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The Defenders for Human Rights Centre calls for global solidarity for the release of Narges Muhammadi

by adminl
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Dear friends and colleagues,

The Deputy Head and spokesperson of the Defenders for Human Rights Centre, Narges Muhammadi, has just been re-sentenced for an extra sixteen years imprisonment, ten years of which is enforceable. Prior to this she has been sentenced to six years. Mrs Muhammdi has already been in prison for two years. As such, sadly, she has to spend 16 years in prison, simply because she has spent her life defending humanitarian values and dignity. She is not only deprived of her freedom but she is put away from her family and her young children. Obviously, the Human Rights community worldwide misses one of its most hardworking, and caring members.

Dear all,

The Defenders of Human Rights Centre in Iran has been actively defending the political prisoners’ rights, defending Children whom are facing death penalty, helping other human right activists, women rights, defending journalists and freedom of expression, and protecting ethnic and religious minorities’ rights.

Today, however, Iran’s judiciary and its security forces, yet again, attempts to silent human rights defenders’ voices, indicating terrible price for freedom of speech in Iran. Thus, the Defenders for Human Rights Centre in Iran condemns the sentence, which is evidently the result of Mrs Muhammdi’s objection against death penalty. We thus call the sentence unjust, and unfair, and therefore we demand her unconditional release.

The Defenders for Human Rights Centre in Iran, hereby, calls upon all the freedom seekers, organizations, human right activists and the defenders of freedom of speech, to join our universal solidarity to consider every possible attempt to free a member of our community. We shall bring the massage forward that we are members of the same community and that any harm to one of us, is considered as a harm to all of us.

Shirin Ebadi
The Chair of the Defenders for Human Rights Centre

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Reports

Education Sector’s Share of the State Development Budget is Inadequate

by adminl
written by adminl

The Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights has reviewed the situation of human rights in Iran during the month of Shahrivar 1395 [22 August to 21 September 2016]

Education Sector’s Share of the State Development Budget is Inadequate

In continuation of its monthly reports, the Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights has reviewed the situation of human rights in Iran during the month of Shahrivar 1395 [Iranian month starting 22 August 2016].
The Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights, which is presided over by Shirin Ebadi, has referred to the beginning of the 1395-96 academic year and said, according to government and public institutions, a large number of schools in the country are in a dilapidated state and badly in need of major repairs, but these have been delayed for various reasons including the inadequate share of the education sector from the state’s total development budget.
Therefore, this people-instituted organization has noted that the Fourth Development Plan has provided guarantees for equitable access to educational opportunities, the elimination of educational deprivation, and the payment of various costs – such as health and hygiene. The Centre has then emphasized the need for changes in the budget that the education sector is earmarked to receive from the state’s development budget.
The Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights pointed to the report by the Majlis Research Centre regarding the provisions made by the Fourth Development Plan to have approved funds available for retrofitting and strengthening the school buildings. It then criticized the inattention to providing an adequate budget for education.
Furthermore, in its report, which is published in both Farsi and English languages, this people-instituted organisation has reviewed the situation of human rights in Iran under the three main headings of: “Civil and political rights”, “social and economic rights”, and “cultural heritage and the environment”.
According to the website of the Centre for the Supporters of Human Rights, the text of the report by the said center for the month of Shahrivar 1395, which has been published on 4th of Mehr 1395 [25 September 2016], is as follows:
A Brief Report on Human Rights Situation in Iran in August-September 2016

Introduction:
The academic year of 1395-96 has got under way while according to government and public institutions, a large number of schools in the country are in a poor state and in need of major repairs, but these have been delayed for various reasons including the inadequate share of the education sector from the state’s total development budget. Of course, this is something which can expose our children to serious risks in several different arneas.
According to published reports, some schools in some provinces such as Lorestan, Sistan Va Baluchestan and Khuzaestan are without appropriate buildings for the education of students in a way that sometimes pre-fabricated hangars and large tents or sheds are being used as schools. In addition, the shortage and inadequacy of schools is not only confined to deprived and remote areas of the country but, some schools in Tehran and Khorasan Razavi Provinces also need reconstruction and renovation.
This is while the Majlis Research Centre has published a report regarding the provisions made by the Fourth Development Plan to have approved funds for strengthening the school buildings, declaring that the proportion of the 1395 Budget that has been allocated to that area is far below the base set by the law.
School shortages has forced schools to operate two or three shifts every day, and these arrangements have had devastating impact on the education of children. A government official has reported that in 1392, there were around 141,000 pupils who had been deprived from education. However, unofficial statistics suggests a much higher figure.
This is while the huge extent of financial abuse and government waste resulting from the lack of transparency and the immunity from prosecution granted to some officials have significantly harmed the budget. Nevertheless, we are witnessing continuing inattention to the cost of education. For example, the share of education is equal to 63.1 per cent of development budget. However, the market share has improved 32.17 percent but this digit has been decreased 7.2 per cent in comparison to 1394.
In addition to the above issues, the lack of attention to the demands of the teachers has made them disheartened and frustrated. Because not only their gatherings and protests have been ignored with no answer, but some of them have experienced prison terms due to their trade union activities.
The report also provides a summary of the human rights situation in Iran during the month of Shahrivar 1395, as follows. This report is based on information published by various media channels and websites, whose accuracy has been verified. The report is appearing under three separate sections, and in Farsi and English languages.
Human Rights Situation in Iran in August-September 2016

Section 1: Civil, Cultural and Political Rights
A) Situation of Nonconformist Political and Social Activists
1. During this month, more than 38 people were detained and the names of them have been specified. They were: Sadra Mohaqeq, Foad Sadeqi – two journalists; Yashar Soltani – a media activist; Mohammad Mahdavifar, Mostafa Khalilirad – two civil activists; Sahar Behehsti – Sattar Beheshti’s sister (a blogger who died in detention); Obeidollah Shihaki and Amin Shihaki – two Sunni religious activists – .
On the other hand, some news media have reported the detention of Jasem Korushat, Andolrahman Gharbavi, Seyyed Abdolhakim Musavi, Reza Obeidavi, Mohammad Heidari, Yunes Abiat, Jabbar Abiat, Saddam Abiat, Karim Achrash, Ashur Khasraji, Karim Saedi, Jamil Savari, Hamid Savari, Ali chanani, Qasem Chanani, Kamal Savari, Saeid Oceidavi, Ahmad Heidari, Mokhtar Seilavi, Mohammad Savari, Jasem Gharbavi, Qasem Gharbavi, Fazel Obeidavi, Seyyed Musa Musavi and Saeid Heidari – 25 citizens of Khuzestan; Rameil Bet Tamarz, Amin Afshar Naderi, Hadi Asgari, Mohammad Dehnavi and Amir Saman Dashti – five newly converted Christians and Christian citizens -.
It should be noted that some of the detainees were released temporarily on bail after a few days until the date of their trial.
Moreover, Jila Shahriari – a Baha’i citizen who was detained during the last days of Mordad – was released on a bail of 200,000,000 Toman.
2. Isa Saharkhiz – a journalist and political prisoner – was sentenced to 21 months in jail in one case, Hedayat Aqaei – a member of the Executives of Construction Party [Hezb-e Kargozaran-e Sazandegi] and previous political prisoner – was sentenced to two years imprisonment; Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe – an Iranian-British dual citizen who is currently serving a term in prison – was sentenced to five years imprisonment; Jahad Asakereh – a poet – was sentenced to two years in jail and Hassan Rastegari Majd – and Iranian-Turkish citizen – was sentenced to one year imprisonment term once more. In addition, Mohammad Reza Fathi – a blogger and journalist – was sentenced to 495 lashes in the appeal court.
On the other hand, the sentence of 19 years and six months imprisonment term of Amir (Ali) Amirqoli – a political prisoner – was reduced to eight years in the appeal court and the sentence of one year imprisonment term of Mahdieh Golru – a former political prisoner – was changed to fine.
3. The court trial session of Heshmatollah Tabarzadi, a political prisoner; and Jafar Azimzadeh and Shapur Ehsanirad – two labour activists – were held. In addition, the appeal court of Narges Mohammadi – Vice President of the Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights – was held. On the other hand, the Revolutionary Court has issued the indictment for Mohammadreza Khatami, Ali Shakurirad, Mohsen Safaei Farahani, Hossein Kashefi, Azar Mansuri, Mohammad Naeimipur and Hamid Reza Jalaeipur – seven political activists of Islamic Iran Participation Party [Hezb-e Mosharaket-e Iran-e Eslami].
4. Ahmad Montazeri – the son of Ayatollah Montazeri – was released temporarily on a bail of 70 million Toman.
5. The relevant officials prevented Mansureh Behkish – a civil activist – from leaving the country.
B) Situation Regarding Cultural Rights
1. The Press Jury has found the monthly publication “Bist Saleha” [the 20 years olds] guilty.
2. The relevant officials have prevented the holding of concerts by Hafez Nazeri in Yazd and Hamid Asgari in Behshahr.
3. The relevant officials prevented the delivery of a public lecture in the city of Yazd by Mohammas Taqi Fazel Meybodi – a religious seminary professor.
4. The Judiciary officials have banned “Ana”, “Mowj” and “Borna” new agencies and “Persian Khodro”, “9 Sobh”, “Memari News” and “System Online” publications. Moreover, the police in the city of Esfahan have reported that 50 internet channels, pages and groups have been blocked due to activities against morality, security and religion.
5. Reza Roygari – a cinema actor – has reported that he has been barred from his professional activity during the past four years. In addition, Jahangir Kosari – a TV presenter and producer – has reported that Rakhshan Bani Etemad – a female film director – and Baran Kosari – an actress – have also been banned from working in cinema.
C) Other Instances of Human Rights Abuse
1. Some 18 individuals were executed in this month. The complete names of some of them are still not clear but judicial authorities or government-controlled media have confirmed their executions. Some of the names and other details are as follows:
“H-Gh”, “M-A”, “H-J”, “A-S” and “A-M” were executed in Hormozgan Province and “A-B” and “J-P” were executed in Rasht. The Judiciary officials have reported that they had been executed due to the crime of possession and transportation of drugs. In addition, news media have reported the execution of five individuals in Yazd due to storage and transportation of drugs.
“Sajjad-A” and “Gudarz-A” were executed in Shiraz. State-controlled media have reported that their crime was armed robbery. “Khosro-H” was executed in Shiraz. State-controlled media have reported that his crime was rape and murder. In addition, a Judiciary official has reported the execution of one individual in Ardebil and news me dia have reported the execution of two individuals in Yazd due to the crime of murder.
On the other hand, some unofficial news websites have reported the execution of death penalties in Karaj Prison. The news have not been confirmed or rejected by the Judiciary officials or state-controlled media.
2. State-controlled media have reported the issuance of death sentence for “Reza”, “Parviz” and “Mohammad” in Tehran due to the crime of first-degree murder; one individual in Tehran because of kidnapping and rape; one individual in Varamin because of murder and three individuals because of murder.
3. State-controlled media have reported the issuance of lashes sentence for a woman because of sexual relationship without marriage, one actor because of sexual affair without marriage and a man due to the charges of harassing a girl. An Afghan citizen was sentenced to lashes due to “entrance with force, harassment and threating”. Moreover, state-controlled media have reported the issuance of suspended lashes sentence in Rasht because of harassing and eating a snake. On the other hand, state-controlled media have reported the confirmation of lashes sentence for one individual because of lure women and girls.
4. The Judiciary official has reported the issuance of sentences to amputate four fingers of several individuals in Tehran for the crime of theft. No further details have been given.
5. The health situation of some political prisoners is still reported to be unfavourable to the extent that some of them – such as – Mohammadreza Nekunam, Afshin Baymani and Kamal Forughi – are sick but no serious action has been taken for their treatment. Also, Maryam (Nasim) Naqash Zargaran is returned to the prison without finishing her treatment process.
6. The relevant officials prevented the holding of a memorial ceremony for Shahrokh Zamani – a labour activist who died in the prison. In addition, the officials prevented the participation of some individuals who wanted to attend in a gathering to mark Sattar Beheshti’s birthday – a blogger who died in the prison.
7. Ali Moezi was transferred to Rajaei Shahr Prison. It should be noted that this transfer has been carried out without any specific reason and contrary to the regulations and rules of the prisons internal affairs.
8. State-controlled media have reported the detention of 26 individuals in Tehran and 30 individuals in Rasht; the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has reported the detention of 20 individuals in Shiraz, a Judiciary official has reported the detention of 40 individuals in Gorgan and 34 in Kerman. All these detentions were due attending parties. This is while an official in the Revolution Guards has reported the detention of 400 citizens during the first five months of this year because of “breaking the accepted norms” in the promenades of Dezful.
9. Police have reported the detention of three people involved in “modeling activists” in Zahedan; the Judiciary officials have reported the detention and summons of 20 modeling activists and the closure of six atelier and four women’s beauty salons in Ardebil and the closure of eight complexes that were dealing with modeling and detention of 30 individuals in Mashhad. State-controlled media have reported the detention or summons of 170 admins of groups or social channels in Fars Province because of “anti-morality, criminal modeling cycle and insulting religious beliefs and sanctities”, as well as the detention of the managers and administrators of some virtual groups in Semnan Province without mentioning their names and numbers.
This is while news media have reported the detention or summons of the administrators of some 450 internet pages, groups or channels in social media – without mentioning any details – which were active in the fields of politics, religious or modeling and fashion.

Section 2: Social and Economic Rights
Reports concerning situation regarding social and economic also point to the continued presence of unfavourable conditions in these areas for example: news reveals the inadequacy of the salaries and benefits of many workers, including the employees of Haft Tapeh Agro-Industry Complex, the operational units of Parsian Zoone; Cyber Birangan Contracting Company; Mahabad Agro-Industry Complex; Farnakh and Naznakh Factories in Qazvin; Qoflkar Lock Making Factory; Navard Pipe Factory in Ahvaz; Polydactyl; Iran Chuka Factory; Golnar Edible Oil Factory; Pelletizing Factory of Ardakan; Persian Gulf Star Refinery; PVC Factory of Semnan; Razi Petrochemical Complex; Mehr Iran Heater Making Factory; DMT Company, which is related to the Polydactyl Company of Esfahan; Raja Railway Company; Karin Ahvaz Production Complex; Zagros Steel; Alborz Steel; Imam Khomeini Port Authority; Tus Tile Factory; Sadid Rikhtehgar Factory; Rashtkhar Municipality; Ahvaz Municipality; Rasht Municipality, Borujerd Municipality; Sisakht Municipality; Drainage part of Shiraz Subway Train Company; the Urban Train Project of Ahvaz; Dehloran Cement Plant; Sugar Loaf Factory of Varamin; the Tax Administration Centre of Tehran and the contractual teachers of Kolaleh and a group of preschool and nursery teachers and educators working for the Literacy Movement.
1. At the time of compilation of this report, the wages of 78 workers of Loshan Municipality have not been paid for four months, 126 workers of “Hamil Food Industry” have not received their salaries for four months, more than 300 workers of Tarzeh Coal Mine have not been paid for four months, more than 20 workers of Azarit Company in Tabriz have not been paid for nine months, around 300 workers of Shustar Municipality have not received their wages for four months, around 300 workers of “Manganese and Narch” in Qom have not been paid for three months.
2. Around 450 workers of Karun Cement Factory were made unemployed after the closure of that industrial unit.
On the other hand, 20 workers of Rahaneh Factory, 30 workers of “Shadgol” Oil Factory, and four contract workers of Jam Petrochemical were unemployed. In addition, Court of Administrative Justice has confirmed the sentence of dismissal of 39 workers of Karun Cement.
3. ILNA News Agency has reported the detention of 10 workers in Imam Khomeini Special Economic Zone due to the complaints lodged against them by their employer.
4. The police has reported the closure of 825 shops nationwide because they were selling sweatshirts and apparel that were deemed to be “unconventional”.

Section 3: Cultural Heritage and Environment
Reports concerning the situation in cultural heritage and environment areas also point to the continued presence of unfavourable conditions in these fields during this month.
1. A large part of Lashgarabad Historical Hill in Savojbolagh – with the antiquity of 5,000 years – have been destroyed.
2. Mohammad Elyasi – a child – was killed in Sardasht due to land mine explosion. Moreover, three teenagers were injured in Sarvabad, while Fazel Hafez Tarafi has lost his leg in Dasht-e Azadegan because of mine explosion. In addition, two individuals are suffering from post-explosion shock syndrome in the wake of mine explosion in the border town of Qasr-e Shirin.

Conclusion:
At the end of the report for the month of Shahrivar of 1395, the Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights voiced its dismay that while different governments of the Islamic Republic of Iran have always remained committed to ensuring sufficient budget for armament and military expenses, they have tended to ignore the necessity of providing the adequate budget required by the education sector.
The Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights has noted that the Fourth Development Plan has provided guarantees for equitable access to educational opportunities, the elimination of educational deprivation, and the payment of various costs – such as health and hygiene. The Centre has then emphasized the need for changes in education sector’s share of the state’s development budget.

Note: For further information regarding the above reports, please refer to the following news websites: Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA), Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA), Fars news agency, Mehr news agency, Young Journalists Club news agency, CDHR website, JARAS, Committee of Human Rights Reporters, Nedaye Azadi, Baztab, HRANA, Ghanoon, Kaleme, Mohebbat News, Sunni Online, International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, Majzooban-e Noor, Melli Mazhabi, Nedaye Sabze Azadi, Radio Zamaneh, Radio Farda and BBC.

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Reports

Iran does not have a house of justice

by adminl
written by adminl

Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights has reviewed the situation of human rights in Iran during the month of Mordad 1395 [Iranian month corresponding to 22 July to 21 August 2016]:

Iran does not have a house of justice

In continuation of its monthly reports, the Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights has reviewed the situation of human rights in Iran during the month of Mordad 1395 [22 July to 21 August 2016].
The Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights, which is presided over by Shirin Ebadi, referring to the way the legal cases of defendants facing political or ideological charges are being handled in the Revolution Courts, has announced that there is not, and there has never been, a fair trial for the dissidents and non-conformists in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Therefore, this people-instituted organization has referred to the first demand of the people during the Constitutional Movement [in 1905] that was “The Establishment of the House of Justice”, and has written that: “Iran has no house of justice”.
The Center for the Defenders of Human Rights continues with referring to the executions in Iran’s prisons in 1367 [1988] – which it has labeled as “the tragedy of mass extermination of political prisoners and prisoners of consciences in the year 1367” – and has announced that even now, the cases of political dissidents are still being referred to a handful of judges who are trusted by the Ministry of Intelligence and the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps.
This people-instituted organization has added that having an independent and fair Judiciary is the most important means for achieving democracy and has announced that the existence of independent courts and impartial and efficient judges are can help resolve many social and political problems.
Furthermore, in its report, which is published in both Farsi and English languages, this people-instituted organisation has reviewed the situation of human rights in Iran under the three main headings of: “Civil and political rights”, “social and economic rights”, and “cultural heritage and the environment”.
According to the website of the Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights, the text of the report by the said center for the month of Mordad 1395, which has been published on 2nd of Shahrivar 1395 [23 August 2016], is as follows:
A Brief Report on Human Rights Situation in Iran in July-August 2016

Introduction:
The release of an audio tape containing Ayatollah Montazeri protesting against the wave of executions in the summer of 1367 [1988, shortly before the end of the Iran-Iraq war] has once again revived the memory of the execution of the dissident prisoners in that year. This reminder is important because not only in the early years of the revolution, but even until the present time, the dissidents have been deprived of a fair trial, to the extent that all trials of the Revolution Courts have been conducted in the closed chambers and not only journalists, but also the family of the accused, have not been allowed to watch and monitor these sessions. In all cases, political prisoners and prisoners of conscience have been deprived of access to a lawyer during the investigation phase and have been held in solitary confinement for a long time. In most cases, the defendants were tortured physically and mentally, to be forced to put down on paper what the security interrogators wanted them to write. In many trials, the security investigators have played the role of the prosecutor in the courts and had a devastating impact on the trial’s outcome.
This is while some individuals who defended “Revolutionary” and summary courts of only a few minutes duration in the first few months and years after the Islamic Revolution, themselves became victims of the same kind of injustice in later years.
Unfortunately, the situation remains similar to past and the dissidents are deprived of a fair trial once again, and as a result, they are arrested, tried and sentenced and a number of them even die over their beliefs. Today as in the past, protecting national security and preserving the gains of the revolution is an excuse for ignoring justice.
After the passage of several years since “the tragedy of mass extermination of political prisoners and prisoners of consciences in the year 1367”, the cases of political dissidents are still being referred to a handful of judges who are trusted by the Ministry of Intelligence and the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, rather than by the Judiciary, so that in that manner, the verdict they favour is issued at the end of the proceedings. The Special Clerical Court, whose legal basis is still questionable, still refuses to accept defence lawyers who are the choice of the defendants.
All these painful experiences are indicative of the lack of independence of the judiciary. This is while the first demand of the people during the Constitutional Movement was “The Establishment of the House of Justice” that has not been achieved yet and this is a painful return to the situation before the establishment of a constitutional political system in Iran, to the extent that it could be said that “Iran has no house of justice”.
The report also provides a summary of human rights situation in Iran during the month of Mordad 1395, as follows. This report is based on information published by various media channels and websites, whose accuracy has been verified. The report is appearing under three separate sections, and in Farsi and English languages.

Human Rights Situation in Iran in July-August 2016

Section 1: Civil, Cultural and Political Rights
A) Situation of Nonconformist Political and Social Activists
1. During this month, more than 33 people were detained and the names of them have been specified, who were:
The Revolution Court has reported the detention of a woman in Golestan Province (without mentioning her name) due to “management of five anti-religious channels” in Telegram. In addition, police has reported the detention of three individuals in northern cities (without mentioning their names) due to what has been called “blasphemy”. The persecutor of Tehran has reported the detention of one Iranian with dual citizenship (without mentioning his/her name) due to having “connections with the British Intelligence Service”.
On the other hand, some news sources have reported the detention of Jafar Rostamirad – a citizens from Ardebil; Amin Ahanin, Mohammad Malak Khataei, Mohammad Elyasi, Edmond Khachaturian, Samaneh Shahbazifar, Arash Qodsi, Fatemeh Amini, Maryam Zonubi, Mohsen Khubyari, Hamed Sepidkar and Naser Navard Goltapeh – 11 newly converted Christians; Jalal Shishvani and Shahnaz Tusi – two citizens form Maragheh City; Behzad Qanbari – a citizen from Tabriz; Vahid Purtahmasb and Yusef Eyvaz Zadeh – two fans of the Mystic Ring (Erfan-e Halqeh); Yashar Rezavani – a Baha’i citizen; Rahim Bakhsh – a citizen from Sarbaz; Riaz Botrani and Walid Obeydavi – two citizens from Ahvaz; Seyyed Mohammad Miri and Qasem Qanbari – two citizens from Gachsaran; Ali Mobin, Arash Kamyab, Shahab Sharifi and Milad Yazdi – four artists – and Abdolrahman Siryazehi – a Sunni religious activist -.
Moreover, some individuals were detained in different provinces such as West Azarbaijan, East Azarbaijan and Ardebil due to attending in protest rallies.
It should be noted that some of the detainees were released temporarily on bail after a few days until the date of their trial.
In addition, Siavash Kaliaei – a follower of Yarsan Religion – and Hassan Bozorgzadeh – a citizen from Gachsaran – were detained for some hours.
2. Payman Mirzaei – a supporter of the Mystic Ring grouping – was detained and transferred to prison to serve five years and three months imprisonment.
3. Ebrahim Madadi – a labour activist – was sentenced to five years and three months in jail, Isa Saharkhiz – a journalist who is currently in jail – was sentenced to three years imprisonment in a new case, Afsaneh Bayazidi – a university student activist who is currently serving in prison – was sentenced to four years in jail and exile to Kerman’s Prison, Suma Bazargan – a university student – was sentenced to two years in prison, Misaq Yazdan Nejad – a previous political prisoner – was sentenced to five years in jail in a new case and Mojtaba Purhassan, Abbas Mohammad Sadeqpur, Mohammadreza Mobaraki, Abdollah Alireza Nejad, Mehran Zaki and Ehsan Arshadi – six citizens of Gachsaran – were sentenced to two years imprisonment and one year suspended imprisonment and two years ban from membership in political parties and groups for two years. In addition, Mohammad Mahdavifar – a poet – was sentenced to 30,000,000 IRR in the Appeal Court and Saman Safarzaei – a journalist – was sentenced to two years imprisonment.
4. The court trial session of Najibeh Salehzadeh – a citizen; Nazanin Zaghari Ratklif – an Iranian-Brittish citizen who is currently serving a sentence in prison – and Matin Khezri and Hossein Ahmadpur – two citizens of Bukan who are currently in prison – were held.
Moreover, the appeal trials of Amir (Ali) Amirqoli – a civil activist who is currently in jail – and Athena Daeimi, Omid Alishaneas, Tasu Rostami, Ali Nuri – four civil activists; Mohammad Hossein Daeimi – a citizen; Ali Khanafareh, Esmaeil Rahimian (Dahimi), Rasul Dahimavi (Dahmimi), Ebrahim Dahimavi (Dahimi), Ali Beitsayah, Mehdi Khanipur (Halafi), Jaber Sakhravi, Aref Sarakhi, ABdolkazem Heidari, Shokrollah Sakhravi, Mohammad Khanipur (Halafi) – 11 citizens of Khuzestan Province – were held.
5. Mohamamdreza Khatami – a political activist – was summoned to the magistrate court and Ahmad Montazeri – the son of the late Ayatollah Montazeri – was summoned to the Special Clerical Court and Akbar Jahangiri – a citizen from Ahar ; Amir Hossein Maqsudlu – an art activist; Mozaffar Salehnia – a labour activist – and Saeid Jamebozorgi – the president of the Islamic Azad University in Hamdean – were summoned to the magistrate court due to organizing a vulgar party. Akbar Alipur – a labour activist – was summoned to the appeal court. Also, Sharif Saeid Panah – a labour activist – was summoned to the Office of Intelligence of the city of Sanandaj and was interrogated.
6. The prosecutor of Tehran has prevented Seyyed Mohammad Khatami – Iran’s former President – from attending a venue where a play was being staged.
B) Situation Regarding Cultural Rights
1. Press Jury has found the editors in chief of Entekhab Website and “Mehrnameh” Monthly guilty.
2. The Judiciary officials have prevented the holding of different concerts in Khorasan Razavi Province such as Salar Aghili’s concert in Sabzevar.
3. The relevant officials prevented a planned speech by Lotfollah Meisami – a political activist and the editor in chief of Cheshmandaz Iran Website – in the town of Malayer.
4. The relevant officials prevented the screening of documentary movie “Mr. Prime Minister “.
5. The relevant officials prevented the presence of people at the grave side of [famous contemporary poet] Ahmad Shamlu on his death anniversary.

C) Other Instances of Human Rights Abuse
1. Some 50 individuals were executed during this month. The complete names of some of them are still not clear but judicial authorities or government-controlled media have confirmed their executions. Some of the names are as follows:
The Judiciary officials have reported the execution of around 20 individuals in Rajaei Shahr Prison in Karaj due to has been called “links with the Takfiri terrorist groups”.
“Shahram Amiri” was executed in Tehran. News media have reported that his crime was spying.
“M-P” and “A-A” were executed in public in Banadar Abbas. A Judiciary official has reported that their crimes were rape and kidnapping. In addition, a Judiciary official has reported the execution of three individuals in Gorgan because of rape.
“M-R” was executed in public in Saveh. News media have said that he was found guilty for the crime of armed robbery.
The Judiciary of the West Azarbaijan Province has reported the execution of “Mohammad Abdollahi” and the Judiciary of Khuzestan province has announced the execution of three individuals in Ahvaz due to Moharebeh [Declaring War against God].
News media have reported the execution of one individual in public in Jahrom due to the crime of Moharebeh [waging war against God and Islam].
News media have reported the execution of one individual in Mashhad, two individuals in Rajaei Shahr Prison, one individual in public in Ravansar, one individual in public in Sonqor and one individual in Rasht due to the crime of murder.
“H-R” was executed in Rasht. News media have said that his crime was transporting and possession of drugs. “Mojtaba-N” and “Majid-H” were executed in Qazvin. The persecutor of Qazvin has reported that their crime was transporting and possession of drugs. In addition, the Judiciary of West Azarbaijan Province has reported the execution of four individuals in this province, the Judiciary of Fars has reported the execution of one individual in public in Kazerun and the Judiciary of Gilan has reported the execution of four individuals in Rasht because of transporting and possession of drugs.
On the other hand, some unofficial News websites have reported some executions in the prisons of Saqez, Taybad, Salmas, Miandoab, Gorgan and Oromieh. These reports have not been confirmed or denied by the Judiciary officials or state-controlled media.
2. The lashes sentence of “A-B” was carried out in public in Bandar Abbas. News media said he was convicted of the crime of robbery.
3. State-controlled media have reported the issuance of death sentence for four individuals due to the crime of murder. In addition, news media have reported the issuance of a death sentence against an Afghan citizen because of the crime of first-degree murder.
4. According to some news media, a number of child labourers in Kermanshah have had their heads shaved as a form of punishment.
5. The relevant official have not returned the dead body of Mohammad Abdollahi to his family after he was executed for the crime of Moharebeh. Moreover, the relevant officials buried the body of “Purandokht Misaqi” – a Baha’i citizen – without the permission of her family.
6. A Judiciary official has reported the detention of 20 Sufi individuals; the Judiciary of Damavand reported the detention of 50 individuals in Absard City; the persecutor of Amol has reported the detention of 30 individuals in the city, News media have reported the detention of 29 individuals in Karaj and 60 individuals in Sorkheh Hesar Forest Park and police has announced the detention of 150 individuals in Tehran and 63 people in Shiraz due to attending in a party.
7. Police has reported the blocking of 20 modeling websites and web logs.
8. Police prevented females from riding bicycles in the town of Marivan.

Section 2: Social and Economic Rights
Reports concerning the situation regarding social and economic also point to the continued presence of unfavourable conditions in these areas, for example: news reports reveal the unacceptable employment rights and pay levels of workers in a number of industrial units, including the Raja Electricity Contract Company, “Ravanshir Steel” industrial company, Damash Mineral Water Factory, Khoramabbad Municipality, Azadi Sport Complex, Yasuj Sugar Factory, Tehran Expressway Project, “Qofl Kar” Factory, Ahvaz Municipality, “Mashin Sazi” Factory in Tabriz, The Rail Track Company of Tehran-Varamin Subway Train, Mahabad Agroindustrial Complex, Azadshahr Municipality, Setareh Khalej-e Fars Refinery, Adonis Factory, Ahvaz Sugar and Refined Sugar Factory, Farsh-e Pars Factory in Qazvin, “Iran Compressor Making” Factory, “Subway Train Project of Shiraz”, Khazar Tile Factory, “Manganese and Narch Mine in Qom, “East Alborz” Coal Mine, Ahvaz Subway Train, Hafez Tile Factory, Bafq Iron-ore Factory, Golris in Abhar, “Farayand Steel Making” Factory and former workers of Rah-e Dur Iran telecommunication, around 200 teachers of the Literacy Movement, the workers of Agricultural Insurance Fund and the sacked employees of the Majlis Library.
1. The payments of 120 workers of “Bam Old Castle” have been delayed for four months; around 45 workers of Hozian Aligudarz Dam Project have not received their salaries for six months; some workers of Alborz Steel have not been paid for seven months; 208 workers of “Sardasht” Municipality have not received any wages for three months; around 300 workers of POLYACRYL Company have not been paid their wages for three months and around 100 workers of Tangeh Bijar Gas Field have not been paid for five months, at the time of compilation of this report.
2. Some 80 workers of Zagros Khodro, 10 workers of “Moqasami Glass and Mirror” Factory and 20 workers of Fulad Gaz Zarrin were made jobless after the closure of these commercial units.
In addition, 15 workers of farming and livestock pesticide factory “Shimi Keshavarz National Company” and five workers of Abyek Municipality were fired.
3. The Police of Tehran Province have reported the official closure and sealing of 92 trade units in this province and the relevant officials have reported the closure of 15 trade units because what was described as supplying “unconventional clothing articles”.

Section 3: Cultural Heritage and Environment
1. Reports concerning situation regarding cultural heritage and environment also point to the continued presence of unfavourable conditions in these areas during this month to the extent that Bakhtehgan Lake is the second salt lake of Iran that has gone dry.

Conclusion:
At the end of the report for the month of Mordad of 1395, The Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights has emphasized that having an independent and fair Judiciary is the most important means for achieving democracy. It has announced that the existence of independent courts and impartial and efficient judges can help resolve many social and political problems.

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Shirin Ebadi
News

Shirin Ebadi’s letter to Federica Mogherini about EU human rights talk with Iran

by adminl
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Shirin EbadiShirin Ebadi, 2003 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, in a letter to Ms Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, urges her to take into consideration the principles of ‘abolition of the death penalty’ and ‘respect for freedom of expression’ in EU human rights talk with Iran.

The full text of the letter is as following:

To: Ms Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission

Dear Honourable Vice-President/High-Representative,

As reported by Persian-language Iranian media, the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has declared its readiness to hold talks with the European Union on human rights issues and these talks will start in the near future.
In view of the fact that the principles of ‘abolition of the death penalty’ and ‘respect for freedom of expression’ are among values that the European Union has repeatedly reaffirmed as inviolable, and given that Iran has the highest number of executions per capita in the world – not to mention the numerous journalists, lawyers and human rights activists who have been languishing in prisons for years owing to the absence of freedom of expression, such as Isa Saharkhiz (journalist), Abdolfattah Soltani (lawyer), Mohammad Seddiq Kaboudvand (human rights activist and founder of the Kurdistan Human Rights Organization), to name but a few – I urge the European Union to postpone human rights talks with the Islamic Republic of Iran until that country agrees to adhere to these two inalienable and uncompromising EU values. Moreover, please also ensure that a verification process on implementation of the two aforementioned EU principles is also included on the agenda of the talks.

Yours sincerely
Shirin Ebadi, 2003 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

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Human Rights Center
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The Defenders for Human Rights Centre’s Statement on recent mass executions in Iran

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The Defenders for Human Rights Centre’s Statement on recent mass executions in Iran

At dawn on Tuesday, 2 August 2016, a number of Sunni and Kurdish citizens were executed for alleged vague and non-specific accusations. Moreover, the identity, place of burial or even the exact number of those executed remains unknown.
After the 1980s, it was thought that the era of mass executions of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience had come to an end. But this disaster once again sounded the alarm bells in the Iranian legal community and reaffirmed the lack of independence of the judiciary.
Those executed were deprived of a fair trial, spent some time in solitary confinement and were tortured. The lawyers and the defendants had not been officially notified of the verdict and therefore it is not clear that all legal procedures had been followed for them. Not only do these mass executions based on vague and non-specific grounds demonstrate absence of justice, but they also indicate the establishment of an atmosphere of fear and terror in society.

On the other hand due to the political situation in the Middle East, the illegal performance of the judiciary could be harmful to national security and exacerbate religious differences that have always been exploited by politicians.

Therefore, the Defenders for human rights Centre while condemning this act of the Iranian government and offering its condolences to the families of those who have been executed, calls on Iranian authorities to respect their international obligation on the implementation of human rights standards.

Shirin Ebadi

President of the Defenders for Human Rights Centre

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Reports

Elderly political prisoners and the prisoners of conscience are not able to endure sustained imprisonment

by adminl
written by adminl

The Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights has reviewed the situation of human rights in Iran during the month of Tir 1395 [Iranian month corresponding to 21 June to 21 July 2016]:

Elderly political prisoners and the prisoners of conscience are not able to endure sustained imprisonment

In continuation of its monthly reports, the Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights has reviewed the situation of human rights in Iran during the month of Tir 1395 [June-July 2016].

The Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights, which is presided over by Shirin Ebadi, has reported that, the elderly political prisoners and the prisoners of conscience are not able to endure sustained imprisonment and announced that, not only the freedom of dissidents and non-conformist thinkers, but in fact their health and well-being too is now dependent upon obedience to the commands of the officials and silence in the face of the injustice they are being subjected to. Therefore, this people-instituted organisation announced that in view of to the conditions prevailing in jails holding political and ideological prisoners, it can be concluded that the officials are merely watching the silent death of the inmates.
The Center for the Defenders of Human Rights has referred to the reminders issued by human rights activists to the Judiciary officials with regards to improvements in conditions in prisons, not carrying out the full sentences against elderly political and ideological prisoners and also accelerating the treatment process of infirm prisoners in a calm and safe surroundings. It then criticized the officials for paying little, or no attention to these reminders and recommendations.
Furthermore, in its report, which is published in both Farsi and English languages, this people-instituted organisation has reviewed the situation of human rights in Iran under the three main headings of: “Civil and political rights”, “social and economic rights”, and “cultural heritage and the environment”.
According to the website of the Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights, the text of the report by the said center for the month of Tir 1395, which has been published on 3rd of Mordad 1395 [24 July 2016], is as follows:
A Brief Report on Human Rights Situation in Iran in June-July 2016
Introduction:
Based on their investigations into the conditions in jails, especially for political and ideological prisoners, the Center for the Defenders of Human Rights and other human rights organisations have repeatedly asked the Judiciary – as the main body responsible for the affairs of prisons – to take the necessary steps to improve the conditions at the country’s jails, apply more leniency in carrying out the full sentences of elderly political prisoners and the prisoners of conscience and also endeavour to accelerate the treatment of sick and unwell prisoners in a calm and safe surroundings. However, these demands have been almost entirely ignored by the Judiciary officials, and one example which can be mentioned is the failure of the relevant officials to implement Article 502 of the Code of Criminal Procedures on how to commute or convert the sentences and punishment handed out against infirm prisoners.
This is while, despite the difficulties of dissident and non-conformist prisoners, the special clinics at Iran’s prisons do not have the necessary wherewithal and when prisoners from different walks of life fall ill, they invariably face shortage of medicines and medical facilities, and in fact some have even lost their lives as a result of this situation.
In addition, keeping elderly political prisoners in jails, given their special needs and the fact that they are suffering from problems caused by the aging process, is another issue which is being reported from the prisons of the Islamic Republic.
The shortage of free space is another problem of the prisons to the extent that, the number of the prisoners is three times more than the real capacity of the jails, and some of the prisoners are in afct forced to sleep in the corridors. The lack of drinkable water in some prisons, such as Shahr-e Rey Prison (Qarchak Prison), is another reported problem, to the extent that the prisoners often have no choice but to buy their own drinkable water.
The report also provides a summary of the human rights situation in Iran during the month of Tir 1395, as follows. This report is based on information published by various media channels and websites, whose accuracy has been verified. The report is appearing under three separate sections, and in Farsi and English languages.
Human Rights Situation in Iran in June-July 2016

Section 1: Civil, Cultural and Political Rights
A) Situation of Nonconformist Political and Social Activists
1. During this month, more than 58 people were detained and the names of them have been specified, who were Mozafar Salehinia, Hashem Rostami – two labour activists; Reza (Robin) Shahini – an Iranian-American citizen; Afshin Hossein Panahi – a citizen from Dehgolan; Nabil Tahzib and Naeim Qaed Sharafi – two Baha’i citizens; Rahim Zarei, a citizen from Tabriz.
State-controlled media have reported the detention of “F-D” in Mashhad. This person was a presenter of [foreign-based] satellite TV networks.
On the other hand, some sources have reported the detention of Siamak Mirzaei – a citizen from Ardabil; Yunes Alsorkhi, Adnan Bayanat, Harbi Alsari and Mostafa Abeidavi – four citizens from Ahvaz; Ebrahim Nuri and Akbar Jahangiri – two citizens from Ahar; Milad Akbari and Ali Hamzehzadeh – two citizens from Tabriz; Fatah Purahmad, Seyyed Loqman Azizi, Seyyed Jalal Mahmudi, Sediq Baekram, Yaqub Baekram – six citizens from Eshnavieh; Aziz Ashnavar, Rasul Jola and Salah Sokhanvar – three citizens from Piranshahr; Mostafa Solduzi, Sirvan Mostafaei, Amir Abdollahzadeh, Rahim Esmaeili, Khoshnaz Esmaeili, Amir Abdollahzadeh – six citizens from Mahabad; Nasekh Alikhani, Rasul Alikhani, Abubakr Alikhani, Omar Abdollahpur – four citizens from Sardash; Avat Sharifi and Eqbal Zarei – two citizens from Saqez; Reza Zand Karimi, Khobat Moludi, Almas Rezaei, Sorur Moradi – four citizens from Sanandaj and Ali Sorkhi, a citizen from Bukan.
Moreover, state-controlled media have reported 15 individuals in street protests in Boldaji.
It should be noted that some of the detainees were released temporarily on bail after a few days until the date of their trial.
In addition, some news indicate the detention of Abdolsamad Rahmani – a Sunni religious activist – during the last days of Khordad (June).
2. Korush Zaeim – a member from National Iran Front [Jebhey-e Meli-e Iran] – was sent to prison to serve four years imprisonment; Afshin Seyyed Ahmad – a Baha’i citizen – was sent to the prison to serve three years in jail; Amin Khaki, Mohammad Bahrami, Hossein Barunzadeh (Daniel) and Rahman (Zia) – four newly converted Christians – were sent to jail to spend one year in jail.
3. Yekta Fahandej Sa’adi – a Baha’i citizen – was sentenced to five years in jail; Seyed Meysam Safaeian – a labour activist – was sentenced to one year imprisonment term; Maryam Davudi, Marjan Mirhabibi, Hamed Gudarzi, Sekineh Okhravi, Ali Ebrahimpur, Zahra Lashgari, Davud Nemati, Esmaeil (Zartosht) Ahmadi Ragheb, Zahra Sadat Yahyavi, Maryam Davudi Omid, Raha Davudian, Farideh Moradkhani, Fereshteh Karimian and Donya Namazian – 14 civil activists – were sentenced to three months in jail and 10 lashes individually.
Moreover, the three months and one day imprisonment sentence of Sardar Mokariani – a citizen from Sardasht – was confirmed in the Appeal Court.
4. The court trial session of Sorush Farhadian – a journalist – was held.
5. Saeid Madani – a member of the National-Religious Council and researcher that is spending his exile sentence in Bandarabbas; Sharif Saedpanah – a labour activist – and Isa Khanhatami – a political prisoner – were interrogated in the Ministry of Intelligence. Jafar Azimzadeh – a labour activist who is released from jail recently – was briefed again. moreover, Rasul Bodaqi – a trade union activist – was summoned to the court and Shima Babaei – a civil activist – and Abdolghafar Naqshbandi – a Sunni religious activist – were summoned to the Ministry of Intelligence.
B) Situation Regarding Cultural Rights
1. The Press Jury has found Bahar Newspaper guilty.
2. The relevant officials have prevented the screening of the Movie “Sincerely, Nazanin, Bahar, Tina”.
3. According to Mitra Hajjar, an actress, the relevant officials of IRIB have prevented her from entering the premises of that organisation.
4. The relevant officials have prevented the staging of religious rituals in the Prayer hall of Poonak, in the suburbs of Tehran.
C) Other Instances of Human Rights Abuse
1. Some six individuals were executed in this month. The complete names of some of them are still not clear but judicial authorities or government-controlled media have confirmed their executions. Some of the names are as follows:
“Q-H” and “M-R” were executed in Karaj in public. State-controlled media have announced that they were found guilty for the crime of kidnapping and rape.
A Judiciary official has reported the execution of two individuals in Rasht due to the crime of possession and transportation of drug.
“Hadi Pashaei” was executed in Maragheh. Some news websites have reported that his crime was maintenance and transportation of drug.
On the other hand, some unofficial news websites have reported the execution sentence of “Mohsen Khanmohammadi” due to the crime of murder, and a few more executions in Qezelhesar, Rajaei Shahr, Birjand and Arak prisons. This news reports have not been confirmed or rejected by the Judiciary officials or the state-controlled media.
2. State-controlled media have reported the issuance of execution sentences for two Afghan individuals due to the crime of rape, as well as another person with the nickname “Akbar”. Two individuals in Tehran, one individual in Pakdasht and two individuals in Razavi Khorasan Province were executed due to the crime of first-degree murder. The Judiciary officials have reported the issuance of execution sentence against one individual in Ardebil and one individual in Kermanshah because of murder.
Moreover, state-controlled media have reported the confirmation of execution sentence for someone with nickname “Abbas” and one Afghan individual due to the crime of murder in Supreme Court.
On the other hand, the Judiciary official has reported the Qisas sentence [Islamic retribution system, similar to the “an eye for an eye” principle] for an acid attacker in Dehdasht.
3. State-controlled media have reported the issuance of 99 lashes for a woman due to illicit sexual liaison. In addition, state-controlled media have reported that the Supreme Court confirmed the sentence of 173 lashes sentence for two individuals because of kidnapping, threat and robbery that involved bodily harm.
4. According to some media, Nader Dastanpur has died after detention and transferring to Narmak Police Station. In addition, Sajad Tofiqian is in coma and has been hospitalised after his detention in Dehdasht.
5. The health situation of some political prisoners is still reported to be bad to the extent that some of them – such as –Nahid Gorji, Hossein Rafie, Mohammdreza Nekunam, Afshin Baymani and Alireza Golipur – are sick but no serious action has been taken to provide them with treatment.
6. Seyed Jamaledin Seyed Musavi was transferred to Rajaei Shahr Prison. According to some news websites, Kaveh Veisi, Kaveh Sharifi and Jamal Qaderi were transferred to private cells. It should be noted that, these transfers have been carried out without any specific reason and contrary to the regulations and rules of the prisons internal affairs.
7. A Judiciary official has reported the detention of six individuals due to the crime of spying.
8. The Judiciary has reported the detention of 15 individuals in Pardis and the state-controlled media have reported the detention of eight individuals in Binalud due to attending in a party. Moreover, a government official has reported the detention of 80 Afghan individuals in Qazvin after they took part in a party.
9. The Judiciary officials have reported the detention of seven individuals in Tehran due to what has been termed as unethical activities in virtual networks and two individuals in Mashhad because of what has been described as using Telegram [social media application on mobile phones] to mobilise a public gathering in front of a commercial centre.

Section 2: Social and Economic Rights
Reports concerning situation regarding social and economic also point to the continued presence of unfavourable conditions in these areas. For example: news reports point to the presence of undesirable employment rights and salaries of workers in Mashinsazi Factory of Tabriz, Sugar Factory of Ahvaz, Iran Box Making Factory, Pardis Petrochemical Complex, Azarab Factory in Arak, Zarrin Tile in Khorasan, Alborz Steel, Ahvaz Municipality, Herbicides Weed Killer Factory in Saveh, Chuka Factory, Zagros Steel, Se Chahun Mine, Sugar Factory in Yasuj, Azad Shahr Municipality, Sadid Rikhtehgar [Foundry] Factory, North Oil Excavation, Khash Municipality, Shisheh Abgineh [Glass] Factory in Qazvin, Steel and Cast Iron Factory in Dorud, Sisakht Municipality, Polydactyl Factory of Esfehan, Urban Rail Road Project of Shiraz, Sugar Factory of Karaj, Old Citadel of Bam, the Coal Mine of Baladeh and the Damash Mineral Water Factory.
1. At the of the compilation of this report, the payments of 130 workers of Coal Making Factory in Tabas have not been paid for five months; formal and contract workers of Navard Luleh Ahvaz have not been paid for three months; 100 workers of Rasht Fire Station have not received their salaries for three months; contract workers of Gandaleh Sazi of Zarand Iranian Cooperation have not been paid for four month; around 300 workers of “Arsa Sakhteman” Contracting Company have not received their payments for four months; 18 employees of Industrial Town of Ilam have not been paid for three months, 150 contract workers of “Raja Railway” have not been paid for three months, contract workers of Behbahan Municipality have not received their salaries for two months, around 80 workers of 118 Center in the Telecommunications of Kerman have not been paid for four months, around 100 workers of Water and Wastewater in Gorgan have not received their payments for four months, 100 workers of Mirjaveh Municipality have not received their salaries for four months, around 60 workers of Kermanshah Municipality have not been paid for three months, around 1000 workers of Persian Gulf Star Refinery have not been paid for three months and the employees of the Hospital of the University of Medical Sciences in Yasuj have not received their salaries for about three months.
2. Some 55 workers of “Industrial Systems” in Takestan, 20 workers of Sewing Machine Production Factory (Kachiran), around 30 contract workers of Tehran-North Expressway Project, 80 workers of Chipboard Production in Tonekabon, around 30 workers of Pharmaceutical and Parenteral products Cooperation, around 25 contract workers of “Qazvin Steel”, four contract labours of Faliz Pazuhesh Pars cooperation, 55 contract workers of oil and gas reservoirs of “Industrial Systems” and 80 workers of National Heritage and Tourism of Khozestan province have been laid off during the month fired. In addition, 300 workers of the Iron and Steel Mine-Industry Complex of Bafq were made jobless.
Moreover, Abolqasem Rahmani, a trade union activist, was fired from his job.
3. A Judiciary official has reported the closure of a restaurant in Hamedan because it served food at midday during the fasting month of Ramadan.
4. News media have reported the closure of the Green Land Recreational complex by the Judiciary officials because of what has been described as participation and cooperation in “model-training” project and abusing young girls.
Section 3: Cultural Heritage and Environment
1. Reports concerning the situation regarding cultural heritage and environment also point to the continued presence of unfavourable conditions in these areas during this month to the extent that the density of dust particles in the air of the city of Zabol has reached the level of 3084 microns per cubic metres and the air quality index has reached dangerous levels, which was 20 times higher that permitted levels, and 7 times more than the level designated as “critical”. more than the limited level during some days of the month of Tir. In addition, a government official has reported that Talab Gachi., a wetland, has gone dry.
2. Sadeq Chabok and Rahim Azarpeykan, two employees of the Demining Centre, were injured in Dehloran due to land mine explosion. In addition, one individual was killed in Gilan-e Gharb town due to mine explosion.

Conclusion:
At the end of the report for the month of Tir of 1395, the Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights has emphasized that the elderly political and ideological prisoners are not able to endure sustained imprisonment. The report added that not only the freedom of dissidents and non-conformist thinkers, but in fact their health and well-being too is now dependent upon obedience to the commands of the officials and silence in the face of the injustice against them. Therefore, in view of the reports published on the conditions prevailing in jails holding political and ideological prisoners, the Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights believes the authorities are merely watching the silent death of the inmates.

Note: For further information regarding the above reports, please refer to the following news websites: Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA), Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA), Fars news agency, Mehr news agency, Young Journalists Club news agency, CDHR website, JARAS, Committee of Human Rights Reporters, Nedaye Azadi, Baztab, HRANA, Ghanoon, Kaleme, Mohebbat News, Sunni Online, International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, Majzooban-e Noor, Melli Mazhabi, Nedaye Sabze Azadi, Radio Zamaneh, Radio Farda and BBC.

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Reports

Lashes are not the right answer to the workers’ trade union demands

by adminl
written by adminl

The Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights has reviewed the situation of human rights in Iran during the month of Khordad 1395 [Iranian month corresponding to 21 May to 20 June 2016]:

Lashes are not the right answer to the workers’ trade union demands

In continuation of its monthly reports, the Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights has reviewed the situation of human rights in Iran during the month of Khordad 1395 [21 May to 20 June 2016].
The Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights, which is presided over by Shirin Ebadi, has deplored the lashes sentence of workers, and announced that lashes are not the right answer to the trade union demands of workers.
Therefore, this people-instituted organization has asked the Judiciary to delegate the resolution of workers’ issues at their workplace to the relevant dispute settlement authorities, according to the articles No.142 & No. 157 of Labour Law.
The Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights has referred to the ban on corporal punishments in accordance with international conventions, including the Convention against Torture and has emphasized on the need to reform the penal system of Iran.
Furthermore, in its report, which is published in both Farsi and English languages, this people-instituted organization has reviewed the situation of human rights in Iran under the three main headings of: “Civil and political rights”, “social and economic rights”, and “cultural heritage and the environment”.
According to the website of the Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights, the text of the report by the said center for the month of Khordad 1395, which has been published on 4th of Tir 1395 [23 June 2016], is as follows:
A Brief Report on Human Rights Situation in Iran in May-June 2016

Introduction:
According to Transparency International, Iran has gained the rating 145 among 174 countries in terms of financial transparency. Embezzlements amounting to billions of Rials and the payment of tens of millions of rewards and bonuses for government executives, have brought the economy to the brink of crisis. One of the consequences of this is the closure of factories and workshops. Obviously, in such circumstances, the livelihood of the working class is faced with difficulties and when the workers protest against these problems; the answer they get is prison and lashes. For example, between 30-100 lashes sentences have been issued for 17 workers of Aq Dareh Gold Mine and the sentences of lashes and suspended imprisonment have been issued for nine workers of Bafq Iron Ore during the last days of Ordibehesht (May).
The lashes sentences have been issued by the Judiciary while, corporal punishments have been banned for a long time according to the standards of the human rights. In that connection, one can refer to the Convention against Torture, which has been adapted by the United Nations General Assembly in this regard. In the early eighties, the Islamic Republic of Iran tried to reform the penal system in Iran and revoke such penalties. However, the proposal of “Iran’s accession to the Convention against Torture” that was approved by Parliament, was rejected by Guardian Council in 1383 and has been pending since then after it was referred to the Expediency Council. Therefore, in view of the Judiciary’s abuse of punishments which run counter to human rights, the approval of the bill on “Iran’s accession to the Convention against Torture” could act as an obstacle to those issuing such sentences
The report also provides a summary of the human rights situation in Iran during the month of Khordad 1395, as follows. This report is based on information published by various media channels and websites, whose accuracy has been verified. The report is appearing under three separate sections, and in Farsi and English languages.
Human Rights Situation in Iran in May-June 2016
Section 1: Civil, Cultural and Political Rights

A) Situation of Nonconformist Political and Social Activists
1. During this month, more than 51 people were detained and the names of them have been specified, who were Homa Hudfar – a Canadian-Iranian citizen; Shima Babaei – a civil activist; Ali Hossenin Shamaeli – a political activist; Keyvan Pakzadan – a Baha’i citizen – .
On the other hand, some news sources have reported the detention of Mostafa Gholamnejad – a civil activist; Leila Abdinejad – a newly converted Christian; Habib Sassanian (Yakamuz), Esmaeil Afkhami, Mehdi Javadzadeh, Hamid Saqati, Babak Avand, Yunes Rahimi, Ahmad Hosseinzadeh, Ali Mavat, Faruq Mavat, Mokhtar Ebrahimu, Yusef Ahmadian, Arsalan Besharat, Yusef Zudi, Khaled Ak, Yunes Zudi, Rasul Salimi (Kabi), Naji Salimi and Omid Feizizadeh – 18 citizens.
In addition, the police have reported the detention of two individuals – without mentioning their names in the town of Fasa due to the publication of cartoons and satirical texts in social media, and the Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA) has reported the detention of 24 workers in Ahvaz due to taking part in a union rally. Morteza Kamsarei, a labour activist, was also detained for some hours.
It should be noted that some of the detainees were released temporarily on bail after a few days until the date of their trial.
Moreover, Reza Hanash Kabi and Ali Jalali – two citizens from the city of Ahvaz – were detained during the last days of the month of Ordibehesht.
2. Ali Matrudi – a poet – was sent to prison to spend one year imprisonment, Nasrollah Lashani – a political activist – was transferred to jail to spend six years in jail, Mohammad Rashidi – a civil activist – was sent to prison to spend four months in prison, Mehdi Rajabian – a musician – was sent to jail to spend three years imprisonment, Hossein Rajabian – a movie maker – was sent to jail to spend a three year term, Arash Sadeqi – a former university student activist – was sent to prison to spend 19 years imprisonment term and Behnam Musivand – a civil activist – was sent to jail to spend three years imprisonment term. Kamran Ayazi – a cultural activist – was summoned to the prison to spend three months and one day in jail. In addition, the Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA) has reported the carrying out of 30-100 lashes sentence against 17 workers of Aq Dareh Gold Mine during the last days of Ordibehesht.
3. Mohammadreza Fathi – a blogger – was sentenced to six sentences of 74 lashes each; Reza Heidarpur – a physician – was sentenced to six months in jail; Alireza Darwish – a journalist – was sentenced to six months in prison and 80 lashes; Mehdi Maleki was sentenced to six months in jail; Seyyed Mohammad Ebrahimi – a civil activist – was sentenced to three years imprisonment term and Mohammad Mozafari – a political activist – was sentenced to two years in prison, two million Toman fine and 74 lashes. Moreover, the lawyer of workers in Iron Ore Mine of Bafq has reported the issuance of 11 months of imprisonment and 50 lashes that is suspended for five years against Mohammad Hassan Tashakori, four months of imprisonment that is suspended for five years for the second defendant and seven months of suspended imprisonment and 30 lashes against other seven workers. These are suspended for five years.
4. The court trial sessions of Akbar Azad, Alireza Farshi, Behnam Sheikhi, Hamid Manafi Nazarlu, Mansur Fathi, Mahmud Ojaqlu, Rostam Kazempur, Aziz Farshi, Mohammd Karimi, Abbas Lesani and Roqayeh Alizadeh – 11 civil activists – and Rasul Razavi – a political prisoner – were held.
5. Mostafa Fathizadeh – a reporter; Najibeh Salehzadeh – a civil activist; and Qasem Eksirifard – a university professor – were summoned to the magistrate court and Shole Gudarzi, Delnia Saburi and Rojin Ebrahimi – three citizens of Kamyaran; and Zahed Moradi – a labour activist – were summoned to the Ministry of Intelligence.
6. The relevant officials prevented Zohreh Tonekaboni – a former political prisoner – from leaving the country.
7. Some five university students of Sistan Va Baluchestan were sentenced to two semesters of exclusion from education and two other students were sentenced to one semester of exclusion from education.
8. Some 200 million Toman bail of Solmaz Ikdar – a journalist who has left Iran recently – was seized.
B) Situation Regarding Cultural Rights
1. “Qanun” Daily was banned by a decree issued by the prosecutor, and “Jahan News” Website and “9th of Dey” Weekly were banned by the Press Supervisory Board.
2. The Press Jury has found “Khabar Varzeshi” Daily and “Dana” Website guilty. In addition, the editor in chief of “Keyhan” was briefed in the magistrate court and the editor in chief of “Ramz-e Obur” Weekly was interrogated in the magistrate court and then released on bail.
3. The relevant officials prevented concerts by Salar Aqili, Maziar Fallahi and Majid Derakhshani. Moreover, the relevant officials refused to allow the participation of women orchestra members in the concert of the “Nagofteh” group.
4. The relevant officials did not allow the title song of the movie “Barcode”, which was performed by Yaser Bakhtiary, an Iranian rapper.
5. The Judiciary official prevented the screening of the movie “Adat Nemikonim” [“We will not get used to it”] and also the screening of “50 Kilo Albalu” [“50 kg of sour cherry”].
6. The producers of movies “Abad Va Yek Ruz” (Eternity and a day), “50 Kilo Albalu” and “Kucheh Binam” [“Nameless Alley”] were interrogated in the magistrate court. The producer of “I am Naser Hedjazi” Documentary was summoned to the magistrate court and then was released on bail.
7. The prayer rooms of Sunni citizens in Tajerabad of Mashad and Asadieh Town in Darmian were closed and placed under the official seal by the relevant officials.
C) Other Instances of Human Rights Abuse
1. Some 13 individuals were executed in this month. The complete names of some of them are still not clear but judicial authorities or government-controlled media have confirmed their executions. Some of the names are as follows:
The Judiciary officials have reported the execution of one woman and one man in Qazvin due to the crime of storage and transportation of drugs. State-controlled media have reported the execution of three individuals in Mashhad because of storage and transportation of drugs.
“Hamid.B” was executed in Shiraz in public. A Judiciary official has announced that his crime was rape. In addition, a Judiciary official has reported the execution of two individuals in Shiraz in public due to the crime of rape and corruption on Earth.
A Judiciary official has reported the execution of one individual in Nur City and one individual in Yasuj because of murder. State-controlled media have reported the execution of one individual in Mashhad because of first-degree murder.
Moreover, state-controlled media have reported the execution of two Afghan citizens in Tehran due to the crime of rape.
On the other hand, some unofficial news websites have reported some executions in the prisons of Nowshahr, Adel Abad of Shiraz, Rajaei Shahr of Karaj and Qezelhesar. These reports have not been confirmed or rejected by the relevant officials.
2. The Judiciary officials have reported the carrying out of the sentences of 99 lashes against 35 boys and girls for attending in a party.
3. State-controlled media have reported the issuance of death sentences against one individual in Fars Province due to the crimes of robbery and rape, one individual in Esfahan due to hooliganism and one prisoner because of killing his cellmate. Moreover, the Judiciary officials have reported the issuance of death sentences against three individuals in Khuzestan Province and one individual in Ardebil because of murder.
“A-K” and “R-K” were sentenced to death in Razavi Khorasan Province. The state-controlled media announced that their crimes were murder.
In addition, some news websites have reported the issuance of death sentence for Davud Abdollahi, Kamran Sheikheh, Farhad Salimi, Anvar Khezri, Khosro Besharat, Qasem Absteh and Ayub Karimi – seven Sunni citizens.
4. State-controlled media has reported the issuance of 74 lashes sentence for a woman due to the crime of illicit sexual relations.
5. The health situation of some political prisoners is still reported to be unfavourable to the extent that some of them – such as – Mohammadreza Nekunam, Afshin Sohrabzadeh, Omid Shahmoradi, Roya Saberi Nobakht, and Jaber Sakhravi – are sick but no serious action has been taken for their treatment.
6. State-controlled media has reported the detention of more than 83 men and women in Tehran, 29 individuals in Mashhad, 62 individuals in Bandarabbas, 21 individuals in Kerma, 70 individuals in Neyshabur and 29 individuals in Alborz Province due to attending in parties.
7. The Judiciary officials have reported the detention of 17 individuals in Tehran due to “immoral activities in virtual networks”. The Revolutionary Guards also has reported the detention of 21 individuals in Fars Province as a part of what it described as “fighting against cultural penetration”. In addition, the Police have reported the detention of one individual in Karaj due to what it called “calling out for water play”. [as written]
8. Police have reported the detention of 37 individuals because of “eating in public during the month of Ramadan”.

Section 2: Social and Economic Rights
Reports concerning situation regarding social and economic also point to the continued presence of unfavourable conditions in these areas for example: news shows the inappropriateness of employment and rights of workers in phases No.14&20&21 of Asaluyeh, Kamyab Sugar Factory, Adonis Appliance Factory, Polydactyl Factory, Baladeh Coal Mine, Firuz Abad Brick Machine Factory, East Alborz Coal Mine, Arj Factory, Zagros Steel Factory, Persian Gulf Star Refinery, Rahaneh Factory, Tabriz Compressor Factory, Telecommunication of Shiraz, Petro Pars Refinery, Modiran Khodro Factory, Mashinsazi Foundry of Tabriz, Raja Contractor, the coal mines of Kuhbanan and Zarand, Khazar Tile Factory, Pars Carpet Factory, Varaq Karan Factory of Tabriz, Bafq Iron Ore Mine Cooperation, Ardakan Steel, Damash Mineral Water and Copper Complex of Khatun Abad.
1. The wages of 150 workers of Gostaresh Manasaz Factory have not been paid for three months, more than thousands workers of Borujerd Municipality have not received their wages for six months, more than 350 workers of Marand Municipality have not been paid for three months, around 200 workers of Abadan Abfa have not received their salaries for two months, 150 workers of Gachsaran Oil and Gas Company have not received their salaries for two months and around 118 workers of the Old Citadel have not been paid for three months until the preparation date of this report.
2. Some 450 workers of Bonab Steel Complex, 120 workers of Qazvin Steel Factory and 54 workers of Arman Shafaq Steel Factory were laid off. In addition, 170 workers of Nemuneh Mosavar Concrete components Factory of Gilan were unemployed after the closure of these industrial units.
3. Police has reported the sealing of 19 trade units in Tabriz due to distributing unconventional women dresses. Some 27 trade units were sealed due to selling items with Western symbols in Hamedan Province and 50 trade units also were sealed because of violating the fasting rules during Ramadan. In addition, the business locations of Fereydun Aghsani and Fardin Aghsani – two Baha’i citizens – were sealed by the relevant officials.
Section 3: Cultural Heritage and Environment
1. Reports concerning situation regarding cultural heritage and environment also point to the continued presence of unfavourable conditions in these areas during this month to the extent that, the density of dust in Ilam’s air became 18 times higher than the permitted level during some days of Khordad and air pollution has reached to 17 times more than the safe levels in Lorestan.
2. Ali Shilan and Yaghub Shilan – two citizens – were killed in Sardasht due to mine explosion and Abdollah Shilan – a citizen – was injured. In addition, Hossein Moludkhani – a citizen – was injured in Piranshahr due to mine explosion and Baqer Bastami – an employee of the Demining Centre – was injured in Mehran due to another land mine explosion. One more mine explosion in Shalamcheh cut the left leg of Ali Bakhtiary ¬ – an employee of the Demining Centre.

Conclusion:
At the end of the report for the month of Khordad of 1395, The Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights expressed regret for the lashes sentences against workers, emphasising its view that lashes are not an appropriate response to the trade union demands of workers.
Therefore, The Centre for the Defenders of Human Rights has asked the Judiciary to delegate the resolution of workers’ issues at their workplace to the relevant dispute settlement authorities, according to the articles No142 and & No 157 of the Labour Law.

Note: For further information regarding the above reports, please refer to the following news websites: Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA), Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA), Fars news agency, Mehr news agency, Young Journalists Club news agency, CDHR website, JARAS, Committee of Human Rights Reporters, Nedaye Azadi, Baztab, HRANA, Ghanoon, Kaleme, Mohebbat News, Sunni Online, International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, Majzooban-e Noor, Melli Mazhabi, Nedaye Sabze Azadi, Radio Zamaneh, Radio Farda and BBC.

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From Burmese Dissident to Mystifying Politician Why won’t my fellow Nobelist Aung San Suu Kyi help a Muslim minority?

by adminl
written by adminl

By SHIRIN EBADI

In advance of a United Nations envoy’s visit to the country, Burmese officials in June instructed U.N. officials to refer to Burma’s Muslim minority as “people who believe in Islam in Rakhine state.” This is the latest chapter in what has become a tragic campaign to reassure Buddhist nationalists that the government will continue to oppress the Rohingya—even to the point of denying them their name and citizenship in Burma.

Sadly, this campaign is being led by Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
After decades of defiant activism, house arrest and unimaginable personal sacrifice, Ms. Suu Kyi is finally in a position to bring democracy to her country. Ms. Suu Kyi’s party won Burma’s national elections in November 2015, and this spring, in addition to being named foreign minister, she was appointed state counselor, the de facto prime minister. The new title effectively gives her the power to run Burma.

I’m sure it is a responsibility that my fellow Nobel peace laureate—a woman who was under house arrest off and on for more than two decades—takes very seriously. Yet those of us who spoke up for Aung San Suu Kyi those many years when her human rights were being violated—including His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu—are deeply pained that she won’t extend the same respect for human rights to Burma’s more than one million Rohingya.

Like thousands of human-rights defenders around the world, we have also called upon Burma to respect the rights of other political prisoners and minorities in Burma—including the Karen, the Shan and the Chin. Global human-rights organizations, along with courageous grass roots organizations in Burma, have documented how the Burmese military and state have suppressed these minorities through religious persecution, killings, rape, disappearances, torture and other crimes against humanity.

After at least 100 Rohingya were killed during 2012 riots and clashes with Buddhists in Rakhine state, we spoke out publicly to help Burma’s Muslim minority.

As a Muslim woman, I feel it is my particular responsibility to ring the alarm bells about the Burmese government’s campaign against the Rohingya. Burma has long denied the Rohingya the recognition and basic rights, like access to education and freedom of movement, that citizenship would afford. Since the riots, more than 140,000 Rohingya have been forced into refugee camps, and many of them now live in conditions much resembling concentration camps. Tens of thousands have risked losing their lives to make the dangerous journey by sea in overcrowded boats to leave Rakhine state.

The Buddhist majority in Burma—even many seasoned democracy activists—seem to see no contradiction in their call for democracy and the cruel and inhumane treatment of the Rohingya. This includes Aung San Suu Kyi.

This is grimly ironic, given that her supporters—including me—have for many years defiantly rejected the word Myanmar, the name assigned to the country by the autocratic military that ran the country since 1962. We respected the fact that Ms. Suu Kyi and her followers called themselves Burmese, and the country Burma.

So how can Ms. Suu Kyi now turn her back on the Rohingya?

I have paid a high price in my life advocating for freedom, including defending the rights of the Bah’ai, a religious minority, in Iran. Since 2009, I have been forced to live outside of Iran—and have lost not only my home but also my marriage and many friends. But I strongly believe there is no other way to live. Up until recently, I thought that Ms. Suu Kyi and I shared this conviction.

In May, Ms. Suu Kyi’s party announced that she will head up a committee dedicated to promoting peace and development in Rakhine state. The announcement said the committee—which reportedly will include 27 members of the new cabinet—will “coordinate” the activities of U.N. agencies and international nongovernmental organizations in that state.

This looks suspiciously more like an effort to further tighten her government’s authoritarian control over the region than a response to a human-rights crisis. Let’s hope not. I’ll be the first to applaud if my sister Nobel peace laureate bravely ignores the internal pressure to dehumanize the Rohingya and instead stands up for their rights.

Ms. Ebadi, the author of “Until We Are Free: My Fight for Human Rights in Iran” (Random House, 2016) and a co-founder of the Nobel Women’s Initiative, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003.

The Wall Street Journal

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Narges Mohammadi starts hunger strike, demanding the right to call her children

by adminl
written by adminl

Narges Mohammadi, vice-chair of Defenders of Human Rights Centre (DHRC), who is currently imprisoned has started a hunger strike from today, June 27 2016, which coincides with the 21st day of the month of Ramadan.

Ms Mohammadi has written an emotional letter explaining her decision, the DHRC website reported.

In the letter, she says that she has “no demand other than the possibility of calling [her] children” and that, contrary to her desire and physical capability, she has no way other than a hunger strike to remind the world that she is a mother who misses her children.

About a year ago, while Narges Mohammadi was in jail, her children joined their father who was forced, under the pressure of security and judicial officials, to immigrate to France.

In the past year, Ms Mohammadi has only once been able to speak to her children on the phone. That was in early April 2016.

Writing open letters to high judicial officials, Narges Mohammadi has repeatedly protested against the behavior of jail guards and the security officials in prison.

What follows is the full text of the emotional letter of Narges Mohammadi, written on 27 June 2016:

It is now the month of Tir [June-July in Persian Calendar] and it was in the same month, a year ago in a hot summer, that my two little children, aged 8, left Iran for France to live with their father. It had become impossible to live without a mother and a father. I have repeatedly thought about our last meeting. Every time, my family would be left behind the large gates of Evin and only my dearest Kiana and Ali could enter the prison. From the gates to our meeting room in the security office, it was a long walk and the children were accompanied by a guard, holding each other’s hands. On the way, they’d see prisoners, in hand-cuffs and leg cuffs, wearing dark blue, striped prison uniforms and they were scared. When they got to me, while they were still tightly holding on to each other’s hands, they breathed heavily and spoke of what they had see.n Once Ali told Kiana: “Kiana, good that we ran away. The thieves would have gotten us”.

I was always worried about their coming and going until the last meeting came. They said: “Mommy Narges! Don’t you worry. We go to Daddy Taqi and we’ll come back again”. From the door of the security office to the middle of the courtyard, they turned back several times to look at me. They were holding hands. We said goodbye and the door was closed and my dearest Ali and Kiana left. Not only when I was bidding them goodbye with my eyes, but even now, after one year has past, I can’t believe they left. It was 1:30 pm. I don’t know how I gathered myself to go back to my cell. I passed the hallway and got into the courtyard. I stood on the hot asphalts to pray. I wanted to speak to Himself. Only to he, Himself. I don’t know what I said and what I heard and how much I cried. I don’t even know what to call my state: Prayer, Wailing or Losing Life. I don’t know how much I crouched on my painful knees but I stood up straight again. I don’t know how many times my forehead touched the dear soil of the Evin prison and how much of the tears coming from my eyes and the blood being shed from my heart did I gave away. But I stood up. I don’t know how many times did I hold my hands to the sky and asked Him for patience. My feet were burning so bad that I finally had to go back to my cell. I thought that in three months, when schools re-open, my dear ones would come. But September came and my children didn’t. I requested permission to speak on the phone with them; to at least hear their voice. But it wasn’t granted. In the Women’s section in Evin, unlike all the other prisons in the country, there is no phone for families to call. This is forbidden. We have a visitation time once a week and from week to week, we go without news, waiting for the next meeting. Mothers meet with their children once a week and in person. On Wednesdays, Maryam Akbarifard, Sedighe Moradi, Zahra Zahtabchi, Azita Rafiazade and Fateme Mosana are called to meet their children. I sit on the edge of my bed and ask the mothers to kiss the beautiful face of their sons and daughters. Mothers go to the meeting and I meet with my dearest Kiana and Ali in my own daydreams. I smell their small hands and kiss their beautiful faces.

For a year now, my only contact with my two small children has been limited to me asking about them from my sister and brother. I always hear the same sentence back: “Don’t you worry. They are doing fine.” I have forgotten their voices. I don’t keep their photos by my bed anymore. I can’t look at them. My sister said: “Every time I want to come see you, Ali tells me to ask ‘Mommy Narges’ if she dreams of me?” My only way to connect with my children is in our dreams. How strange it is that they also see their mothers in their nightly, childish, sweet dreams and this is how they connect with me.

It is a year since my children are gone and despite all the open and confidential letters that I and my family have written, my request for phone connection with my children has not been granted. Only once, on the occasion of the New Year, on 3 April 2016, on the written order of the Tehran prosecutor I spoke to my dear Kiana and Ali “for ten minutes, under security conditions and only with the children”. The last words of my children was: “Mommy Narges! I hope they let you call us again”.

In 2012, when I was arrested to go through my six years in prison, my interrogator in the cell 209 said: “Oh, remember you boasting about defending human rights? I’ll send you to the general section so you know who humans are.” And now I know because they had repeatedly asked me stop my activities so that they’d let me stay by my children. They thought by imposing separation and cutting all contact, even phone contact, they’d teach me what being a mother is.

In the last year, I’ve had a strange experience in prison. Being in prison and even getting a 16 sentence for my last case has not only not made me regret but has strengthened my will and belief in supporting human rights, more than ever. But nothing has reduced the suffering and pain caused by my dear ones and my beloved children being away. If during all this time, I have had a smile of happiness, being happy with my activities and work, my heart has always been filled with a bitter chaos caused by the desire to see them. Part of my existence is filled with satisfaction, happiness, seriousness and effort; and another part, full of pain, sadness and desire. As if my heart goes on its own way and my brain its own separate way. Once more, I am with Moses’s mother. It was the mother who received the revelation and put his child in a basket, on the Nile — it was the belief and faith of mother that did it. But just the day after, the separation of the child was heavy on the mother’s heart. So much so that she feared she’d speak of secrets of heart that she shouldn’t. She sang her song of wailing and went on her own way and God intervened… In this land, the power of my faith and my belief in the cause is challenged by human desire, love and kindness. My whole existence comes under pressure. And what pain is this. How hard to be in love with the dear ones, going toward your cause and thinking of humanity. I have always said that in a land where it is hard enough to be a woman, a mother or a human rights activist, to be all three is an unforgivable, human-breaking crime. And now, “I” in my land and homeland, am accused of being a human rights activist, feminist and an opponent of capital punishment (as the charges read in the court said). I am condemned and in prison. Oh, the beauty of the fate: I have to also be a woman and a mother.

They regarded my defense of human rights as a crime but, worse, they denied me being a woman and a mother. Until I die, I will protest. I will not forget. My children were three years old when they stormed my house and took my dear Kiana, who had recently gone under surgery, away from my bosom. As she was crying, her feverous body was thrown in jail. They were five years old and their father was away, when they came for me. The kids wouldn’t let me go. They had lied to them, promising that I’d join them that very night. They took me from them and imprisoned me and on 5 May when my children were in school and went home in the afternoon, hoping their mother would open the door, they were met with a closed door. They had to then follow their father and leave this land. I ask these men of religion and government, didn’t they do enough to me and my children? Should they also now harass my small, innocent children like this? I spoke clearly, as clear as the tears on my cheeks. I wrote simply, as simple as the love of a mother. I swore that “my heart is beating for my children”. I said: “The small heart of my children misses me”. Alas! No one heard me and no one responded. I was patient and waited for a year — hoping that a conscience in this Land of the Asleep will feel some pain. It was for nothing. My motherly love was once more denied. Going against my desire and physical capability, I have no way left other than a hunger strike — to cry that I am a mother and that I miss my children. Maybe someone would feel compassion. Maybe someone would feel shame in their conscience. Maybe there is an end to this hostility and tyranny. I have no demand other than being able to call my children. Is this demand too large, unreasonable, immoral, illegal and a threat to security? Tell me and convince me. If a mother that a government has found guilty should be deprived from hearing the sound of her children, say so! If not, let this mother hear the voice of her children. The punishment of us, women and mothers, is imprisonment not not being able to hear the voice of our loved ones. Believe that we are humans.

Narges Mohammadi

Evin Prison

27 June 2016

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International Rights and Mechanisms

by adminl
written by adminl

Human rights as we know them are a reflection of certain fundamental universal notions, which provide a set of global benchmarks for how humanity should conduct itself. The principle of the universality of human rights is the cornerstone of international human rights law. This principle, as first emphasized in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights in 1948, has been reiterated in numerous international human rights conventions, declarations, and resolutions.
Lawyers are responsible for safeguarding these fundamental rights around the world. The Rule of Law, meanwhile, should form the basis for any open society. But promoting and encouraging respect for human rights requires knowledge and skills. We believe it is essential for all lawyers to try and acquire these skills and integrate human rights norms into their daily practice, both inside and out of court.
Hence the reason for this toolkit, which aims to help Iranian lawyers strengthen their ability to advocate for human rights. As well as containing a rough outline of the basics of human rights law and the vital role of lawyers, we hope this kit will help improve understanding of the concept of a fair trial under international law, through selected case studies that demonstrate the application of international norms in other jurisdictions.
The toolkit also provides basic knowledge on fair trial standards, with information and links leading to further sources that should open a window on the international law arena. We hope lawyers will keep this toolkit in mind in all their cases and strive to apply Iranian law in a manner consistent with the norms of international human rights law. Lawyers are uniquely positioned to raise awareness of human rights standards. In doing so, they can help enhance both the Rule of Law and the quality of their society.
This toolkit has been developed by several organizations based on the experiences and evaluations of trainings for lawyers in Iran, including by Lawyers for Lawyers and Free Tribune of Lawyers. We welcome your feedback at [email protected] in order to continuously improve and update the toolkit.

For the full text in English please click below:

English version

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