Petition Tag - political prisoners

APRIL 28, 2013 -- Russian opposition activist Alexei Gaskarov has been detained by police in Moscow for his alleged role in the May 6 riots on Bolotnaya Square in the Russian capital, Russia’s Investigative Committee said on Sunday.

Gaskarov, a member of the opposition’s coordinating council, is accused of having led a group of active participants in the mass unrest on Bolotnaya Square, according to the investigators.

"During a scuffle on Bolotnaya Square, Gaskarov himself used violence against a policeman, disturbing his work to detain persons with aggressive behavior," the Investigative Committee said.

Investigators have videos and witnesses' testimony supporting the accusations, the committee said adding that the eyewitnesses have recognized Gaskarov as an offender.

Over 650 people were detained at a May 6, 2012 rally on Moscow’s Bolotnaya Square on the eve of Vladimir Putin’s inauguration to a controversial third presidential term as police clashed with protesters.

Most were soon released, but a case soon followed into what the investigators called mass riots. The probe is ongoing. The riot allegations are hotly disputed by the opposition, which blames the police for provoking the clashes and claims the case is political.

The ‘March of Millions’ opposition protests in Moscow on May 6 2012 turned into a bloody standoff between demonstrators and riot police. Countless witnesses reported police brutality, as well as plain-clothes agents provocateurs, as being the main culprits in the physical scuffling.

Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have noted with alarm what they regard as a systematic clampdown on Russia's civil society, beginning with restrictions on the right of assembly introduced in June 2012.

Tanya Lokshina of Human Rights Watch notes: "The crackdown on civil society that we are witnessing in Russia today is absolutely unprecedented. It started in full swing after the return of Vladimir Putin to the Kremlin."

Gaskarov is scheduled for his first appearance before a judge on Monday, April 29. The pending trials of several other activists who took part in last May's opposition rally on Bolotnaya Square are looming. Like the recent trial of Pussy Riot members and the currently ongoing trial of opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, these trials are widely understood to be nothing more than politcally-motivated show trials.

UPDATE: On April, 29 The Basmanny court of Moscow agreed to the recommendation of the investigation requesting that Alexei Gaskarov be placed into custody as a pretrial restraining measure. Alexei is charged with crimes under part 2 of article 212 of the RF Criminal Code (participation in mass riots) and part 1 of article 318 (use of violence against representatives of the authority). As a result of the court's decision, he is to remain detained for a minimum of two months up to June 28.

For more information on this case please visit this webpage created to support Mr. Gaskarov and secure his freedom: http://gaskarov.info/

Information is available in several languages, see the flags on the right-hand side to choose.

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On January 18, 2012 security forces arrested Iranian labor activist Mohammad Jarrahi in his home in Tabriz.

He was sentenced to five years in Tabriz prison based solely on politically-motivated charges brought against him as a result of his peaceful political and labor activism.

There are growing fears for the life of imprisoned labour activist Mohammad Jarahi, who is now known to be suffering from thyroid cancer. Jarahi, who is a member of the Committee to Pursue the Establishment of Workers’ Organisations, was arrested last year and sentenced to five years in prison. He is now in the second year of his sentence.

Jarahi underwent surgery on 16th February this year. However, the results of the tests following the operation show that he has thyroid cancer. According to his doctors, Jarahi should begin his treatment as soon as possible. Despite the efforts of his family for him to be referred for immediate medical treatment outside prison, Jarahi continues to be jailed.

On April 20, 2013 the Committee for Human Rights Reporters reported that Islamic Republic judicial authorities in Tabriz and the judge in charge of his court files have rejected medical furlough for Mohammad Jarahi.

According to CHRR, Mohammad Jarahi who is serving a 5-year prison term is suffering from thyroid cancer has been denied medical furlough despite the fact that for the safety of others, cancer patients who receive radiation therapy are quarantined for a week. The laws of the country stipulate that authorities are required to grant medical furlough to prisoners who are in need of treatment for their illness outside of prison.

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Masoud Ladoni is not allowed to have medical vacation

Hrana 15th April, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HRANA 26 FEBRUARY 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOURCE : HRANA

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April 13, 2013--Committee of Human Rights Reporters – According to received reports, student, blogger and cyber activist Pouria Farazmand was detained in Kermanshah on April 7th.

According to CHRR, last Sunday when the student from Kermanshah province went to his university to follow up on matters regarding his graduation, he was handed a summons by the university security. As Farazmand was exiting the university, plain clothed officials who were equipped with walkie-talkies and pistols accosted and detained the student.

Students who witnessed the clash reported that the officials engaged in a brutal confrontation with Pouria Farazmand, beating him up and insulting him as they detained him.

After Pouria Farazmand was violently taken away, one of the security officials, M. Seyedi, appeared in front of the university’s gate and hurled insults while threatening the group of students who had converged at the scene. He lashed denigrating remarks and called the detained student and blogger a “spy” who is associated with “foreign entities.”

Pouria Farazmand is the writer for the blog Azadi Baraye Hamegan (freedom for all) and served on the editorial board of Mosht (fist), a banned student newspaper. Witness students said Farazmand never wrote anything pointing to foreign associations and that he only wrote about internal politics in Iran.

There is still no news of the whereabouts or condition of the student blogger.

During the past months an increasing number of bloggers, Internet activists and citizens taking part in social networks critical of the ruling regime have been arrested in various provinces in the country including Tehran, Alborz, Fars, Kurdistan and Razavi Khorasan.

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UPDATE CHRR 17 April , 2013

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

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

UPDATE CHRR 19 March 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Blogger and poet Reza Akvanian arrested

CHRR 7 April 2013

Committee of Human Rights Reporters – Reza Akvanian, blogger, poet, writer and human rights activist was detained by security agents on Sunday March 24, 2013 at approximately 3am.

According to CHRR, after being held incommunicado for 2 weeks Akvanian was finally allowed visitation with his family on Saturday April 6th. According to his family, bruising and signs of beatings were visible on Reza Akvanian’s body pointing to the severe physical pressure put on him by agents in efforts to obtain a false confession.

Reza Akvanian is a writer for the blog “salhaye khoobe zendegi” (life’s good years) who was arrested earlier on February 1, 2010 by agents from the Ministry of Intelligence. Judge Tahmasabi presiding over Branch 1 of the Yasuj Revolutionary Court handed Akvanian a one-year prison sentence and a 5-year suspended term on the charges of “insulting the leader and the president in blog content” and “association with outsiders by sharing news reports.”

SOURCE : CHRR

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

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

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

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UPDATE Hrana 2013-04-25

Editor: Human
Translator: Ramyar Hassani

HRANA News Agency – In the morning of April 21, 2013 Sirwan Hosseinpanahi and Shirzad Hosseinpanahi the two Kurdish civil activists were tried in Sanandaj revolutionary court.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the two Kurdish civic activists were tried on charge of propaganda against regime and connection with Kurdish subversive parties.

Sirwan and Shirzad had no access to lawyer during the trial session and defended themselves personally against all what they are accused to.

One of their relatives wrote a report to HRANA and says “They were not sentenced after the trial session and the judge told Sirwan and Shirzad that your verdicts will be issued in one month. The two Kurdish activists who were under arrested for three months and for 50 days in absolute ignorance in Intelligence offices of Sanandaj and Ghorveh, have transferred from Ghorveh prison to Sanandaj central prison after the trial session.”

Sirwan Hosseinpanahi is a Kurdish activist and nephew of Anvar Hosseinpanahi the political-civil prisoner. He was arrested on January 9, 2013 by Intelligence agents in his home in Ghorochai village in Dehgolan city.

Shirzad Hosseinpanahi the other Kurdish activist and of Anvar Hosseinpanahi’s relatives who is from Ghorochai village as well, was arrested on January 12, 2013 by security forces and was transferred to Intelligence office of Sanandaj.

After 50 days absolute ignorance finally Sirwan Hosseinpanahi and Shirzad Hosseinpanahi were transferred from Intelligence detention center of Sanandaj to Ghorveh prison.
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UPDATE CHRR 5 March 2013
Sirvan and Shirzad Hossein Panahi transferred to Ghorveh prison

Committee of Human Rights Reporters – After 50 days of Sirvan Hossein Panahi being incommunicado, on January 27, this political prisoner was transferred along with Shirzad Hossein Panahi from the detention center of the Ministry of Intelligence in Sanandaj to Ghorveh prison.

According to CHRR, a close family friend of these 2 Kurdish activists said that Sirvan Hossein Panahi informed his family in a short phone call that he and Shirzad Hossein Panahi were transferred to Ghorveh prison. The family had not been able to get any information about the whereabouts or situation of their loved ones despite their efforts and inquiries with judicial and intelligence authorities.

On January 9th, 2013, plainclothes officials from the Ministry of Intelligence raided the home of the nephew of Anvar Hossein Panahi and detained him. The agents arrived at the home of Sirvan Hossein Panahi’s father in the rural village of Quruchay and detained Sirvan after conducting a rigorous search of his residence. Witnesses reported that it looked like his arm was broken as the agents confiscated his personal belongings. Another family member, Shirzad Hossein Panahi, who is also from the village of Quruchay in Dehgolan, was arrested on January 30, 2013 and transferred to the Ministry of Intelligence detention center.

Anvar Hossein Panahi, the eldest son in the family, is a Kurdish activist and a Dehgolan province dignitary who was arrested in 2007 and severely tortured while in detention. He spent 6 months incommunicado in custody at the Ghorveh Ministry of Intelligence detention center. In 2008 he was sentenced to death on charges of “acting against national security,” “collaborating with a Kurdish political party” and “moharebeh” (enmity with God). After tireless efforts and protests on the part of human rights activists, his death sentence was later commuted to 6 years in prison. After enduring 5 years behind bars, Anvar Hossein Panahi was granted medical furlough after posting bail.

In the past years since the incarceration of Kurdish activist Anvar Hossein Panahi, his family has faced summons, interrogations, endured constant harassment and threats, with over 30 members arbitrarily arrested.

* PETITIONS FOR ANWAR AND SIRVAN : *

FREE Anwar Hossein Panahi:
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/free-anwar-hossein-panahi.html

Immediate & Unconditional Release of Sirvan Hossein Panahi:
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/immediate-unconditional-release-of-sirvan-hossein-pan.html

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Mrs. Zohreh Nikaeen (Tebyanian) is also serving her 23 months sentence in prison in Semnan, Iran with her 11 months son, Resam Tebyanian. Her sole "crime" is the peaceful practice of her Baha'i faith, which is viciously peresecuted under the Islamic Republic regime.

At this time her baby is known to be ill and need monthly check-up. For example Zohreh’s son, Resam, has a ear infections and needs urgent care.

Mrs. Nikaeen is one of at least three women imprisoned in Semnan solely for their Baha'i faith who are currently locked up together with their infants in the terrible Semnan prison. All together, there are known to be seven infants locked up with their mothers in that prison. THESE BABIES ARE ALL KNOWN TO BE SUFFERING FROM MEDICAL NEGLECT.

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Yasan Mousavi arrested and transferred to prison.

CHRR 6 February 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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On January 31, prominent Kazakh dissident, author, and poet Aron Atabek turned 60. Atabek marked the milestone alone, in solitary confinement in a maximum-security prison in the city of Arkalyk, where he has just been transferred for the next two years.

In 2007, Atabek was convicted of organizing mass disorder against the demolition of the Shanyrak shantytown that resulted in the death of a police officer. His supporters believe the case against him was politically motivated. He was sentenced to 18 years in a labor camp. Atabek has always maintained his innocence and even rejected a government pardon if he would admit his guilt.

Atabek, who already served two previous years in solitary confinement, from 2010 to early 2012, is now accused of insubordination against the prison regime.

"A real man must stand up for his honor and dignity if he finds himself among the ranks of the 'troublemakers' and 'offenders of the regime,'" he told RFE/RL.

Atabek described conditions in Arkalyk, saying that in the first year of his previous solitary confinement -- a "prison within a prison," as he described it -- he was not allowed a single book, only a manual on chess. In two years, he says, he received only one letter and one parcel from his family and was not allowed to make a single phone call -- a "complete vacuum," as he put it. He says he was permitted a television and a radio in his second year, on which he listened to RFE/RL's Kazakh Service.

He gives a long and grim description of prison life for people serving life sentences in isolation.

"The conditions are very harsh: 24-hour video surveillance and, when you're taken out for exercise, it's in handcuffs and a mask, so you can't see anyone. The whole system was formed under [Soviet dictator Josef] Stalin, and now it's even worse," he says.

He goes on to criticize Kazakhstan's penal system, which in 2011 was moved out from under the Justice Ministry and handed back to the control of the Interior Ministry. Since then, he says, cases of "violence and tyranny, torture, and humiliation" have been on the rise.

"It's not only the police but special interior forces who conduct prison checks," he says. "They're pure scum. For them, there are no laws, no order. They lead people out to the grounds to conduct a search, then steal the prisoners' property -- different things, like radios. They wear black masks. We call it the 'mask show.' They come to the camp and turn everything upside down."

He says he knows of at least three people who have died in prison as a result of torture.

"This is the image of a modern system," he says. "I'd call it the agony of the Nazarbaev regime. Of course, officially he's still sitting on his throne. But his throne is quite rotten. The 2011 Zhanaozen events [during which at least 16 protesters were killed in December 2011 when police and riot troops fired on them] are proof of that. And the Shanyrak events are also proof."

While treated harshly, he says he has not been beaten in prison, although he said he is aware of prisoners being severely beaten and raped with truncheons. He says he is in good health, though he has been treated for tuberculosis and eye problems from a scuffle with a fellow inmate.

He believes his transfer to solitary confinement is linked to the recent publication on the Internet of a book he wrote while in prison called "The Heart of Eurasia." (He has described the book as an essay that presents "evidence-based" criticism of the Nazarbaev regime. He says he means the book to be a political forecast for the next 10 to 20 years in Kazakhstan.) The scenario is similar, he says, to what happened in 2009, when he was sent to Arkalyk after an antigovernment book of poetry and prose titled "Nazarbaev's Regime and Revolution" was circulated on the Internet.

"This shows once again how much the regime [of President Nursultan Nazarbaev] fears the truth," he says.

Atabek's family says his health is deteriorating, and that they fear for his life after the publication of his latest book.

Here's a passage from a poem, "Re-Zona-Nce," by Atabek as translated by the website Samponsia Way:

My father was a slave of the Soviet State
in the gold mines of Kolyma
and my destiny, too, is repeating this pattern
and the brutality of Kolyma.

My father was tried in court as an Enemy of the People,
so it turns out I am a “Son of the Enemy.”
I break rocks with a pickaxe alongside him,
no different to him.

Russia is my Mother; my Father is Kazakhstan.
A childhood on the Volga, I grew up in Almaty
to kick open the doors to the Throne Room of those in power,
with a strong belief in my rights and in righteousness.

Atabek says he is very grateful for the international attention his case has received, including a prize in 2010 from Freedom to Create, an NGO dedicated to supporting projects that unleash people's creativity.

That was a huge help. They would have killed me a long time ago in this prison if people didn't know who I was and didn't defend me," Atabek says. "They're afraid to torture and beat me because international organizations know about me. I'm grateful to the people and the organizations that are protecting me. I thank them with all my heart."

Atabek vowed to "fight to the end" for democracy for Kazakhstan, for an end to Nazarbaev's "rotten throne."

"Every man fights within the limits of their own understanding," he says. "And I have my way. I'll never turn my back on politics. I'll fight to the end."

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In Three Languages (English-Turkihs-Farsi)

English:

Geographically South Azerbaijan is the region stretching from northwestern Iran to the center of the country. This region fully encompasses East and West Azerbaijan, Ardabil, Zanjan, and Qazvin; it also includes parts of Hamadan and Merkezi. Due to its role as being an opening door to Europe, this region is strategically important. Approximately 40-45% of the Iranian population is ethnic Azerbaijani. The protests which took place in May of 2006, due to official attacks and discriminations against Azerbaijani Turks and their language, is spreading the promise of democracy to all parts of the society; meanwhile the Iranian regime is continuing its undemocratic politics.

Mass arrests, imprisonments, threats towards families, and similar injustices are continuing. Peaceful South Azerbaijani activists are tried at the courts of the Iranian regime for supposedly being “traitors and agents for America and Israel”. Many Azerbaijani Turks are charged and imprisoned for supposedly “being ethic fanatics”.

Our goal is to promote the notion of equality for all with peaceful and non-violent activities constructing the center of our mutual activities. However, the Iranian regime has proved many times that it is far from sharing these values. It is continuing its silent massacre in the region of South Azerbaijan which was hit by twin earthquakes back in August of 2012; many people are still living in plastic tents under harsh winter conditions. This inhumanitarian regime has stayed quite to the drying of Lake Urmia and is continuing to socially and physically damaging South Azerbaijan.

For the cause of freedom of speech and to promote democracy in the region, we are starting this petition for South Azerbaijan. When the topic is democracy, every signature means very much to us.

Turkish:

Coğrafi olarak Güney Azerbaycan, İran’ın kuzeybatısından merkezine doğru uzanan bölgedir. Bu bölge Doğu ve Batı Azerbaycan, Erdebil, Zencan, Gazvin illerini tamamen, Hemedan ve Merkezi illerini kısmen içermektedir. Bu bölge İran’ın Avrupa’ya açılan kapısı olduğu için stratejik önem taşımaktadır. Azerbaycanlıları, İran nüfusunun %40-60’unu oluşturmaktadırlar.gecen Mayıs ayından itibaren Güney Azerbaycan’da ve İran’ın değişik bölgelerinde Türklüğe ve Türkçeye yapılan iğrenç Fars şövenisti saldırıya karşı gösterilen milli tepki dalga dalga yayılırken, Tahran’ın şaşkınlık içinde aldığı tedbirler yeni hukuk facialarına yol açmaktadır.

Toplu tutuklamalar, hapisler, Şüpheli ölümler, gözaltılar, ailelerin tehdit edilmesi, sebepsiz yargılamalar, soruşturmalar, asılsız suçlamalar, yüklü para cezaları sürmektedir. Aşağıdaki listede adları yazılı olan milliyetçi gençler Tahran rejiminin tehdidi altındadırlar. Tebriz'deki ve diğer şehirlerdeki tutuklu Türk gençlerine sorgularda ABD veya İsrail'le bağlantılı değil Türkiye ve Azerbaycan'la bağlantılı suçlamalar yöneltilmekte, sorular sorulmaktadır. Resmi belgelerle sabit suçlamalar şunlardır: Rejimin Aleyhine Faaliyet, Pantürkizm, Kavimcilik.

İnsanlık ailesinin bütün üyelerinde bulunan haysiyetin ve bunların eşit ve devir kabul etmez haklarının tanınması hususunun, hürriyetin, adaletin ve dünya barışının temeli olmasına, İnsan haklarının tanınmaması ve hür görülmesinin insanlık vicdanını isyana sevkeden vahşiliklere sebep olmuş bulunmasına, dehşetten ve yoksulluktan kurtulmuş insanl... ama malesef şuana kadar iran adlanan ülkede konuların hiç biri uyğulanmamaktadır. deprem bölgesinde yumuşak soykırım, urmu gölünün kurutulma siyaseti, ana dilde eğtimin yasağı, anti türk politikalar, şiilik yayımçılığı ve boşu boşuna suçlamaların hepsi bu rejimin mahiyetini ifşa etmektedir. bizler bu hasızlıklara karşı, Güneydeki soydaşlarımızın azadlığı için , inanç ve özgürlük tutuklularımız için bu kampanyaya onur ve şerefle başlamışız. nitekim, özgürlük ve insanlık için çalışan eller için, bir kalem ve bir imza bize büyük bir ümitdir.

Farsi:

آذربایجان جنوبی به لحاظ جغرافیایی منطقه ای است که از شمال غرب به سمت مرکز ایران گسترش یافته است؛این منطقه در مجموع و به طور کلی از استان های آذربایجان غربی،شرقی،اردبیل،زنجان ،قزوین،همدان و شامل بخشی از استان مرکزی می باشد.از نظر استراتژیکی این منطقه دروازه ورود ایران به اروپا میباشد، به همین سبب از اهمیت ویژه ای برخوردار است.حدود 40تا 60 درصد از جمعیت ایران را آذربایجانی ها تشکیل میدهند.از ماه می سال پیش در تعرض تهوع برانگیز شوونیزم فارس به تورک و تورک بودن، آذربایجان جنوبی و بخش هایی از ایران و بر انگیخته شدن اعتراضات و با به همراه بودن موج موج واکنش ملت ، دولت تهران حیرت زده، راه را برای فاجعه های حقوقی باز کرده است.دستگیری های جمعی، حبس ها،مرگ های مشکوک، توقیف ها ، تهدید خانواده ها، محاکمه های بی علت،تحقیقات، اتهامات بی اساس، جریمه های هنگفت در حال پیشرفت است.اسامی جوانان ملی گرایی که نامشان در لیست زیر آمده است تحت فشار و تهدید رژیم تهران میباشند. جوانان ملی گرای بازداشت شده به اتهام اینکه شما وابسته به آمریکا و اسرائیل نیستید بلکه در جهت اتهامات مطرح شده که وابسته به ترکیه و آذربایجان هستید مورد مواخذه و بازجویی قرار گرفته و تحت پرس و جو هستند. اسناد رسمی و اتهامات ثابت شده به این شرح است: فعالیت علیه رژیم، پان تورکیست ،نژادپرستی... و با اعمال وحشیانه که وجدان بشریت را جریحه دار کرده است ...حیثیت و کرامت ذاتی تمامی اعضای خانواده انسانی بر مبناو به رسمیت شناخته شدن حقوق و به خصوص آزادی، اجرای عدالت و صلح جهانی و همچنین آزاد شدن ملت از فقر و ترس میباشد... اما متاسفانه هیچکدام از این موارد در کشور "ایران نامیده شده" به اجرا در نیامده است. نسل کشی نرم در مناطق زلزله زده، سیاست خشکانیدن دریاچه اورمیه،ممنوعیت آموزش به زبان مادری،سیاست های ضد تورک، انتشار مذهب شیعه، تحت فشار قرار دادن های بی سبب، همه این موارد ذکر شده ماهیت اصلی رژیم ایران را افشاء میکند.ما این کمپین را با شرف و افتخار در مقابله با این بی عدالتی ها ،نسبت به هم وطنانمان در آذربایجان جنوبی و آزادی آنها و همچنین برای آزادی زندانیان عقیده ای آغاز کرده ایم. بنابراین یک قلم و یک امضا از طرف دستان یاری رسان انسانیت و آزادی برای ما امید بزرگی است...

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

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

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

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

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the Islamic Republic Supreme Court confirmed the death sentences of five Arab Ahwazi activists who were co-founders or active members of scientific – cultural institute of Al-Hiwar, who are allegedly accused of combating against God (Muharebeh).

Muhammadali Omouri (Fisheries engineer and school teacher), Hadi Rashedi (holds a MS degree in applied chemistry and chemistry high-school teacher), Hashem Shabani (Arab literature teacher and MA degree student in Political Sciences at Ahwaz University), Seyyed Jaber Alboshoka (holds an associate degree in computer sciences and is a private in the military), Seyyed Mokhtar Alboshoka (works at a stone mining company), from among the founders and active members of Al-Hiwar, are accused of combatting against God, proceeding with armed activities and threatening national security. They are sentenced to death by hanging, while they explicitly announced, in several hearings, that they remained under months of severe torture, were obliged to falsely confess to armed activities and attempting to overthrow the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Al-Hiwar means dialogue. The institute was inspired by the policies of President Khatami’s government to promote a “Dialogue among Civilizations” and was registered by the National Youth Organization. The institute organizes events for the Arab youth of Ramshir (Khalafabad), including a number of conferences, poetry recital gatherings, and educational and art classes, all in the Arabic language. The activities of this institute were pronounced as illegal after an upsurge in the presence of security forces in the Khuzestan province following the widespread demonstrations in April 2005 in protest against discriminations imposed on Arab ethnic groups. In addition, the founders, members and others involved with the institute were also threatened. Around twenty active members of the institute were arrested in February 2011 and kept in secret detention centre of the Ministry of Intelligence in Ahwaz. For a number of months, the authorities applied severe mental and physical tortures on the detainees with the sole purpose of forcing them to falsely confess to armed activities.

A member of Al-Hiwar institue, who was among those arrested, told Justice for Iran, “I was beaten with a cable; I think it was a cable, because my eyes were blindfolded. I would hear screams of others while passing through the hallway to go to the bathroom. The sound of the voices was familiar to me. I heard, for instance, Hade Rashedi. Just imagine! Hadi Rashedi, with his fragile and weak body, suffering from heart rheumatism, how long could he possibly endure such torture? The prison authorities mistreated prisoners in such a manner that one would not do to wild animals. The mental torture started as soon as we were detained. I was asked to confess that Al-Hiwar, had some connection with the political groups abroad, received foreign aid, whether monetary or weaponry, intended to overthrow the regime, and spied for foreign countries. But we maintain no relationship with any party or organization, not even those within Iran!”

Prior to the hearings and their sentences, Press TV, the English-speaking network of the Islamic Republic of Iran, broadcast the forced confessions of Hadi Rashedi and Hashem Shabani, two members of the Al-Hiwar Institute in a program entitled “Al-Ahwazi terrorist group in Iran”. Despite the fact that Iranian laws prohibit the display of images and names of defendants in the media prior to confirmation of sentence, as well as accusation against those charged, while in custody and without access to the media, which violates their right to respond to accusations, in this program, Hadi Rashedi was identified as the person in charge of the military branch of Al-Muqavamat ash-Sha’bieh (Popular Resistance).

It should be noted Mr. Ezzatullah Zarghami, the head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), which Press TV is a branch of, has been subjected to human rights sanctions by the EU, due to producing and later broadcasting forced confessions and hearings of political prisoners.

Finally, in June 2012, Seyed Mohammad Bagher Mousavi, the judge at branch two of Ahwaz revolutionary court issued a bill of indictment for 13 detainees of Al-Hiwar, five of whom were sentenced to death. He failed to carry out an investigation around the claims of the defendants that the agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in secret detention centres had tortured them. The verdict was issued in spite of the fact that the defendants had no access to their counsel before the hearing. As a matter of fact, not only the defendants of this file were deprived of a fair trial and the right to appeal, but also the security agents in charge of torturing them to extract forced confessions enjoyed absolute impunity.

One of the relatives of the defendants of this file, whom due to security reasons does not wish to be identified, told Justice for Iran ‘we went to see the judge in charge of this file; but he said he had no choice; if he could he would have instantly acquit them; but it is the Ministry of Intelligence that determines the verdicts.’

While the process involving the review of files through branches of the Supreme Court is lengthy and can take up to a number of years, in this case, the verdict of the lower court referred on 7 November 2012 was urgently reviewed by the Supreme Court’s branch 32, and verified in less than two months.

Judge Farajullahi, head of branch 32, and his two consultants, Judge Qaemmaqami and Judge Lutfi, also confirmed sentences for other members of the Al-Hiwar Institute. For instance, defendant, Rahman Asakereh, a graduate in chemistry and a principal at a high school in Ramshir (Khalafabad), was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in exiled to Khurasan Province.

Judge Farajullahi, head of branch 32 of Supreme Court, holds a doctorate degree in criminal law and criminology but has a notorious reputation for confirming death sentences of political prisoners. He has confirmed the death sentences of several Iranians including Saeed Malekpour and Vahid Asghari, the Internet activists who are currently detained at Evin.

Justice for Iran re-emphasizes the demands set forth in its previous statements, that all authorities responsible for violation of the basic rights of Arabs active in achieving their ethnic identity, specially:

- Judge Seyed Mohammad Bagher Mousavi: head of branch 2 of the Islamic revolutionary court of Ahwaz, should be held accountable for the crimes of torturing political prisoners, failing to observe the standards set for fair trials and issuing the recent death sentences for five members of scientific – cultural institute of Al-Hiwar as well as heavy sentences for seven more members,

- Muhammad Sarafraz: head of Press TV network, responsible for broadcasting forced confessions of political prisoners, including the Arab activists who are members of Al-Hiwar Institute;

Moreover, Justice for Iran requests that the European Union include the name of Judge Reza Farajullahi, the head of Supreme Court’s branch 32, in the list of human rights sanctions, for confirming the death sentences of five members of Al-Hiwar.

Finally, Justice for Iran requests from a number of UN Special Rapporteurs, particularly the special rapporteur for torture, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Special Rapporteur on the independence of the judges and lawyers, and also the special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, to take every step necessary to facilitate the commute of the death sentences issued for the members of Al-Hiwar and to ensure of the judicial verification of allegations of torture and holding accountable the authorities in charge of torture with intent to extract forced confessions from the imprisoned members of Al-Hiwar.

معلمان بی گناه ما را از اعدام نجات دهید!
نویسنده : نه به اعدام - ساعت ۱٢:۳٢ ‎ب.ظ روز ۱۳٩۱/۱٠/۳٠

نامه سرگشاده دانش آموزان دبیرستانهای خلفیه ( رامشیر ) به فعالین حقوق بشر

باعرض سلام
مکتوب ذیل شرح مختصری از محنت معلمان دربند ماست که مظلومانه به اعدام محکوم شده اند . شاید برما خرده بگیرید که ما دانش آموزان در اثر احساسات خودجوش با نوشتن این نامه ودرخواست ازشما برای توقف اعدام معلمان عزیزمان وارد مسائلى شده ایم که خارج از حوزه و محیط آموزشى ماست. اما شما بخوبی مطلع هستید که علم و تکنولوژی دنیای امروزى بشریت را تبدیل به یک دهکده جهانى کرده است و اخبار ظلم و ستم و حوادث مختلف در جاى جاى نقاط جهان توسط رسانه هاى اجتماعى منتشر مى شود.

ما دانش آموزان عرب شهر خلفیه ( رامشیر ) علی رغم فقر و محرومیت و تبعیض همانند هم سن وسالهای خود در شهرهای مرفه وارد دانشگاهها و عرصه هاى علمى و فرهنکى شده و از مسائل روز از آگاهى نسبى برخوردار هستیم . ما مى دانیم که صدور احکام اعدام براى این معلمان دلسوز و هدف از زمینه سازی و تبلیغات منفى براى توجیه اعدام آنان از سوى دشمنان ملت عرب و شووینیستهاى محلى بوده است . آنانى که چشم دیدن فعالیت و عملکرد این معلمان براى احقاق حقوق مردم مظلوم عرب را ندارند زیرا که آنها جهت بیشرفت و ارتقاى سطح علمى دانش آموزان عرب از هیج کوششى دریغ نکرده اند و با مال و جان و وقت و زحمات خود براى خدمت به دانش آموزان فقیر و تهى دست عرب خدمت کرده اند.

دوسال پیش در زنگ استراحت علت نیامدن سه دبیر را از معاون دبیرستان پرسیدیم، علی رغم مطلع بودن وی ازخبر هجوم شبانه نیروهای اطلاعاتی به منازلشان وبازداشت آنان، متاسفانه موضوع را پنهان کرده،ادعای فرستادن به ماموریت ایشان نموده،طولی نکشید که در اثرانتشارخبر و زمزمه اعتراض ما دانش آموزان اداره مدرسه خبرى درباره معلمانمان را در تابلوى اعلانات مدرسه شهید مطهرى نصب کردند که مشتى از تبلیغات منفى مبنى بر ضاله بودن افکار آنان بود و با صف دادن دانش آموزان در توضیحی که خالی از تهدید نبود، سعی در توجیه بازداشت غیر قانونی و فاقد مبرر کرده،مدعی می شود که اینها از مخربین و فرقه ضاله و غیره مى باشند.

با گذشت چند هفته وبا عنایت به تجارب خود وپدرانمان از مراجعات به ادارات دولتی، خصوصا مراکز امنیتی که بنوبه شاهد برخورد مستقیم وغیر مستقیم با انگیزه ای عرب ستیزانه بوده وهستیم،سخت نگران دبیران بازداشتی شدیم.خصوصا که این عزیزان چند سال سابقه فعالیت فرهنگی وراه اندازی شبهای شعر ادبی وعربی داشته واز محبوبیت والائی درجامعه برخوردار وبارها برای تعطیل کردن چنین برنامه هائی مورد تهدید مقامات امنیتی قرار گرفته بودند.مدتی پس از بی اطلاعی کامل خانواده هایشان وما دانش آموزان از محل بازداشت(سیاه چاله های اطلاعات)نامبردگان ذیل ونظر به علم واطلاع کامل مسئولین اطلاعات ازمحبوبیت دبیران ودو جوان فعال فرهنگی وانعکاس ظلم وستم ناشی از شکنجه های غیر انسانی که بر تن وروان آن عزیزان روا داشته اند، تنها راه توجیه عمل غیر انسانی خود را در کمک گرفتن از شبکه تلویزیونی پرس تی وی (وابسته به سپاه) یافته با پوشش خبری وخیانت به امانت شغل خبرنگاری ،جنایتهای غیر انسانی مسئولین ومامورین شکنجه گررا ،با اخذاقرارات مهندسی شده تحت وحشیانه ترین شکنجه ها وبرنامه ریزی شده پخش ومنتشر کردند،تا مثل قتلهای زنجیره ای مجبور به معرفی به اصطلاح کنج اندیشان اطلاعاتی قاتل وشکنجه گر نشوندوهمزمان زمینه جنایتی دیگر(اعدام)را تدارک بینند.

پس از پخش فیلم ساختگى توسط اطلاعات (مرکزی وسپاه پاسداران)ازکانال تلویزیونی پرس تی وی که از بازداشت معلمان عرب اهوازی با اتهاماتى واهى و دروغین که همه مردم شهر را شوکه کرد و با تبلیغاتى که بوى دشمنى و عرب ستیزى آن آشکار بود و با این که آثار شکنجه های خونین برچهره این معلمان معلوم بود زمینه را براى صدور حکم اعدامشان مهیا کردند .

ما از کلیه سازمانهاى حقوق بشرى و بین المللى و آزادگان جهان درخواست انسانی برای جلوگیری از فاجعه اعدام معلمان محبوب ما از هر کوششى دریغ نکنند و تأکید میکنیم که این عزیزان از فعالان فرهنگى مسالمت جو و از معلمان دلسوز و از چهره هاى محبوب جامعه هستند .
نام و مشخصات کامل این پنج معلم عرب محکوم به اعدام :
١. هاشم شعبانی نژاد متولد ١٣۶٠ شاعر – وبلاگ نویس و دبیر أدبیات عرب و دانشجوی فوق لیسانس علوم سیاسی دانشگاه اهواز.
٢. هادی راشدی متولد ١٣۵٢ دبیر شیمی و فوق لیسانس شیمی کاربردی.
٣. محمد علی عموری نژاد متولد ١٣۵۶ وبلاگ نویس و فارغ التحصیل رشته مهندسی منابع طبیعی- شیلات و آبزیان از دانشگاه صنعتی أصفهان و فعال دانشجویی و یکی از مؤسسان نشریه دانشجویی ” التراث” بوده که در دانشگاه صنعتی اصفهان منتشر می شد.
۴. سید یابر البوشوکه متولد ١٣۶٣و برادر وى
۵. سید مختار البوشوکه متولد ١٣۶۵

عده ای از دانش آموزان دبیرستانهای خلفیه ( رامشیر )
29 دی ماه 1391
مصادف با 18/1/2013

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The lawyer, Manizheh Bohlouli arrested

THURSDAY, 17 JANUARY , 2013

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

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

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

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

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

Translated by: Ramyar Hassani

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The Kaleme website reported that 20 relief workers were sentenced in Tabriz Revolutionary Court. Their prison sentences range from six months to two years.

A deadly earthquake in northwest Iran in August left hundreds dead and thosands homeless prompting volunteer relieft efforts by activists and ordinary citizens around the country.

The detained relief workers were arrested at an independent relief camp in Sarand when government security insisted on taking control of all relief efforts.

The detainees, who included many prominent civil activists, wrote an open letter to the head of the judiciary, condemning the security forces' misrepresentation of their humanitarian efforts.

The court has found the relief workers guilty of "collaboration in assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security."

The judiciary had accused the relief workers of "trying to distribute expired food", but the relief workers have stressed there is no evidence that any expired food had been in the camp and they have denied all the charges brought against them.

UPDATE, JANUARY 16, 2013: Tabriz judicial authorities today also accused the group that was sentenced to a total of 19 years in prison, of drinking homemade alcohol, use of illegal satellite equipment, and non-religious mix of the opposite sexes.

NOTE: PLEASE ALSO SIGN THE SISTER PETITION FOR THE RELEASE OF THE TWO MOST PROMINENT HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS IMPRISONED FOR THE "CRIME" OF VOLUNTEER EARTHQUAKE RELIEF, HOSSEIN RONAGHI MALEKI AND NAVID KHANJANI:
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/islamic-republic-of-iran-mustfree-hossein-ronaghi-malek.html

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UPDATE Hrana 2013-04-25

Editor: Human
Translator: Ramyar Hassani

HRANA News Agency – In the morning of April 21, 2013 Sirwan Hosseinpanahi and Shirzad Hosseinpanahi the two Kurdish civil activists were tried in Sanandaj revolutionary court.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the two Kurdish civic activists were tried on charge of propaganda against regime and connection with Kurdish subversive parties.

Sirwan and Shirzad had no access to lawyer during the trial session and defended themselves personally against all what they are accused to.

One of their relatives wrote a report to HRANA and says “They were not sentenced after the trial session and the judge told Sirwan and Shirzad that your verdicts will be issued in one month. The two Kurdish activists who were under arrested for three months and for 50 days in absolute ignorance in Intelligence offices of Sanandaj and Ghorveh, have transferred from Ghorveh prison to Sanandaj central prison after the trial session.”

Sirwan Hosseinpanahi is a Kurdish activist and nephew of Anvar Hosseinpanahi the political-civil prisoner. He was arrested on January 9, 2013 by Intelligence agents in his home in Ghorochai village in Dehgolan city.

Shirzad Hosseinpanahi the other Kurdish activist and of Anvar Hosseinpanahi’s relatives who is from Ghorochai village as well, was arrested on January 12, 2013 by security forces and was transferred to Intelligence office of Sanandaj.

After 50 days absolute ignorance finally Sirwan Hosseinpanahi and Shirzad Hosseinpanahi were transferred from Intelligence detention center of Sanandaj to Ghorveh prison.
_ _ _

UPDATE CHRR 5 March 2013

Sirvan and Shirzad Hossein Panahi transferred to Ghorveh prison

Committee of Human Rights Reporters – After 50 days of Sirvan Hossein Panahi being incommunicado, on January 27, this political prisoner was transferred along with Shirzad Hossein Panahi from the detention center of the Ministry of Intelligence in Sanandaj to Ghorveh prison.

According to CHRR, a close family friend of these 2 Kurdish activists said that Sirvan Hossein Panahi informed his family in a short phone call that he and Shirzad Hossein Panahi were transferred to Ghorveh prison. The family had not been able to get any information about the whereabouts or situation of their loved ones despite their efforts and inquiries with judicial and intelligence authorities.

On January 9th, 2013, plainclothes officials from the Ministry of Intelligence raided the home of the nephew of Anvar Hossein Panahi and detained him. The agents arrived at the home of Sirvan Hossein Panahi’s father in the rural village of Quruchay and detained Sirvan after conducting a rigorous search of his residence. Witnesses reported that it looked like his arm was broken as the agents confiscated his personal belongings. Another family member, Shirzad Hossein Panahi, who is also from the village of Quruchay in Dehgolan, was arrested on January 30, 2013 and transferred to the Ministry of Intelligence detention center.

Anvar Hossein Panahi, the eldest son in the family, is a Kurdish activist and a Dehgolan province dignitary who was arrested in 2007 and severely tortured while in detention. He spent 6 months incommunicado in custody at the Ghorveh Ministry of Intelligence detention center. In 2008 he was sentenced to death on charges of “acting against national security,” “collaborating with a Kurdish political party” and “moharebeh” (enmity with God). After tireless efforts and protests on the part of human rights activists, his death sentence was later commuted to 6 years in prison. After enduring 5 years behind bars, Anvar Hossein Panahi was granted medical furlough after posting bail.

In the past years since the incarceration of Kurdish activist Anvar Hossein Panahi, his family has faced summons, interrogations, endured constant harassment and threats, with over 30 members arbitrarily arrested.

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Sirvan Hossein Panahi, the nephew of Anwar Hossein Panahi was arrested by security forces and taken to an unknown location.

According to media reports, was Sirvan Hossein Panahi, the nephew of Anwar Hossein Panahi imprisoned on Wednesday 9 th. January 2013 (20.th Dey 1391) arrested by Iranian intelligence police in his father's house in the Kurdish village Qrvchay and taken to an unknown place.

just to clock 12: 30 local time lead four cars from civil policeman at the door and stormed the home of Sirvan and took him and his personal belongings. Sirvan is 25 years old.

It is worth mentioning that in the six years after the arrest of Mr Anwar Hossein Panahi more than 33 people from his family and relatives been separately and for various reasons reasons.

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HRANA News Agency – Ali Akbar Baghani, the secretary general for the Teacher’s Union in Iran, was sentenced to one year in prison and 10 years in exile to Zabol City, by branch 26th of Tehran’s revolutionary court.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Judge Pir Abassi at branch 26th of Tehran’s revolutionary court, sentenced Ali Akbar Baghani to 1 year in prison and 10 years exiled to Zabol, a city far in eastern south of Iran. This verdict was issued based on his case from 2010 on charge of propaganda against system.

If this new verdict been confirmed by Supreme Court, Ali Akbar Baghani will be imprisoned for six years, because he has a 5 year suspended imprisonment in his records from 2006.

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UPDATE March 31, 2013

Sen's daily

Nava and Nika Khalusi free on bail

The sisters Nava and Nika Khalusi ( نوا و نیکا خلوصی ) have been freed on bail, after 185 days in ‘temporary detention’ in Mashhad. They were detained by security forces on September 26, 2012, and held for two months by the Ministry of Intelligence, before being transferred to Vakil Abad prison near Mashhad.
The bail was set at 3 billion rials (191,000 euros, $US 244,000).

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The sisters Nava and Nika Khalusi ( نوا و نیکا خلوصی ) from Mashhad were detained by security forces on September 26.

They were held for two months by the Ministry of Intelligence, and then transferred to Vakil Abad prison near Mashhad, where a large number of Bahais are being detained.

So far, no reason for their detention has been given to their family.

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Hamid Eslami ( حمید اسلامی ) and Rahman Vafa’i (رحمان وفائی ), who were arrested in Shiraz on July 14, have now been in “temporary custody” (detention without trial) for five months, including 68 days in solitary confinement. According to reports from relatives, the two have been subjected to harsh conditions such as cramped quarters, severe cold, malnutrition and being stripped of their clothes as well as lack of medical facilities.

They have also been placed in a cell with murderers and drug users. Although their interrogation has ended, the court has not released them on bail and has even extended their remand.

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Ali Afshari and Habibollah Afshari two brothers were in Iranian Kurdistan in court of Mahabad sentenced for execution. They are accused of being members in a party against the Iranian regime. They are accused of propagating against the regime.

Ali and Habibollah are prison in Oroumieh and not allowed to receive any visitors since last week. Ali Afshari was wounded by a shot from an agent of the regime. 75% of his body is ulcerated by the gunshot wound. The prison authority still refuses to provide him medically. His inflammation worses day by day. Ali and Habibollah have two other brothers who are also imprisoned in Oroumieh prison. Both Jafar and Vali were sentenced to five years in prison.

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On December 1, 2012 it was reported that Dr. Ali Rashidi, an eminent Iranian economist and political activist, had been sentenced to two years imprisonment and 5 years ban of activity.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Dr. Ali Rashidi, Member of board of National Front, eminent economist, founding member of Iranian Economists Association, has been sentenced to two years imprisonment and 5 years ban of activity for writing about Iran's economic situation.

Dr. Rashidi was arrested on November 3, 2011 after being summoned to the Intelligence Ministry. He was sent to the notorious Evin Prison on November 15, 2011. In February 2012 he was reportedly released on bail pending his trial.

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Zahra Mansouri, an epileptic prisoner, has been denied access to her medication in prison. Zahra Mansouri, 60, began serving her two-year prison sentence on October 27, 2012.

Zahra Mansouri's physician has warned against conditions that would bring on epileptic seizures for Mansouri, but prison authorities refuse to allow her access to medication provided by her family. Mansouri suffers from serious health problems caused by a recent intestinal operation.

Ms. Mansouri needs to regularly take her medicine and live in a stress-free environment, according to her doctors. Both are being denied her in the Islamic Republic's prison.

Security forces first arrested Zahra Mansouri on June 1, 2011. She spent 90 days in solitary cells inside the Intelligence Ministry's Ward 209 at Evin Prison. During her detention, she underwent surgery due to breast cancer, and immediately after her operation, authorities transferred her back to her solitary cell. She was released on bail on August 19, 2011.

Branch 26 of Tehran Revolutionary Court under Judge Pirabbasi initially sentenced Zahra Mansouri to five years in prison on charges of "acting against national security." Due to Mansouri's ill health, her sentence was reduced to two years in prison and an additional five years' suspended imprisonment.

Zahra Mansouri's brother, Mohammad Ali Mansouri, is a political prison who has been serving a 17-year prison sentence in exile in Rajai Shahr Prison on charges of "relations with groups hostile to the regime". Zahra Mansouri has been exposed to a lot of pressure due to her familial ties.

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Maryam Salehi, 24, a university student and resident of Tehran and a member of Mothers in Support of Human Rights in Iran in addition to several other human rights campaigns, was arrested early Wednesday, August 15 at her father's home in Arak.

Maryam Salehi's mother, Sedigheh Mahouri, told Melli-Mazhabi website that the forces who entered the Salehi home did not present a warrant or any form of identification. They treated the family in a very humiliating way and took some of the family's personal belongings with them.

Since her arrest, despite efforts made by Maryam Salehi's family and friends, no information about her detention location has emerged. Maryam Salehi's family remain concerned about her conditions and ask for help from human rights organizations.

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November 10, 2012

To President Barack Obama, United States of America

WE the National and International Supporters of Federal Prisoner Native American Human & Environmental Activist Leonard Peltier (89637-132) do with Good Faith & Solidarity respectfully ask President Barack Obama of the United States of America to acknowledge, accept, and enact immediately the 2011 unanimously passed (NCAI) National Congress of American Indians’ Resolution for Executive Clemency for Leonard Peltier which was presented in December 2011 at the Tribal Conference in Washington DC.

The facts presented in this Resolution remain unchanged today with exception to the fact that Leonard Peltier is now 1 year older. http://goo.gl/NgDKv

Since NCAI presented their Resolution for Clemency in 2011, James Anaya, The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples presented his unbiased well-researched investigative report on the conditions and concerns of Native Americans to the United Nations. In Mr. Anaya’s report he favored Executive Clemency for Leonard Peltier. http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/RegularSession/Session21/A-HRC-21-47-Add1_en.pdf

Leonard is 68 years old. He continues to suffer from un-treated and under-treated health problems. Despite his physical pain, suffering, limitations and the InJustice served upon him for close to 4 decades, he made a public statement during the recent presidential election campaign urging Native Americans and All other Americans of Voting age to exercise their Right-to-Vote! Leonard continues to work for his Humanitarian and Environmental causes as best he can.

WE Thank The Obama Administration for actively working with the NCAI to improve the severe conditions that continues to plague our Sovereign Nations. There is a long road ahead as so much more is needed to Right past Wrongs, to ensure Positive and Healthy Outcomes and to decrease the Prejudice and Racism that continues to prevail in some areas. WE understand that enacting Changes takes time… HOWEVER….WE know that Clemency for Leonard Peltier ONLY takes YOU, The Clemency Papers and A Pen!! Please Right the Wrongs of almost 4 decades IMMEDIATELY; Grant Executive Clemency to Leonard Peltier!

In Good Faith & Solidarity WE thank you for your time and consideration and ask that you sign those Clemency Papers NOW!

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Behnam Irani, an imprisoned Christian convert, is in deteriorating health and prison authorities are denying hismmedical care.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Behnam Irani has a blood infection , and he might be sent to a hospital for a surgeryto remove part of his intestines, which are source of infection.

Behnam Irani has been arrested and tried for “crimes” against national security twice, first in December 2006 and second April 2010. Basically, in this instance, "crimes against national security" meant holding house church services leading Muslims to convert to the Christan faith.

The first time he was arrested was in December 2006. He was released on bail in January 2007. On February 23, 2008 Branch 30 of the Appellate Court in Tehran gave him a five year suspended sentence. Since it was a suspended sentence he was not required to go to prison, but was free on a five-year probation.

On April 14, 2010 Intelligence Ministry officers burst into a house church service, assaulted him and took him into custody. A service was taking place at the time and the security officials interrogated those attending as well as confiscating Bibles, Christian literature and DVD’s. Behnam was in prison for two months then he was released on bail in June 2010. In January 2011 he was tried for and convicted of crimes against national security.

On May 31, 2011 a warrant was issued for his arrest so he turned himself into the prison and began serving a one year sentence plus his five year suspended sentence.

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Free Iranian Student Siavash Hatam, Suffering Psychologically During Second Prison Term For Peaceful Activism.

Siavash Hatam, an imprisoned student now serving his second prison term and who was banned from continuing his education, is in dire psychological state at Evin Prison’s Ward 350, according to the human rights watch group International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran.

Siavash Hatam, a former student activist and director of the Islamic Association of Students at Bu-Ali Sina University of Hamadan, was arrested on June 15, 2009. He was released a month later on bail of $100,000. Branch 26 of Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Hatam to four months in prison and 74 lashes. At the request of security forces, Hatam was transferred from Hamadan’s Buali University to Tehran’s Shahid Beheshti University.

Intelligence Ministry forces arrested him again in December 2009 during an examination session at Shahin Beheshti University. Branch 28 of Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced him to one year in prison on charges of “propaganda against the regime,” but Siavash Hatam and his lawyer were uninformed of the case and the trial date and, therefore, did not present a defense.

After his release from his first one-year prison sentence, Siavash was visited at his home on several occasions by security agents, according to his father Mahmoud Hatam. “I don’t know what they said; I only know that they wanted Siavash to have no activities. When they showed up this morning (June 12, 2012), we thought like previous times they would talk a little and go. But this time they had Siavash’s arrest warrant and took him with them,” Hatam’s father said.

Indeed, on June 12, 2012 security forces raided their home and this time they took Siavash with them when they left. That was the day he learned that he had been sentenced to one year in prison for his second case, and the four-month prison term from his first case has also been upheld,” according to a source close to Siavash.

Imprisoned in Evin Prison’s Ward 350 since June 2012, Siavash is now reported to be in a very dire psychological state.

“Siavash has lost a lot of weight and does not have a good psychological state. He is 24. He was a graduate student when he was abruptly banned from continuing his education, and then he was imprisoned. The month-long solitary confinement, loneliness, his education ban, and his uncertain future have all made him depressed. He was taken to prison without knowing that he had been tried or sentenced. Siavash and his lawyer were unaware of a trial date; therefore they offered no defense, either," according to the same source.

Hatam’s father told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran that he objects to this ruling and plans to file a complaint. “They told us that he was accused of ‘participating in illegal gatherings,’ but he was not arrested in any gatherings. He was arrested at home and on campus. Which gathering? Today we wish to file a complaint against our son’s transfer to prison and his sentence,” Hatam’s father said.

“Siavash shares a room with 30 other political prisoners, many of whom don’t have a bed and are forced to sleep on the floor. His visits with his family are all through the booth and only last a few minutes. This isn’t only Siavash’s problem; all prisoners have to deal with this. His family said that they were only able to visit with him through a booth for four minutes this week, because at visitation hour they bring in a group of prisoners into a hall where the number of booths does not match the number of prisoners present,” the source told the Campaign.

Describing the situation of family visitations at Evin Prison, the source said, “Fifty prisoners arrive at a visitation hall with 15 booths. Several of the cabins have disconnected telephone sets. Prisoner families, therefore, are aware of others waiting in line and quickly give their chair to another, so that they, too, can say a few words to their imprisoned kin. Families object to prison guards, and they respond that they have reported the broken telephones to prison authorities, asking them to replace them many times.”

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In late August, 2011 Abolfazl (Pouria) Shahpari, Zoroastrian citizen and member of the Iran Zoroastrian Committee, was summoned to Evin Prison in order to serve his 2.5 year prison sentence.

In February of 2009, Pouria Shahpari was arrested along with his brother Dariush Shahpari by the Intelligence Ministry. They were transferred to Ward 240 of Evin Prison.

According to the Human Rights House of Iran, his charges included anti-regime propaganda, gathering and conspiracy, insulting the Supreme Leader, membership in the Iran Zoroastrian Committee, and blasphemy by propaganda for Zoroastrianism.

He was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison and 74 lashes. The appeals court upheld the sentence.

He has been transferred to Evin Prison in order to serve his sentence. His brother in law, Mohsen(Bahman) Sadeghi Nour is currently held in Ward 350 of Evin prison and the execution branch of Evin Prison has told him that the prison sentence will be carried out for his brother Mohammad Javad (Dariush) Shahpari in the next a few days.

His mother had a heart attack in 2009 after the raid on her house and the arrest of her family members including her husband Abbas Shahpari, her sons Pouria, Jafar and Dariush and her only daughter Negar Shahpari along with her son in law Bahman Sadeghipour.

Mohsen Sadeghipor is the founder of Iran Zoroastrian Committee and was transferred to prison in July in order to serve his 4.5 year prison sentence.

Furthermore, Mojtaba Ahmadi, Mohsen’s cousin, who has been sentenced to 6 years in prison is serving his sentence since May of 2010 without furlough and prison visits. Ahmadi has been sentenced to 3 years in prison for blasphemy and 3 years of imprisonment for gathering, conspiracy and engaging in propaganda which adds up to a total of 6 years.

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Mano, a 29-year-old Tamil man, was arrested in March 2007 “on suspicion” of being a member of the opposition Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and remains detained.

While in custody he has been tortured. Almost two years after the end of the war in Sri Lanka, hundreds of people are languishing in prison, like Mano, without charge or trial under the country’s repressive anti-terrorism laws.

Call on the Sri Lankan government to immediately release these detainees or charge them with recognizable crimes.

Under international law, everyone has the right to a fair trial.

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