to find a solution for the problem of Urmiye Lake with 29 other civic activists and was released after being in the intelligence of Tabriz for several months on the bail.

Amnesty International had stated its worry about his health condition because of being on hunger strike and asked Iranian government to release him immediately.

Source Hrana

https://hra-news.org/en/a-political-activist-is-arrested-in-tabriz

Editor: Human
Translator: Houman Niyazi

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Yaghoub Khezri went to prison

Hrana 27th April, 2013

HRANA News Agency – Yaghoub Khezri, the journalist and cultural and student activist, has gone to Mahabad prison after being summoned.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Yaghoub Khezri is a high school teacher in Mahabad, the student of M.A. and one of the administrators of the Literature association of Mahabad who is sentenced to one year of prison.

Yaghoub Khezri, the journalist, blogger, cultural and student activist was arrested in June 13, 2012 with some other journalists and student activists by the intelligence agents of Mahabad and was released after one month on the bail of 80 million Thomans.

Source : Hrana
Editor: Human
Translator: Houman Niyazi

https://hra-news.org/en/yaghoub-khezri-went-to-prison

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Masoud Ladoni is not allowed to have medical vacation

Hrana 15th April, 2013

HRANA News Agency – Masoud Ladoni is in a critical health condition in the Karoun prison of Ahvaz since last December. Despite the doctors’ recommendation and prosecutor’s permission his medical vacation is denied.

According to a report by Jaras, on April 6, 2013 the prosecutor agreed with medical vacation of Masoud Ladoni. Although the official letter by the prosecutor was sent to the setntences enforcement department to determine the amount of bail, at the last moment the medical vacation of this political prisoner was refused.

Also the intelligence rejected any influence on this decision and said that we did not order verbally nor written anything about this case. Now the family of this imprisoned Melli-Mazhabi activist has no idea where to follow up the issue while the doctor of the prison issued the order of medical instructions to be done out of the prison for two weeks on Masoud Ladoni.

Masoud Ladoni is one of the Khouzestani political activists. He has been transferred to the prison to spend the unfair imprisonment sentence. He is in a critical health condition especially continuously severe pain on his leg because of the inappropriate life situation in the prison.

Parvin Kahzadi the wife of Masoud Ladani expressed her worries about her husband’s condition. She said “Karoun prison has an inappropriate healthcare and keeping standards for the prisoners. My husband is paralyzed and has especial needs such as wheelchair, appropriate toilet, especial bed and the other requirements but none of these are available in the prison.”

Masoud Ladoni in was sentenced to two years imprisonment and which was confirmed by the Supreme Court.

He was imprisoned for three years in 80′s charged with supporting the ideas of Dr. Shari’ati. He has been fired from the education ministry as a teacher and is not allowed to have any governmental job.

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Ahmad Daneshpour has been rejected for furlough in spite of a deteriorating health condition.

HRANA 26 FEBRUARY 2013

Ahmad Daneshpour Moghadam, political prisoner sentenced to death is being rejected for medical leave by prison’s authorities, in spite of deteriorating health condition.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Ahmad Daneshpour Moghadam, political prisoner sentenced to death who is imprisoned at Ward 350 of Evin Prison is suffering from Colon bleeding, his health condition is critical and prison authorities deny his furlough request.

Ahmad Daneshpour and his father Mohsen Daneshpour have had their death sentences upheld by the Appeal Court on 15th May 2010. This was done after an unfair trial, where weak evidence was presented.

Mohsen and Ahmad were arrested with Ahmad's mother after the Ashura protests. They did not receive independent legal representation, nor were their family members allowed to visit them during their prosecution. Their family did not even receive notification of the Court Hearing OR death sentence.

They are charged with "deliberate cooperation with MKO," "gathering and colluding against national security," and "propaganda against the regime and in the interest of enemies." The evidence supporting these charges included a trip by the parents to Iraq to visit another son, who is a member of MKO, sending videos and pictures to MKO, and participating in demonstrations. None of these charges are either reasonable or punishable by death.

Renowned Human Rights Lawyer Mohammad Sharif, who has been able to successfully defend others sentenced to death under such circumstances, was not able to defend Mohsen's and Ahmad's cases as they were sent to the Appeals Court before he was allowed to prepare them.

Human Rights sources such as International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran strongly condemns the issuance of disproportiate sentences like Mohsen's and Ahmad's which are based on unfounded charges and result in executions.

The barbaric violations of human rights by the Iranian regime have resulted in the devastation of another whole family with these death sentences.

SOURCE : HRANA

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A political activist has been arrested a few days before Norooz

Hrana 9th April, 2013

HRANA News Agency – Houtan Dolati one of the political activists has been arrested a few days before Iranian news year -Norooz- and is still in uncertain condition.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Houtan Dolati the member of National Front of Iran has been arrested on March 16, 2013 by invasion of security agents to his home.

Security agents inspected his home, confiscated his PC and other personal belongings and transferred him to the security ward of Evin prison. Till now he is in uncertain condition in security ward of Evin prison.

هوتن دولتی مسئول سازمان دانشجویان و دانش آموختگان و عضو کمیته استان تهران جبهه ملی ایران از بیست وششم اسفند ماه گذشته بازداشت شده و تا کنون خبری .
از وی در دست نیست
ظهر روز شنبه بیست وششم اسفندماه ۹۱ ماموران وزارت اطلاعات جمهوری اسلامی
به منزل آقای مهندس هوتن دولتی، مراجعه نموده وپس از بازرسی ازمنزل ایشان، آقای مهندس دولتی را بازداشت کرده وهمراه کامپیو‌تر و وسایل شخصی اشان، به زندان اوین منتقل می‌کنند وتا این تاریخ هیچگونه خبری از آزادی ایشان دردست نیست.
هوتن دولتی، متولد بهمن ماه ۱۳۵۵ از سال ۱۳۷۶ فعالیت‌های محدود خود را در زمینه محیط زیست و سازمان‌های مردم نهاد و در نشریات داخلی این سازمان‌ها شروع نمود و در سال ۱۳۸۰ “صلح سبز ایران” را به اتفاق چند نفر دیگر به عنوان، هیات مؤسس پایه گذاری کرد. همچنین از سال ۱۳۸۱ تا کنون در انجمن تالشان مقیم تهران فعال بوده و به مدت ۲ سال مسوولیت نشریه خانه تالش را به عهده داشته‌است.

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UPDATE CHRR 17 April , 2013

Nasim Soltan Beigi, journalist and student activist, granted prison release

Committee of Human Rights Reporters – Journalist and former student activist Nasim Soltan Beigi who was on furlough for 25 days, was granted a pardon on April 11th when she went back to prison intending to serve the remainder of her prison term.

UPDATE CHRR 19 March 2013

Nasim Soltan Beigi granted furlough on bail for the Nowruz holidays.

Committee of Human Rights Reporters – On Monday March 18, journalist and former student activist Nasim Soltan Beigi was granted furlough and released from prison on bail.

According to CHRR, Nasim Soltan Beigi who has had 2 prior arrests, has worked at several media outlets including Shargh and Arman. On November 30, 2010, Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court handed this student activist and journalist a 6-year prison sentence; 3 years on the charge of “acting against national security,” one year for “propaganda against the regime,” and a 2-year suspended term stemming from a prior arrest in 2006. Soltan Beigi appealed this ruling and it was sent to the Appeals Court.

Nasim Soltan Beigi was a leftist student who was among students arrested in a widespread crackdown on student activists in November 2007. She spent 56 days behind bars in ward 209 of Evin prison before being released on bail. She had previously been arrested on June 12, 2006 at a rally of women activists and at that time was handed a 2-year suspended prison sentence.
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Nasim Soltan Beigi: Prisoner of the day
Student activist

CHRR: Nasim Soltan Beigi, a former Allameh Tabatabee University student and activist, returned to Evin Prison on October 13 to begin serving her six-year prison term.

On November 30, 2010, Branch 15 of Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced the student activist to a total of six years in prison on charges of "acting against national security" (3 years), and "propaganda against the regime" (one year), including a prior two-year sentence from 2006. An appeals court reviewed and upheld the decision later.

Nasim Soltan Beigi is a leftist student who was arrested in December 2007, during the widespread crackdown on leftist students, and spent 56 days inside the Intelligence Ministry's Ward 209. She was released on bail of $50,000 later. Nasim Soltan Beigi was sentenced to the two years' suspended prison term after she was arrested for the first time in 2006 at a gathering of women's rights activists in Tehran.

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Mehdi Mo’tamedi Mehr the member of Iran Freedom movement arrested on March 16th of 2013 right after his home inspection.

Mehdi Mo’tamedi Mehr was sentenced to five years imprisonment by branch 28 of revolutionary court on charge of membership in Iran Freedom Movement, participation in Ashoora protest and writing columns in purpose of criticizing the regime which the verdict was confirmed by appealed.

He was arrested for first time in April of 2009 in accusation of having role in organizing and publishing the statement to ask international community for observations during 10th presidential elections and was released by bail after 45 days in solitaire cell; The second time he was arrested after Ashoora of 2009 in accusation of participation in the protest and was released about two months later on March 1st of 2010.

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UPDATE Hrana 9th April, 2013

The authorities refuse to release Mohammad Seyfzadeh

HRANA News Agency – Although Mohammad Seyfzadeh has served the sentence of 2 years imprisonment, the authorities of the Rajai Shahr prison are refusing to release this imprisoned lawyer and are making a new case for him.

According to a report by the Kalameh website, although the 2 years imprisonment sentence of Mohammad Seyfzadeh, the lawyer and a member of the Human rights defenders center is finished last March, this human rights activist who suffers from several diseases is still kept in prison.

He has been sentenced to 6 years of prison for complaining and not taking part in the Revolutionary court, which is not definitive yet.

He didn’t recognize the revolutionary court because of the lack of independency and not keeping the due process which caused the irritation of the judiciary authorities and his exile to the Rajai Shahr prison.

Seyfzadeh suffers from Kidney, colitis, colon, liver and spine diseases and the lack of nutrient and health requirements in the Rajai Shahr prison has put him in a critical condition.

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Jailed lawyer’s sentencing surprises family

Radio Zamaneh Sat, 02/23/2013

Iranian lawyer Mohammad Seifzadeh, after two years of imprisonment, has been sentenced to six years in jail.

Fatemeh Golzar, the jailed lawyer’s wife, told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran: “Just when we were expecting that he would be finally released, the court’s ruling was reported to us, and he has been sentenced to six year in jail.”

Seifzadeh was sentenced by the Revolutionary Court in 2010 to nine years in jail and a 10-year ban from practicing law. He was arrested in March of 2011 and given two years for “attempting to leave the country illegally.”

He was charged with “collusion and assembly against national security” for collaborating in writing petitions and issuing joint statements while in jail. He has refused to participate in the proceedings against him on the basis that the courts lack the jurisdiction and legitimacy to issue a fair ruling.

Mohammad Seifzadeh was a judge prior to the 1979 Revolution in Iran and was prohibited from practicing law for 10 years following the regime change.

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UPDATE CHRR March 20, 2013

The witness and the accused trade places; Abolfazl Abedini charged with “propaganda against the regime”

According to the Kaleme website, despite the fact that months have passed since political prisoner [and blogger] Sattar Beheshti was killed while in custody [a week after his arrest on October 30], the government probe into his death at the Fata detention center is still ongoing. Instead of the perpetrators of the torture and death being indicted, the chief witness in the investigation has been charged with “propaganda against the regime.”

Abolfazl Abedini appeared as a witness in front of the judge in charge of the case file for the death of prisoner Sattar Beheshti. He asked the judge to not allow a repetition of the Kahrizak prison events by turning the witness into the accused. However only 2 days after his testimony, in an unusual move this political prisoner was suddenly transferred to Ahvaz prison. Abedini announced that he would launch a hunger strike in protest and other prisoners followed suit to show their support. In result after one week, Abedini was returned to Ward 350 of Evin prison.

Forty-one political prisoners in Evin prison issued a letter following Beheshti’s death, emphasizing that they had witnessed the signs of torture and beatings on his body before he was taken from ward 350 for the final round of interrogations.

In their witness letter the prisoners said: [Beheshti] was seen by prisoners in Ward 350. He was hung from the ceiling by security officials and beaten. Then his arms and legs were tied to a chair and he was beaten again. At times they would cuff his hands to a beam and beat him up, and at times his interrogators threw him on the ground and kicked him in the head and neck with their boots. While they beat him, they also tormented him with verbal abuse, profanity and extremely offensive tongue-lashings, and threatened to kill him. When they brought Sattar to Ward 350 the signs of torture were visible on all parts of his body and he was in agonizing pain. His face was bruised, his head was injured, and his wrists were swollen with prominent signs of being hung from the ceiling. Inflammation and intense bruising as a result of blows to his body were also seen around his neck and stomach.

Despite the fact that even the Judiciary spokesman has confirmed the evidence of beatings on Sattar Beheshti’s body, Abolfazl Abedini who testified to witnessing the grave physical state of the deceased is now charged with “propaganda against the regime.”

Abolfazl Abedini, journalist and activist, is among the political prisoners who were arrested in 2009 during the aftermath of the contested presidential elections. He was held in custody for 4 months before being released on bail and was later handed an 11-year prison sentence. The journalist was detained again later in the year, this time by the Revolutionary Guards Corps, charged with “propaganda against the regime,” and handed an additional one-year prison sentence, totaling 12 years and was deprived of taking his university exams.

Abedini has served 3 years behind bars without furlough, and has endured periods of severe torture in solitary confinement during this time resulting in his deteriorating health. Now he faces additional time in prison due to his testimony regarding Sattar Beheshti’s death.

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Issuing impossible bail and depriving of university exams for Abolfazl Abedini

HRANA 10 FEBRUARY 2013

HRANA News Agency– Officials issued 900 million tomans bail for Abolfazl Abedini's medical furlough and prevented him to take his university exams.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), judiciary officials issued a 900 million tomans bail for Abolfazl Abedini Nasr's medical furlough.

Abolfazl Abedini Nasr, the journalist and one of the ex-administrators of Human Rights Activists group in Iran who sentenced to 12 years imprisonment is suffering of heart disease and now that he granted for medical furlough the officials asked a 900 million tomans bail which is canceling the medical furlough practically.

He already passed 3 years of 12 years imprisonment and the officials in a rare act issued 100 million tomans bail for each year of left imprisonment period.

"Officials canceled his university exams and Abedini with 14 more prisoners deprived of taking the university exams", one of his relatives said to HRANA reporter.

"The prison officials have not given any clarification about this decision which is illegal according to the internal regulations of prisons.", He added.

Abolfazl Abedini sentenced to 11 years imprisonment in March 2010 by branch one of Ahwaz revolutionary court. His verdict delivered to his lawyer, Mohammad Oliaie Fard, and while he had two weeks to appeal it, in les than one week the branch 11 of provincial appealed confirmed the verdict.

The judiciary officials were not been satisfied by the verdict and in April 2011 by a new dossier sentenced Abolfazl Abedini to 1 year imprisonment on charge of propaganda against regime.

This human rights activist arrested at his home by invasion of more than armed security forces on March 1st of 2011 through the intelligence department scenario against human rights activists.

He has been tortured and traumatized during his detention in islamic revolutionary guards ward 2 and hospitalized at clinic of Evin prison many times as one of the consequences of tortures on him.

Translated by: Ramyar Hassani

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UPDATE SEN´S DAILY MAY 22 , 2013

The sentences have been announced for seven Bahai men from Gorgan, who were tried in Tehran on April 24. Fahrmand Sana’i, Kamal Kashani, Payam Markazi, Siamak Sadri, Fu’ad Fahandezh and Kourush Ziari ( فرهمند سنایی، کمال کاشانی، پیام مرکزی، سیامک صدری، فواد فهندژ و کوروش زیاری) were sentenced to five years each, while Farhad Fahandezh (فرهاد فهندژ) was sentenced to 10 years in prison. The charges were “organising and running an illegal organisation, membership of an illegal organisation, and propaganda against the regime.” They were among about 20 Bahais who were detained in a wave of arrests on about October 17. (Kourush Ziari is from Gonbad-e Qabus, where he was arrested and later transferred to Gorgan).

After some weeks in detention in Gorgan, all seven were transferred to Evin prison in Tehran for interrogation, after which they were sent to Raja’i Shahr prison.

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Seven Bahai prisoners from Gorgan ,
in limbo in Raja’i Shahr prison

Sen´s Daily 7 February , 2013

Seven Bahai prisoners from Gorgan and Gonbad, in Golestan province, were transferred to Rajai Shahr prison in Karaj, near to Tehran and 450 km from their homes, on December 22. They were among about 20 Bahais who were detained in a wave of arrests of Bahais in Gorgan and Minudasht on and about October 17.

After some weeks in detention in Golestan, they were transferred to Evin prison in Tehran for interrogation, after which they were sent to Raja’i Shahr prison. Now, three and a half months after their arrests, they are still in “temporary” detention (without charge or trial). Repeated requests from their families to the prosecutor in Tehran, to have them released on bail, have been fruitless. The prosecutor has passed the file to the Ministry of Justice and the revolutionary court, and the revolutionary court has returned the file to the prosecutor’s office.

The lawyers representing the detainees have not been able to visit their clients, and no court has heard their case. Their families have been required to travel back and forth regularly in connection with their detention.

One of the seven, Kourush Ziari ( کوروش زیاری ), has a leg injury and was unable to walk at all until just a week before his arrest. At the time of his arrest he was receiving physiotherapy. Despite repeated approaches from his family, prison officials have made no move to give him medical treatment or medical leave. His family have been referred back and forth to various agencies.

The other six are Siamak Sadri, Fu’ad Fahandezh, Payam Markazi, Fahrmand Sana’i, Farhad Fahandezh and Kamal Kashani ( سیامک صدری، فواد فهندژ، پیام مرکز، فرهمند ثنایی، فرهاد فهندژ و کمال کاشانی ).

They are held in room 12 of block 4 of Raja’i Shahr prison. Rajai Shahr prison also ‘houses’ the seven Bahai ‘Yaran’ (national facilitators) who are now in the fourth year of 20-year sentences for their Baha’i beliefs.

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Yasan Mousavi arrested and transferred to prison.

CHRR 6 February 2013

On Sunday, February 3rd, agents from the Ministry of Intelligence detained Yasan Mousavi at his home in Tehran and transferred him to Evin prison.

Yasan Mousavi, born in 1984, was an activist at Mir Hossein Mousavi’s 2009 presidential campaign. His brother Hooman Mousavi was arrested during that time and since then, Yasan Mousavi has been summoned and interrogated many times.

According to news obtained by CHRR, Yasan Mousavi was arrested without notice on February 3rd, and two days later on February 5th, judiciary agents contacted his family and informed them that he will be kept in temporary detention for one month.

Yasan Mousavi was alone at his residence when he was detained. According to witnesses, Intelligence agents entered his home by breaking the locks, conducted a massive search of his home during the arrest and seized personal items such as his computer and satellite dish.

Yasan Mousavi’s brother Hooman Mousavi is a former political prisoner who was arrested during the time of unrest following the contested presidential election results of 2009, and spent 2 years behind bars in Evin prison. Their parents were also political prisoners and were executed by the Islamic Republic in the late 1980’s during the period of mass executions in Iran’s prisons.

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UPDATE Hrana 23rd April, 2013
Translator: Houman Niyazi

The trial for Kave Taheri has been postponed

The trial for the blogger Kave Taheri which was supposed to be done on 22nd April has been postponed.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), although he was informed about the date of the trial since April 15,2013 the trial has been postponed while he is in the prison for 7 months with no sentence yet.

His lawyer has been able to read the case after 7 months today. According to the lawyer he has been charged with “propaganda against the government” and “insulting the leader.”

The next date for his trial is 29th April.

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* UPDATE HRANA 04 MARCH 2013

A weblogger is in detention without trial for more than five months.

HRANA News Agency – Kaveh Taheri the weblogger who was arrested on September 23rd of 2012, still is in uncertain situation after five months detention in Adel Abad prison in Shiraz.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Kaveh Taheri the weblogger from Shiraz was arrested by Etela'at agents on September 23rd of 2012 at his work place and first was transferred to detention center No.100 and after 52 days was transferred to Adel Abad prison of Shiraz.

His mother could been able to visit Kaveh on March 2nd of 2013 but still after five months he is in detention without trial.

On September 23rd of 2013 the agents arrested him, inspected his home and confiscated his personal belongings such as H.D.D, notes and his laptop.

"He is in a better mental condition in compare with before and he will release the details of interrogation sessions and how the interrogators dealt with him whenever his verdict will be issued", One of his relatives said to HRANA reporter.

Generally this weblogger accused to acting against national security and cyber propaganda against regime in his dossier.

Translated by: Ramyar Hassani

Uncertainty of a detained weblogger Kaveh Taheri´s situation after 130 days.

HRANA News Agency -
SATURDAY, 02 FEBRUARY 2013

After 130 days detention of Kaveh Taheri, the weblogger who has arrested on September 23rd of 2012 still his situation is uncertain.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Kaveh Taheri, the weblogger who is from Shiraz has been arrested by agents of revolutionary guards Etela'at on September 23rd of 2012 at his working place, transferred to Detention center of revolutionary guards and then after 52 days to Adel Abad prison in Shiraz.

The agents confiscated his personal laptop and then searched his home and took away his personal belongings such as hard drive of his computer, handwritings and ... .

"Kaveh Taheri who is 31 years old, passed journalism courses and has the journalist ID but one of the charges on him is illegal reporter", One of his relatives told HRANA reporter.

After 130 days of Kaveh Taheri's detention and his family's haunt, still no trial formed for him and even the court did not allow his lawyer to study the dossier.

It has to be mentioned that in general, the charges on this weblogger in his dossier are acting against national security and propaganda against regime through cyberspace.

Translated by: Ramyar Hassani

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IRAN: Over 32 Months in Solitary Confinement; Hamza Rigi, Baluch Political Prisoner

HRANA 02 FEBRUARY 2013

It's over 32 months that Hamza Rigi, Balouch political prisoner is being held in solitary confinement by Iranian regime.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Hamza Rigi was arrested on charge of relating to Jondollah opposition group and was sentenced to death in the revolutionary court of Zahedan and his verdict has been confirmed.

Hamza Rigi also had been on hunger strike in protest of his verdict more than 25 days.

"Hamza Rigi was under 18 years old when he was arrested and his death sentence is against International Convention that Islamic Republic has signed it too. Hamza was tortured when he was arrested and most of his confessions was under the torture." one of his relatives told HRANA's reporter.

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Recently Arrested Journalist Freed on Bail #IRAN

Reporters Without Borders 13.02.2013

Reporters Without Borders has learned that Ali Dehghan, a journalist with the daily Bahar who was arrested at his home on 30 January in a new crackdown on media personnel, was released on bail on 6 February.

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Another Iranian journalist jailed amid outrage

Radio Zamaneh Wed, 01/30/2013

Ali Dehghan has become the latest journalist to be swept up in a wave of arrests by Iranian authorities, despite widespread outrage over the past few days both inside and outside Iran.

The Bulletin News website, a site linked to Islamic Republic security bodies, announced that Ali Dehghan, who edits the economy section of Bahar daily, was arrested on a judicial warrant for being “a media element close to a number seditious groups.”

Iranian authorities refer to the 2009 election protesters as “seditious”, and many who challenged the legitimacy of the last presidential elections are now serving stiff sentences in Iranian jails.

Dehghan has a background in working with several reformist newspapers such as Shargh, Etemad and Bahar, and he has also worked for the Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA).

This is the first time Dehghan has been arrested by Iranian authorities.

He joins the list of more than a dozen other journalists who’ve been arrested since Saturday January 26.

Nearly 200 Iranian journalists from inside and outside Iran have issued a statement calling on the Iranian judiciary to immediately release their colleagues and prove their respect for the rule of law.

The announcement expressed concern about statements from Iran Prosecutor Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, who cited “reliable sources” when he said that a number of journalists are collaborating with “the West and Anti-Revolutionaries.” Such allegations could potentially lead to serious charges and sentencing.

Iranian Nobel Peace laureate Shirin Ebadi has also issued a statement condemning the arrests and maintaining that these state actions are aimed at promoting an atmosphere of intimidation to curb freedom of press.

The intelligence ministry also issued a statement today January 30 saying the detained journalists are "part of a network linked to arrogant powers" and that more arrests may be still in the picture.

Iranian authorities often refer to Western powers as "arrogant powers."

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Milad Fadai Asl, Head of the Political Section of ILNA News Agency, Arrested.

Committee of Human Rights Reporters – Agents from the Ministry of Intelligence have detained journalist Milad Fadai Asl tonight, January 26, 2013.

According to news obtained by CHRR, Milad Fadai Asl had just left his office and was talking on his mobile phone when suddenly he was accosted by agents from the Ministry of Intelligence and transferred to an unknown location.

In the past few months, his wife Saba Sherdost has been summoned to the Islamic Republic office of investigations several times. Previously on December 2, 2009, at the time of the mass protests against the disputed presidential elections, Milad Fadi Asl was arrested at his home. Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court handed a one-year prison term on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.” Fadai Asl was released after serving his one-year sentence behind bars.

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HRANA News Agency– Mostafa Bordbar from converted Christians who was detained by the security forces in Tehran during Christmas, is still in detention in Evin prison.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), quoted from Mohabbat News, there is no news from Mostafa Bordbar - who was born on 1986 and is a converted christian from Rasht- and how he has been arrested.

According to the released reports, on Thursday, December 27th of 2012, about 50 converted Christians in Tehran gathered for Christmas eve prayers and praising Jesus Christ at a home in Northern Tehran but have been arrested by the invasion of plainclothes security forces.

These people have been detained for hours at the same place and got permission to leave the house after interrogation. During this event also Priest "Verevir Avansian" arrested who is Iranian-Armenian christian, while he is sick hardly. The priest was released after 15 days detention in Evin prison by providing bail until the day of his trial.

Sources reported that the security agents after detaining Mostafa at the same night, went to his brother's house in Tehran and searched everything, but when they did not find anything related to his Christianity, they left the place with Mostafa after an hour.

Mostafa after detention by security forces, which seems spend his interrogation days under of Evin prison interrogators control, had not any contact with his family. Finally after two weeks they allowed him to have short phone call with his family to tell them that he is doing OK.

His family could not visit him despite of followings up, haunt to judicial centers and Evin detention center after Mostafa called them.

- Refusal of accepting the bail to release him:

After one month of Mosata Bordbar detention, according to the news, judicial department asked for bail instead of his provisional release until the trial day but unfortunately they refused the bail of his family because it belongs to Rasht and prevented the provisional release of this prisoner of conscience.

Judicial officials asked the family of this christian prisoner to provide a bail belongs to Tehran. Then it seems until his family will find a new bail he should be in detention.

Continuation of the detention of a converted christian in Tehran
THURSDAY, 24 JANUARY 2013

Mostafa Bordbar has been arrested in accusation of conversion to Christianity and attending the hidden churches at homes in Rasht in 2009.

He is also accused to apostasy and released by providing bail which is registered in his dossier.

Translated by: Ramyar Hassani

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The lawyer, Manizheh Bohlouli arrested

THURSDAY, 17 JANUARY , 2013

HRANA News Agency – Manizheh Bohlouli, The lawyer at justice department has been arrested without enough evidence and reason; and transferred to prison by the 4th branch of prosecutors in Miyaneh.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), This lawyer called her family from Miyaneh prison and informed them that she is in detention, and Also the assistant prosecutor of 4th branch has granted a bail of 5 million tomans for her.

Her family went to the prosecutors office and asked for her freedom with the bail in hand but unfortunately they faced the assistant prosecutor's refusal.

Five months ago in a case that Manizheh Bohlouli was lawyer, prosecutor himself with the investigator entered to her office and confiscated some of the evidences and her dossiers.

Manizheh Bohlouli formed a complaint in court judges against Mr. Bagheri the head of Miyaneh court, Hossein Moharrami the attorney general of Miyaneh court and Soltani the head of the 102nd branch of criminal court of Miyaneh court; But in addition of not being successful in complaint, judicial officials formed bogus case about her and arrested her illegally.

Translated by: Ramyar Hassani

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UPDATE CHRR April 20, 2013

Amir Chamani, student activist, returned to Tabriz prison after a 4-day furlough

Committee of Human Rights Reporters – Amir Chamani who is a sociology graduate student at Tabriz University, returned to Tabriz central prison after being allowed only 4 days of furlough.

According to CHRR, political and student activist Amir Chamani was granted temporary release from prison on April 15th after enduring 92 days behind bars. On April 19th, after only four days he returned to the Tabriz Central prison.

On January 14, 2013, Judge Hamlbar presiding over Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court handed Amir Chamani a 6-month prison sentence for “insulting the leader and founder of the Islamic Republic,” and a 3-month (100 days) prison sentence for “propaganda against the regime. On January 13th the activist also received a sentence of 40 lashes for “insulting the presidency.”

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UPDATE Amir Chamani transferred to Tabriz central prison
WEDNESDAY, 23 JANUARY 2013

HRANA News Agency– Amir Chamani, student activist from Tabriz, has been transferred to Tabriz central prison yesterday afternoon.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Amir Chamani the student activist and student in sociology master degree of Tabriz private university, has been transferred to quarantine ward of Tabriz prison at 07:00 pm on January 22nd.

Etela'at agents of Tabriz invaded his home on January 13th and arrested this activist, also they took away his PC.

Since that day, Amir Chamani is detained in cells of Tabriz Etela'at.

Still it is not clear that the intention of the detention is enforcement of his nine month imprisonment verdict or something else.

He was going through Interrogation sessions in Etela'at of Tabriz and then by giving a bail of 50 million tomans released; In July 5th of 2012 accused to "Insulting to the leader and founder of Islamic republic" by judge Hamlbar in Branch 1 of Tabriz court and sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, At the same time has been accused to "Propaganda against the regime" and sentenced to 100 days imprisonment.

Translated by: Ramyar Hassani

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HRANA News Agency – Amir Chamani, student of master degree in sociology faculty of
Tabriz private university, has been detained by the security forces.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Amir Chamani, student activist, at 04:00 PM of Sunday 13th of January has been arrested by the security forces at his home.

He was going through Interrogation sessions in intelligence office of Tabriz and then by giving a bail of 50 million tomans freed; In July 5th of 2012 accused to "Insulting to the leader and founder of Islamic republic" by judge Hamlbar in Branch 1 of Tabriz court and sentenced to 6 month in prison, At the same time has been accused to "Propaganda against the regime" and sentenced to 100 days imprisonment.

In addition, on Sunday morning he got a verdict of 40 lashes in accusation of "Insulting to president".

Likely he has been arrested because of enforcement of his imprisonment and been transferred to Tabriz prison, but there is no news of his contact with his family.

Translated by: Ramyar Hassani

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Five Iranian Christian Converts Receive Trial Date

Following a long wait and much uncertainty and after the judicial authorities rejected their appeal to be released on bail, five Christian converts in Shiraz officially received a trial date. They spent eight months after their arrest in prison with their fate unknown.

According to Mohabat News reporters, five Christian converts, who have spent eight months in prison, finally received a date for their trial through their lawyer.

Their trial, according to the announcement paper, is to be held on Monday, October 15, at 10 a.m. in Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court in Shiraz. The names of the Christians are as follow, Messrs.. Mojtaba Hosseini, Mohammad-Reza Partoei (Kourosh), Vahid Hakkani, Homayoun Shokouhi and his wife Mrs. Fariba Nazemian.

The report received by Mohabat News indicates, these Christian converts are charged with "creating illegal groups", "participating in house church service", "propagation against the Islamic regime" and "defaming Islamic holy figures through Christian evangelizing".

Prior to this, on May 11, 2008, Mojtaba Hosseini and Homayoun Shokouhi had been arrested because of their Christian faith, together with eight other Christian converts in Shiraz. At that time, they were sentenced to five years in prison but released conditionally. One year from that suspended five year sentence is still remaining. It is believed that their prior case may also be reviewed in the trial that is to come.

Since their arrest, all five Christian prisoners are being held separately in wards where dangerous criminals like murderers and drug dealers are also being held in Adel-Abad prison in Shiraz. According to reports, Homayoun Shokouhi is being held in ward 10, which is believed to be the worst ward of all, Mohammad-Reza Partoei is in ward 11 and Mojtaba Hosseini and Vahid Hakkani are in ward 4, but on different floors. Also, Mrs. Fariba Nazemian is in the women's ward in the same place as feemale drug addicts and murderers.

Homayoun Shokouhi and his wife, Mrs. Fariba Nazemian, have two children, a 17 year old son and a 12 year old daughter. Their children are totally alone since their parents' arrest and are going through many difficulties.

It is noteworthy that their trial was set to be held between April 19 and 26. They were transferred to Revolutionary Court of Shiraz and were interrogated by Mr. Rezaei Dadyar in Branch Seven. They were told that some judicial officials have said that they would not accept any kind of bail for their temporary release.

These Christian prisoners' rights were also violated during their transfer to the court. As Mohabat News reporters witnessed, each time they were transferred with their hands and feet chained. This occurred although according to the regulations of the Prisons in Iran, prisoners of conscience should not be handcuffed or chained.

It should be remembered that security authorities raided a house on February 8, 2012, after they had identified it as a house church. The group of Christians who had gathered there to worship were ill-treated and eventually arrested. They were then taken in police cars to the detention center of the Intelligence Office in Shiraz, known as "Pelak 100", for interrogation.

It should be mentioned that harassment and discrimination against religious minorities has been a major Human Rights violation issue by the Islamic regime of Iran, during the last 30 years.

Regarding the situation of Christians in Iran, in the opening paragraph of its report, Fox News wrote that in a country like Iran where Christians are being pressured, the only way to secure the release of Christian prisoners is to continue the international pressure on the Iranian regime.

The Islamic government of Iran has increased its pressure on Iranian Christian converts during recent years. It has closed churches or prevented Farsi-speaking people from entering churches and uses all means to restrict and suppress "freedom of religion".

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Ali Pour Soleiman is a member of the Central Council of the Iranian Teachers' Organization. A prisoner inside Evin Prison's Ward 350, he has been in prison for almost a year without any furlough.

"We went to see Ali... Thank Good he was feeling a lot better, but he was sad to be behind bars on such a day. We cannot celebrate the Teacher's Day at all this year. We hope to celebrate when he gets out on 25 May, when he completes his sentence. We shall celebrate not just his release, but all our loved ones in prison," Pour Soleiman's mother told JARAS Website.

The teachers' rights activist was arrested in May 2011. He was severely beaten in prison and had to be transferred to hospital. After his hospital treatment, Ali Pour Soleiman was first transferred to IRGC's Ward 2-A, and then to Ward 350 at Evin Prison. His one-year sentence on charges of "propagating against the state" will end on 25 May. On Teacher's Day 2007, Iran's then Minister of Education and development, ordered the dismissal of Ali Pour Soleiman from his teaching position.

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UPDATE Hrana 2013-04-23

Editor: Human Niazi
Translator: Houman Niyazi

HRANA News Agency – Mehdi Khodai and Mohammad Davari have returned to the section 350 of the Evin prison while their vacation has been finished.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Mehdi Khodai and Mohammad Davari returned to the Evin prison couple of hours ago.

Mehdi Khodai is the former secretary of the Islamic Society of Shahre Rey Azad University and a member of Human Rights Activist has come for vacation on March 20, 2013 after 3 years.

Mohammad Davari is the Editor of Saham News Website and had been in the prison since September 2009. He had a heart problem when he heard his brother’s death and was transferred to hospital. He had been on the vacation since February 20, 2013 however he was not allowed to take part in his brother’s funeral.
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Judicial authorities have imposed an exorbitant bail on Mohammad Davari, whose conditions continue to worsen in prison. In an interview with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, Bijan Davari, Mohammad Davari’s brother, said his physical and psychological condition is seriously deteriorating.

“Though he exercised in prison and tried to keep up his spirits and when talking to us, he never talked about what he was going through, we can no longer deny that his physical illnesses are pressing him,” Bijan Davari told the Campaign.

Mohammad Davari is a journalist, former teacher, and former editor-in-chief of Saham News, a website affiliated with Mehdi Karroubi. He was arrested in 2009 after political opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi wrote a letter to head of the Council of Experts reporting the torture of political prisoners inside Kahrizak Detention Center. Security forces tortured Davari in prison, pressuring him to make televised confessions against Karroubi.

Bijan Davari told the Campaign that judicial authorities asked the family for a $400,000 bail collateral. “Really, even if our entire family came together, we would never be able to raise this amount. We can at best raise $100,000. He says himself, ‘I have not committed a crime. Therefore I will neither request a pardon, nor furlough. I only want my freedom.’ Nonetheless, we did make an effort, but the bail amount is too high. Since his imprisonment in 2009, Mohammad has not been granted even one day of leave. Our old mother travels from Bojnourd to Tehran to visit with him once every month,” he added.

Iranian authorities sentenced Davari to five years in prison, which in 2011 was increased to six years. The last year of imprisonment was added due to Davari’s inability to pay a $5,000 cash fine for a teachers’ protest he attended in February and March 2006. Davari is a union activist and member of the Central Council of the Iranian Teachers Association. He is also a disabled Iran-Iraq War veteran.

“Unfortunately, Mohammad has developed psychological problems. He also suffers from a heart condition and he has had problems with his teeth for a long time. They told us to provide the name of a doctor so that they would take him there. We gave the names of several doctors, but they did not agree to those physicians. But why didn’t they take him to a doctor of their own choice? Is it possible that a huge prison like that does not have a heart specialist? Forget about his teeth that are entirely decayed. Well, when he sees that nobody cares, he endures double psychological pressure. And there is nothing we can do. We don’t know whose advice to seek, whom to tell, and how to tell! We have no one in Tehran. All of us feel helpless about what to do. Mohammad had a lawyer whose work ended after his verdict was finalized. It is really unbelievable that Mohammad who is innocent should stay in prison for five years,” Bijan Davari told the Campaign.

“If we have freedom of expression and press, why should he be in prison? It is so painful that an innocent Mohammad should spend five years of his life in prison, and on the other hand, his situation is not reviewed. We cannot do anything, just to stand and watch,” he added.

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Two Baloch teenage political prisoners sentenced to death were transferred to exile prisons

HRANA 14 SEPTEMBER 2012

HRANA News Agency –Two Baloch teenage political prisoners sentenced to death by Iranian revolutionary court and were exiled to Qazvin and Semnan prisons. And, also there is no information about another Baloch teenage political prisoner.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Abdulwahab Rigi was arrested in September 2010 when he was seventeen years old and he was exiled to Qazvin prison. Despite his young age, he is placed alongside dangerous criminals awaiting execution sentence.

Mehrollah Rigi was arrested in September 2010 in a raid by agents of the Intelligence Ministry when he was just 17 years old as well. He was sentenced to death in a few minutes after the court session had started. Currently, he is exiled to Semnan Prison awaiting his death sentence.

Meanwhile, there is no information about another Baloch teenage political prisoner, Mohamad Saber Malek Reisi with the charge of Moharebeh (Enmity against God) sentenced to 15 years in exiled prison.

PETITION :
FREE Mohammad Saber Malek Raisi
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/free-mohammad-saber-malek-raisi.html

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Radio Zamaneh Mon, 09/10/2012

Iranian student activist Rashid Esmaili has been arrested by security forces in Esfahan.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports that Esmaili, an executive member of the student group Tahkim-e Vahdat, was arrested on Saturday September 8 without an arrest warrant.

According to the HRANA report, Esmaili was first arrested in December of 2009 while he was undergoing cancer treatment. He was banned from graduate studies in human rights at Allameh University and in recent months was involved in journalistic activities with various websites.

Advar News reports that Esmaili will be held by the Revolutionary Guards Security branch until his interrogation is complete.

Last June 17, international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, issued a joint statement expressing grave concern about the conditions for students at Iranian universities and the escalation of “arbitrary” arrests, as well as the expulsion of students and professors on the basis of their beliefs and political views.

According to the statement, since 2009 more than 600 students have been arrested and many are serving heavy prison terms. In addition, hundreds more have been banned from continuing their education on the basis of their political views and activities.

Iranian student activist Rashid Esmaili has been arrested by security forces in Esfahan.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports that Esmaili, an executive member of the student group Tahkim-e Vahdat, was arrested on Saturday September 8 without an arrest warrant.

According to the HRANA report, Esmaili was first arrested in December of 2009 while he was undergoing cancer treatment. He was banned from graduate studies in human rights at Allameh University and in recent months was involved in journalistic activities with various websites.

Advar News reports that Esmaili will be held by the Revolutionary Guards Security branch until his interrogation is complete.

Last June 17, international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, issued a joint statement expressing grave concern about the conditions for students at Iranian universities and the escalation of “arbitrary” arrests, as well as the expulsion of students and professors on the basis of their beliefs and political views.

According to the statement, since 2009 more than 600 students have been arrested and many are serving heavy prison terms. In addition, hundreds more have been banned from continuing their education on the basis of their political views and activities.

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UPDATE 23 JANUARY 2013 :

Iranian authorities have given furloughs to a number of political prisoners in recent days, including Nasrin Sotoudeh, Bahareh Hedayat, Mahsa Amrabadi (the wife of Masoud Bastani) and Bahman Ahmadi Amouyi.

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Journalist Mahsa Amrabadi, who is married to imprisoned journalist Massoud Bastani, was sent to Evin Prison on 9 May to serve her one year prison sentence.

In an interview with the International Campaign for Human Right in Iran, mother of Mahsa Amrabadi expressed shock about her daughter's sudden imprisonment. "Yesterday (Tuesday, 8 May), they called us from the Sentence Enforcement Unit and they said that Mahsa had to turn herself in the next day. I asked whether they wanted to send her to prison, but they did not reply. Mahsa went there with her father today and they sent her to prison at 1:00 p.m. Mahsa was prepared, so she had taken her bag of things and clothes. But I'm still dumbfounded and can't yet believe that she is gone. I thought like other times, she would come back again. I didn't even go to prison with her and say goodbye for the last time," she said.

Asked why after several summonses Mahsa Amrabadi was transferred to prison this time, her mother told the Campaign, "because the Judge in charge of the Sentence Enforcement Unit has changed and the new Judge believed that Mahsa should go to prison."

Journalist Mahsa Amrabadi was arrested in June 2009 and was released two months later on bail of $200,000. Branch 26 of Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced her to five years in prison, 4 years of which were suspended and one year to be served, on charges of "propagating against the regime through interviews and reports." An appeals court later upheld Amrabadi's sentence in its entirety. Amrabadi's activities such as participating in Qur'an reading gatherings with families of political prisoners, interviews, and writing reports for newspapers, visits with independent Grand Ayatollah's, and defending her imprisoned husband were cited as evidence of her charges. Security forces arrested Amrabadi a second time during February 2011 demonstrations in Tehran, and she was subsequently released a few days later.

Journalist Massoud Bastani, Mahsa Amrabadi's husband, was also arrested in 2009. He was sentenced to six years in prison and $36,000 in cash fines. He is currently serving his prison term inside Rajaee Shahr Prison in Karaj and has been denied furlough since his arrest. Amrabadi occasionally spoke with media outlets about her husband's conditions.

Mahsa Amrabadi's mother stated that her daughter has been asked several times in the past to sign a letter, requesting pardon. "The former Judge of the Sentence Enforcement Unit asked Mahsa several times to write a letter, requesting pardon, but Mahsa said that if she wrote a letter requesting a pardon, she would be accepting the accusations made against her, and that she had not committed any crimes and did not accept her charges. She never agreed to writing such a letter," said Amrabadi's mother.

"This sentence is truly cruel for Mahsa. All Mahsa's activities were legal and she worked in this country's legal newspapers. All the accusations made against her are ridiculous and meaningless. In this country, criminals are free, and kids who care about the country are in prison," said Maryam Amrabadi.

"My request of Iran's judicial authorities is to review these cases one more time. Three years ago, there were those who wanted to create a state of crisis in the country. Now, if the authorities wish to end the crisis in the country, they should review these cases again and see whether the rulings they made were fair or not. I believe none of the sentences issued for these kids are fair," she added.

Stating that Amrabadi and her husband are no longer able to visit with each other, Maryam Amrabadi added, "The problem is that Massoud, Mahsa's husband, is at Rajaee Shahr Prison and Mahsa is at Evin Prison. Our minimum request is that they transfer her husband to Evin Prison, so that at least they can see each other once a week."

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Bardia Taherpur in Danger of Deportation
from Holland to Iran

The Persian dissident Mojtaba (Bardia) Taherpur is in danger of deportation from Holland to Iran. He told "Persian Dutch Network” today, September 4th, that the Dutch Immigration Office has rejected his asylum request.

Taherpur, who was quite shocked, added: “IND has given me and my wife 28 days to leave the Netherlands.”

Taherpur problems began in 2005 when he was a student in Tehran. Iranian authorities prevented him from finishing his studies because of anti-government activities. Taherpur moved to Dubai to continue his studies and activities but during a short visit to his family in Tehran was sentenced to 1 month imprisonment and 80 lashes. Taherpur fled to The Netherlands through Turkey in November 2010.

Frank Wassenar, spokesman of Dutch Immigration Office (IND), did not give any details about the rejection of Taherpur’s case. “Based on the law we are not allowed to discuss personal cases,” he told “Persian Dutch Netwok” today.

Since his entrance to Holland, Taherpur has actively studied the Dutch language and is now a student of Hoogschool van Amsterdam. He has participated in various meetings of Persian opposition groups and also spoken at a demonstration in front of the Iranian Embassy in The Hague.

In 2011 Bardia Taherpur converted from Islam to the ancient Persian religion of Zoroastrianism. Because of an interpretation of Islamic law forbidding conversion and even punishing it with death, Tahrepur and his wife face potential harassment and even execution or sanctioned murder. His popular blog contains critical postings about Islam and the Islamic Republic in Iran.

Taherpur and his wife now live in an asylum camp in Almere.

SOURCE : Payvand Iran News 09/05/12
http://www.payvand.com/news/12/sep/1034.html

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Prominent Iranian journalist Jila Bani-Yaghoub has begun her one-year jail term at Evin Prison.

The Kaleme opposition website reports that Ban-Yaghoub, a prominent Iranian journalist and women’s rights activist, returned to Evin Prison on Sunday September 2 to serve out a one-year sentence.

She was arrested in 2009 during the election protests against the controversial victory of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Ban-Yaghoub was arrested along with her husband, Bahman Ahmadi Amouyi, another journalist, who is currently in jail serving a five-year prison term.

In addition to her one-year jail term, Bani-Yaghoub has also been banned for 30 years from media activities for the charge of "propaganda against the Islamic Republic and insulting the president."

The Islamic Republic government has arrested and jailed many journalists in reaction to the 2009 protests.

Reporters Without Borders has been consistently speaking out against the treatment of journalists in Iran, and in its latest statement, the press-rights group reports that with 26 journalists and 18 netizens in jail, Iran only trails China as the biggest prison for journalists.

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Behnam Rohani-Fard, a Bahai Musician and composer who had resided in Tehran for some time traveled to the city of Yazd to participate in the mourning ceremony arranged for one of his family members. In the morning hours of Monday, October 12, Mr. Rohani-Fard was detained by Intelligence agents while driving in his private car; he was taken to an undisclosed location.

In repeated follow-ups made by Mr. Rohani-Fard’s wife, she was told that her husband would be released in one week and his detentions was related to his change of residence, as well as chanting religious Bahaei songs.

Readers are reminded that Mr. Rohani-Fard was a target of investigation by agents from the Intelligence Ministry in March 20 of this year. During the investigation, Mr. Rohani-Fard’s computer and some of his personal effects were confiscated. The agents carried a search warrant and an issued sentencing for a one-year suspended jail term, effective for the next four years.

SOURCE : Iranian.com

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Activists demand release of their peer
Sat, 06/02/2012

More than 400 activists have issued a statement calling for the release of Manijeh Najm Eraghi, a jailed Iranian writer, translator and women’s rights activist.

The statement condemns the arrest of Najm Eraghi by the Islamic Republic and demands that the government “stop fabricating cases against women’s rights activists, writers, intellectuals, journalists, labour activists, students, teachers, lawyers and social and political activists.”

Manijeh Najm Eraghi, who was also the secretary for the Iranian Writers Association, was arrested last Sunday and transferred to Evin Prison.

She was previously arrested in September of 2010 and released on bail after three days. The court charged Najm Eraghi with being a member of the Iranian Writers Association, mailing the association’s announcements and participating in the memorial service for Iranian poet Ahmad Shamloo and slain writers Mohammad Mokhtari and Mohammad Jaffar Pouyandeh. Najm Eraghi was sentenced to one year in jail.

Following the controversial elections of 2009 and the widespread crackdown on protesters who alleged that the elections were rigged, numerous non-government organization such as the Iranian Writers Association have become the target of persecution and their members have been arrested and given prison sentences.

Writer-translator to serve out prison sentence
Mon, 05/28/2012

Manijeh Najm Eraghi, an Iranian writer and translator, was arrested on Sunday to serve out a one-year sentence.

Najm Eraghi first had been arrested in September of 2010 and was released on bail after three days.

Her one-year sentence was issued on the charges of membership in the Iranian Writers’ Association, mailing announcements from the writers’ association and participating in gatherings for the assassinated writers Mohammad Mokhtari and Mohammad Jaffar Pouyandeh.

On May 21, Fariborz Rais Dana, an Iranian economist and another member of the Iranian Writers’ Association was arrested. Rais Dana was also sentenced to one year in jail for membership in the writers’ association and for giving interviews to the foreign media about the impact of government-subsidy restructuring in Iran.

The Iranian Writers’ Association has been working for the rights of writers for over four decades, and its history is one of constant resistance and pressure from the government.

SOURCE : Radio Zamaneh

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In a new wave of arrests in 2012 against journalists in Iran:

Parastoo Dokouhaki and Marzieh Rasouli, two journalists and bloggers recently arrested, are currently being held in the Sepah Ward 2-A of Evin Prison. They are being held in solitary confinement in a section controlled by the Revolutionary Guards. They have been charged with “propaganda against the regime and acting against national security.” They have not yet had access to a lawyer or allowed visits from their families. Their families have been told to refrain from speaking with media.

Dokouhaki, a women’s rights activist and one of the first bloggers in Iran, was arrested on January 15, 2012 at her home. Security forces confiscated her some of her personal belongings. In March 2007, Dokouhaki and 32 other women’s rights activists were arrested while attending protests against the trial of fellow activist Sousan Tahmasbi. Despite her earlier involvement with numerous reformist publications, Dokouhaki’s family say this female journalist has not been engaged in any political activity in recent years.

Rasouli, a journalist with a history of working with the Iranian Student News Agency (ISNA) and dailies such as Iran and Shargh newspaper, was arrested on January 17, 2012. Rasouli had been previously arrested in September of 2010 and banned from traveling abroad. Rasouli had been told that her charge was “espionage” but a few weeks before her second arrest this year, she was told that the charges against her had been dropped and she was allowed to acquire a passport.

Sources: Green Voice of Freedom, Radio Zamaneh, Radio Free Europe

اطلاعیه مطبوعاتی: روزنامه نگاران بازداشت شده در بند 2 الف سپاه پاسداران هستند

2 بهمن 1390

اطلاعیه مطبوعاتی: روزنامه نگاران بازداشت شده در بند 2 الف سپاه پاسداران هستند

پرستو دوکوهکی و مرضیه رسولی، دو روزنامه نگار و وبلاگ نویس ایرانی، حدود یک هفته است که در بند دو الف زندان اوین که زیر نظر اطلاعات سپاه ایران اداره می شود در سلول انفرادی هستند. هفته گذشته مامورین به خانه های پرستو دوکوهکی و مرضیه رسولی ریخته اند و آنها را همراه با وسائل و لپ تاپ هایشان با خود برده اند. علت دستگیری این دو روزنامه نگار مشخص نیست و تنها اتهام های مبهم "تبلیغ علیه نظام" و "اقدام علیه امنیت ملی" به آنها تفهیم شده است. این روزنامه نگاران تا به حال از داشتن وکیل محروم بوده اند و موفق به ملاقات با خانواده های خود نشده اند. خانواده های آنها هم اطلاع بیشتر از وضعیت آنها ندارند و از صحبت با رسانه ها خودداری می کنند. به نظر می رسد خانواده های این روزنامه نگاران نیز همچون موارد مشابه که پیش از این بارها گزارش شده است، از سوی مقامات امنیتی مجبور به سکوت شده اند.

مرضیه و پرستو تنها روزنامه نگارانی نیستند که در روزهای اخیر دستگیر شده اند. روزنامه نگاران، وب نگاران و فعالان اجتماعی دیگری از جمله سهام الدین بورقانی، فاطمه خردمند، احسان هوشمند، سعید مدنی، فرشاد قربان‌پور، محمد سلیمانی نیا، نسرین نعمت اللهی، پیمان پاک مهر و شهرام منوچهری هم در چند روز گذشته دستگیر شده اند. تعدادی از روزنامه نگاران هم در هفته های اخیر بازجویی و تهدید شده اند. خانواده های برخی خبرنگاران مشغول به کار در رسانه های خارج از کشور از جمله خانواده های خبرنگاران بی بی سی فارسی هم اخیرا اذیت و آزار یا بازداشت شده اند. در چند روز اخیر تعدادی از دانشجویان و شهروندان عادی هم مورد بازجویی و ضرب و شتم قرار گرفته اند.

با توجه به موج دستگیری ها و فشارها در هفته ها و ماه های اخیر، به نظر می رسد برخی خبرنگاران و وب نگاران ساکن ایران و دوستان و خانواده های خبرنگاران شبکه های خارجی قربانی سیاست های امنیتی و پیشگیرانه حکومت ایران برای کنترل جریان اطلاع رسانی در مورد انتخابات پیش رو شده اند.

ما از دولت جمهوری اسلامی ایران می خواهیم این روزنامه نگاران را هر چه زودتر آزاد کند. از کلیه نهادهای حقوق بشری و جوامع بین المللی هم می خواهیم این فشارها و ارعاب ها را محکوم کنند، وضعیت روزنامه نگاران دستگیر شده را پیگیری کرده و از دولت ایران بخواهند تا این روزنامه نگاران را هر چه سریع تر آزاد کند.

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UPDATE August 15, 2012

The organization also learned of the release on bail of Mohammad Solimaninya, head of the social networking site u24, after he paid a bond of 500 million tomans (approx. 400,000 euros). He was arrested on 28 May for a second time after he was summoned to Tehran’s Evin prison.

SOURCE : Reporters Without Borders

UPDATE: CNN July 4, 2012

Prominent Iranian literary translator missing, source says:

A prominent Iranian literary translator is missing, just weeks after being released from Tehran's notorious Evin Prison, a source close to him said Monday.
The individual said Mohammad Soleimani Nia, 40, hasn't been seen since he responded to a call from authorities last Wednesday to retrieve personal belongings that had been confiscated. He was to pick up items, including his driver's license, computer and passport at an office near Evin Prison.

The source gave this chronology of events leading up to his disappearance:

-- In late November 2011, Soleimani Nia was questioned by security and intelligence officers. Friends and family aren't sure of the motive behind that questioning, because phones are monitored in Iran and Soleimani Nia was tight-lipped about the experience, which resulted in his being barred from leaving the country.

-- On January 10, officials called him to the Revolutionary Court. The court hears cases of smuggling, blaspheming, inciting violence or attempting the overthrow of the Iranian government.

-- After arriving at court, Soleimani Nia was accompanied by security guards to the home he shares with his parents in Karaj, outside Tehran. The guards searched the house, seizing electronic devices and documents, and prohibited Soleimani Nia from speaking to his parents.

-- Soleimani Nia was then detained on unknown charges, then released on bail in May. He was freed after agreeing to suspend a hunger strike after 28 days. During part of that time, he reportedly was held in solitary confinement in Evin Prison, notorious for its harsh conditions.

This, the next chapter in Soleimani Nia's on going saga, has many people close to him deeply concerned.
"We don't even know if he made it (to the office near Evin Prison) or if he was just kidnapped as soon as he left the house," the source said. "This is very disturbing. To this point, no authorities have taken responsibility regarding this and we don't know where he is."

Associates have previously described Soleimani Nia as being physically delicate.

Firoozeh Dumas, an Iranian-American author whose best-selling book "Funny in Farsi" Soleimani Nia translated for the Iranian audience, described her friend as "a very gentle soul" and "a model citizen, who loves his country, his family and culture."
"Mohammad Soleimani Nia is also the most nonpolitical person I have ever met," Dumas said.
"He translated 'Funny in Farsi' simply because he wanted to share with his fellow Iranians a book that he had enjoyed in English," she said.
Soleimani Nia also is considered a tech pioneer by his peers; he is credited for launching an Iranian social networking website comparable to LinkedIn called U24, a portal for Iranian professionals seeking jobs.
"Given the high unemployment rate, he should be celebrated for his desire to help the Iranian economy. If he lived in America, he would be called a nerd. In Iran, he's a prisoner," Dumas said.
CNN tried calling the spokesman for the Iranian foreign minister but has yet to receive an official response regarding Soleimani Nia's case.

UPDATE

Iranian translator released from notorious Tehran prison

CNN May 24, 2012

A prominent Iranian literary translator imprisoned since January on unknown charges has been released on bail, a source close to the family said Wednesday.
Soleimani Nia has yet to be charged.
This month, Nia agreed to suspend a hunger strike after 28 days. He had written a letter of protest to authorities and was told that it would be considered only if he ended his hunger strike, the source said.
Behind bars, he spoke to his family sporadically, the source has said.
Nia was in solitary confinement in Tehran's Evin prison, notorious for its harsh conditions, for some of his time in custody, the source said in April. He was then moved to a general section of the prison.
Associates have previously described Nia as being physically delicate.
Firoozeh Dumas, an Iranian-American author whose best-selling book "Funny in Farsi" Nia translated for the Iranian audience, described her friend as "a very gentle soul."

UPDATE

CNN May 4, 2012

Iranian translator halts hunger strike, source says

A prominent Iranian literary translator imprisoned since January on unknown charges has suspended his hunger strike after 28 days, a source close to the family said Thursday.

Soleimani Nia had written a letter of protest to the authorities and was told that it would be considered only if he ended his hunger strike, the source said.
For this reason, he has halted his protest for one week to see if the authorities will look at the letter, the contents of which are not known, the source said.
In the course of his 28-day hunger strike, Nia has needed medical treatment on one occasion and remains in a prison hospital ward.

He will be able to consume only non-solid food for a while because of the effects of the hunger strike on his digestive system.

The last time he spoke to his family was a few days ago and very briefly, according to the source. Nia was in solitary confinement in Tehran's Evin prison, notorious for its harsh conditions, for some of his time in custody, the source said last month. He was then moved to a general section of the prison. Associates have previously described Nia as being physically delicate.

Firoozeh Dumas, an Iranian-American author whose best-selling book "Funny in Farsi" Soleimani Nia translated for the Iranian audience, described her friend as "a very gentle soul."

Literary translator Mohammad Soleimani Nia, 39, has been detained in Iran since January 10 for unknown reasons.

Family and friends of a well-known literary translator in Iran are concerned for his well-being after he was detained for unknown reasons nearly two weeks ago.

Mohammad Soleimani Nia, 39, has been held since January 10, according to a source close to his family.

The family doesn't know where he's being detained or why he's being questioned, but they fear he is in solitary confinement at Tehran's notorious Evin prison, according to the source. The prison is known for its harsh conditions.

Soleimani Nia's family is "so worried about his health," said the source, who did not want to be named for safety reasons. "He's not a strong person physically."
His ordeal began in late November when he was questioned by security and intelligence officers. Friends and family aren't sure the motive behind that questioning as phones are monitored in Iran and Soleimani Nia was tight-lipped about the experience, which resulted in him being banned from leaving the country, according to the source.

On January 10, officials called him to the Revolutionary Court, where he reported that morning. The court hears cases of smuggling, blaspheming, inciting violence or trying to overthrow the Iranian government.

After arriving at court, he was accompanied by security guards to the home he shares with his parents in Karaj, outside Tehran. The guards searched the house, seizing electronic devices and documents, and prohibited Soleimani Nia from speaking to his parents, the source said.

His whereabouts have been unknown since the guards left the home with Soleimani Nia in their custody.

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