Iran Sentences Female Prisoner of Conscience to 148 Lashes for Revealing Poor Treatment in Prison
Iran has sentenced a female prisoner of conscience to 148 lashes for speaking out about poor living conditions in Gharchak Prison, including the denial of medical treatment.
Elham Ahmadi, a member of the Sufi Gonabadi religious minority, was accused of “publishing falsehoods” and “insulting agents carrying out their duties” based on a lawsuit brought by the head of the prison, Mehdi Mohammadi, for telling a website that a fellow inmate at the prison in Varamin, south of Tehran, was not being given proper medical care.
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Authorities forced to release detained Tehran bus syndicate members
The Greater Tehran Bus Drivers Syndicate reported the Iranian regime’s intelligence and security agents arrested one of their members by the name of Reza Shahabi early Tuesday morning. Shahabi was originally detained along with a number of others and transferred to an unknown location.
“In recent days, workers of six different units have been protesting and demanding better facilitation of their homes. At least one protesting worker set himself ablaze outside a regime office building yesterday and there is no information about his conditions,” according to a Syndicate statement.
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Flogging and prison sentence for 15 HEPCO hardworking workers
A call on the International Labor Organization (ILO) and labor unions to condemn anti-worker Iran regime
The clerical regime’s judiciary in the city of Arak, in a five-year suspended sentence, in order to intimidate protesting and striking workers, condemned 15 Hepco workers to 74 lashes and one to two years in prison for their protest rally in June of last year. The charges against the Hepco workers who were protesting non-payment of their salary and benefits, and failure to implement the deceptive promises of the regime, were mentioned as disrupting public order and propaganda against the regime.
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Young women arrested in August uprisings receive jail sentences
Azar Heydari was sentenced to one year in prison. Niloufar Homafar and Mojdeh Rajabi were each sentenced to six months in jail. These young women had been arrested during the protests on August 2, 2018, in front of Daneshjoo Park in downtown Tehran.
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Yasamin Ariani, Saba Kord Afshari each sentenced to one year in jail
The Iranian Judiciary issued a one-year sentence each for two young women, Yasamin Ariani and Saba Kord Afshari, for participating in the protests in August.
Yasamin Ariani, 23, and Saba Kord Afshari, 19, were lingering in limbo in Qarchak Prison in Varamin since the time of their arrest. They have been transferred from Qarchak to Evin Prison after their sentence was issued.
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Iran Environmentalists Spend Eight Months in Detention Without Formal Charges
Back in February, prominent environmentalist Professor Kavous Seyed Emami died in prison, only a few weeks after he and seven of his colleagues from the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation, a charity working to protect endangered species in Iran, were arrested by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Iranian authorities claimed that the Iranian-Canadian citizen had committed suicide, but many found this hard to believe, especially given the Regime’s habit of torturing detainees to death.
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Six #PMOI/#MEK Supporters Sentenced 8 to18 Years Imprisonment and Exile
charged with burning images of Khomeini and Khamenei, and writing slogan “Death to Khamenei-Hail to Rajavi”
The head of the regime's justice in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad province, the criminal mullah Mazarei, announced that six defendants affiliated to the Peoples’ Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) were "sentenced to imprisonment and exile from 8 to 18 years” on the charge of writing slogans, blasphemy (against supreme leader) and burning "propaganda banners with the images of national and religious figures". (ISNA News Agency - October 17, 2018).
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Heavy sentences for arrested protesters
New reports indicate the Iranian regime’s so-called judiciary is resorting to issuing heavy sentences against protesters and political prisoners.
The regime’s courts in the city of Arak, central Iran, issued a total of six years behind bars and 444 lashes for six protesters arrested during the December/January uprising that spread to over 140 cities across the country. These individuals are facing charges such as “disrupting public order and peace by taking part in illegal rallies.”
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AMNESTY URGENT ACTION
TEACHER TRADE UNIONIST IN NEED OF MEDICAL CARE
Imprisoned Iranian teacher and trade unionist Mohammad Habibi is in poor health and is
being denied the urgent specialized medical care he needs. He is a prisoner of
conscience, serving 10 and a half years in prison solely for exercising his human rights.
He must be immediately and unconditionally released.
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UK’s largest education union supports jailed Iranian teachers
The UK’s largest education union, in a letter acquired by Iran News Wire, confirmed its strong support of Iranian teachers, especially those who are jailed in Iran.
“I assure you that the plight of the people, and in particular teachers, of Iran is not forgotten by the National Education Union – NUT Section,”
Samidha Garg, the International Relations Officer of the National Education Union – NUT Section wrote in response to a letter by a human rights activist.
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More than a thousand arrests, a call for urgent action to release prisoners
Sept. 5, 2018 - According to reports from inside Iran, during the uprising in August, at least 1,000 young people and other protesters were arrested. According to the regime's interior minister, the uprising involved 27 cities and 13 provinces (IRNA news agency- August 21). In addition, many of those who were arrested during the January uprising and released on bail were again arrested and sentenced to long prison terms. In August, many young people, especially the PMOI supporters, were arrested in many other cities like Yazd, Behshahr, Birjand and Ganaveh.
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Prison authorities attacking Dervish community inmates
Reports indicate inmates of Iran’s Sufi (Dervish Gonabadi) community have been protesting in ward 8 of Tehran’s Penitentiary Complex for three months now. These inmates have been protesting the use of torture and inhumane measures against Sufi women.
In the first hours of Wednesday morning members of the Tehran Penitentiary Complex security units were reported to have attacked the Dervish inmates. Sources say authorities even welded a door leading to the guard officers’ area in order to pressure the inmates into ending their protest.
The vicious attack on these protesting inmates followed inspections conducted by Mohebi, head of the regime’s Prisons Organization.
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A portrait of Fashafuyeh Prison: Life under Inhumane Conditions
Aug. 27, 2018 - On August 21, Nader Fatourechi, a writer, and reporter affiliated with the factions in the Iranian regime was arrested in another row of internal feuds between groups of power and connections among the establishment.
He spent four days in the quarantine section of Fashafuyeh Prison and after his release, wrote a portrait about the situation of the inmates imprisoned there, calling their conditions “inhumane.”
Fatourechi was arrested after exposing some of the jobbery that had happened in the “Teachers’ Reserve Fund.” According to his account, he was released after his father provided the bail money.
Fashafuyeh Prison also called the Great Tehran Penitentiary, Tehran Central Prison or the Hassanabad-Qom Prison, is a prison approximately 32 km south of Tehran. Since its creation in 2012, Fashafuyeh Prison has been a source of horrific reports of human rights abuses.
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Sufi woman Shokoufeh Yadollahi sentenced to five years in jail
Shokoufeh Yadollahi was sentenced to five years in jail. She is in critical conditions due to lack of medical treatment in prison. In another incident, Evin Prison wardens endangered the life of the elderly mother of a political prisoner, by playing the sound of his cries under torture in a telephone call to his mother.
Sufi woman Shokoufeh Yadollahi was sentenced on Monday, August 13, 2018, to five years in prison and two years’ deprivation of social and media activity.
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Civil rights activist Negisa Shahbazi has been forcibly disappeared
Civil rights activist Negisa Shahbazi has disappeared since August 1, 2018, when security forces arrested her. No information is available on her whereabouts.
The Iranian regime's security forces raided the residence of civil rights activist Negisa Shahbazi in Ilam and arrested her on Wednesday, August 1, 2018. Two weeks after the arrest of civil rights activist Negisa Shahbazi and persistent follow up by her family, no information has been made available on her fate and whereabouts.
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Still No Sign Of Missing Young Men Believed Abducted By The State Forces
Two missing young men believed to be abducted by the state forces in a June 11 gathering of National Steel Group workers have still not been heard from. Reza Reyhani, 17, and Khaled Khasraji, 18, took part in a peaceful rally of Ahvaz National Steel Group workers demanding overdue wages.
Father of Reza Reyhani, sent an audio file immediately declaring that his son and his friend went missing. Reza’s father says both of them were arrested during the protest and his main worry is that their lives could be in danger now that they have been taken away.
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Sufi woman Sepideh Moradi refused to appear in court
Sufi woman Sepideh Moradi refused to appear before the court on Saturday, July 14, 2018.
Imprisoned in Qarchak Prison (a.k.a. Shahr-e Ray) in Varamin, Sufi woman Sepideh Moradi Sarvestani is protesting denial of access to defense lawyers for Sufi prisoners and the prison authorities’ failure to observe the due process of law.
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Detention and suppression of women in Iran
Detention and suppression of women in Iran continues under the pretext of alleged anti-regime activities and opposition to the mandatory veil, and heavy sentences are issued for women.
Roya Saghiri, a student of Tabriz University, has been sentenced to 23 months in jail. She was arrested during the nationwide protests last winter. Her sentence issued by the 2nd Branch of the Revolutionary Court of Tabriz was upheld by the Revision Court.
The court charged this civil activist with “propaganda against the regime” and “insulting the leader.”
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Iran’s regime executes minority member Mohammad Salas
Despite a global campaign to save the life of Mohammad Salas (#SaveSalas), reports indicate this 51-year old member of #Iran's Sufi religious minority group has been executed early this morning.
The Iranian Resistance strongly condemns the execution of Mohammad Yavar Salas and calls for the effective action by the international community and human rights advocates against this arbitrary execution and the growing violation of human rights by the religious fascism ruling Iran.
The U.S. State Department issued a statement condemning Salas’ hanging at Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj, west of Tehran. According to the text, this facility has been recently designated by the U.S. Treasury Department in association with gross human rights violations.
No news on young woman arrested during uprising in Kermanshah
Five months on, no news is available on the conditions of a young woman, Mitra Alizadeh, arrested on December 29, 2017, during the uprising in Kermanshah, western Iran.
According to recently published information, Mitra Alizadeh was arrested by agents of Kermanshah’s Intelligence Department during the unrests on December 29, 2017, and taken to an unknown location.
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Conditions of imprisoned Gonabadi women raise AI concern
“Women prisoners of conscience from Iran’s Gonabadi Dervish religious community are being subjected to verbal abuse, including sexual slurs, and denied proper medical treatment by doctors and other health professionals at Shahr-e Rey prison on the outskirts of Tehran,” Amnesty International said in a statement issued on May 25, 2018
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Life of Yarsan woman Shokoufeh Yadollahi in peril
The life of prisoner of conscience Shokoufeh Yadollahi, a Yarsan woman who was badly beaten in the head during arrest and detention, is in danger as she has been denied medical care.
Ms. Yadollahi was brutalized and arrested on February 20, 2018, during security forces’ crackdown on the protest of Gonabadi Dervishes (Yarsan) in Tehran.
She was hit in the head by batons and seriously injured on the left side of her head, with her skull fracturing in the forehead. Despite bleeding from mouth and nose and suffering from broken ribs, Ms. Yadollahi was taken to Shapour Detention Center and subsequently transferred along with nine other women to Qarchak Prison.
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More women identified among arrestees in Ahwaz protests
May 27, 2018. It has also been reported that Najieh Sharhani (Tarafi) has been released on bail.
Laila Bervayeh, Ezzat Ka’abi, and Nadia Mohammadipour (Hamidi) are also among the women arrested in the late March protests in Ahwaz and presently detained in the Sepidar Prison of Ahwaz. There is no information on their situation.
It is said that 15 women who have been arrested during the protests are imprisoned in the women’s ward of Sepidar Prison..
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More than half of global executions carried out in Iran, says report
Arabiya English 15 April 2018
According to the latest report of the Amnesty International as reported in Iran Focus website, among all the recorded executions worldwide last year, more than 51 percent were carried out in Iran.
Although second, behind China in terms of executions, Iran “carried out 84 percent of the global total number of executions.”
The number of executions in Iran last year was 507, “accounting for 60 percent of all confirmed executions in the region.” Of the 507 people executed, “501 were men and six were women. At least five juvenile offenders were executed, and 31 executions were carried out publicly.”
Amnesty International believes that hundreds of other death sentences may have been imposed in Iran, but were unable to confirm figures. Mahmoud Amiri Moghaddam, who heads the Iran Human Rights Organization based in Norway, said in an interview that some “70 to 80 percent of executions in Iran are not reported.”
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The Arrest Of Youth And Wounded In Ahvaz And The Call For The Immediate Release Of Hundreds Of Detainees
Friday evening, April 6, the fellow Arab demonstrations in Ahvaz and some other cities in Khuzestan continued for the tenth day in protest to the suppression and divisive and discriminatory policies of the mullahs regime.
The repressive forces who were stationed in various parts of the city in an effort to prevent the continuation and spread of protests, arrested a large number of youth and children aged 11 to 15 intensively, during a raid on demonstration and also at midnight by attacking people's homes. A number of families have been arrested after going to the repressive organs in search of their children.
On Thursday, April 5, the youth of the city held overnight rallies in various areas including Alawi district, Zoyeh district, Ein II and Kiyan areas. The mercenaries attack on the people led to confrontation and a number of people were wounded. The repressive forces arrested some of the wounded.
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26 Arrested In Major Protest By Arab Nationality Residents In Ahwaz, Iran
Security forces on March 29, arrested 26 of Arab nationality residents peacefully protesting insult by the state TV in Ahwaz, capital of Khuzistan Province in south west Iran.
Thousands of people staged extensive protests in Ahwaz, on March 28 and 29, 2018, against racist presentation in the state-run television.
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No Report On The Fate Of Young Gonabadi Dervish Protester, Kianoush Abbaszadeh
After 24 days, there are no reports of the whereabouts of Kianoush Abbaszadeh, a Dervish Gonabadi protester who was arrested in Tehran’s 7th Golestan St.
When the prisoner’s relatives refer to the prison to visit Kianoush they were told that he was taken outside the prison three weeks ago and his name has not currently been in the list of inmates.
Recently intelligence agents of the Revolutionary Guards Corps have mentally tortured Abbaszadeh’s mother, Dr. Nazila Nouri, who is detained in Qarchak Prison along with a number of other female Dervishes. She has been repeatedly informed of the bogus confessions that her son has made, being threatened that both of them will face heavy sentences. Agents have been trying to force her into making false confessions.
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11 women ill-treated and arbitrarily detained
At least 11 women from Iran’s Gonabadi Dervish religious minority have been arbitrarily detained in inhumane conditions, without access to their lawyers, since 20 February following the violent dispersal of a protest held by Gonabadi Derivshes in Tehran. Some urgently need medical care for injuries sustained from beatings at the time of their arrest.
Hunger Striking Political Prisoner Taken Back To Prison On Wheelchair
Hamidreza Amini, has been hospitalized in Khomeini Hospital since March 17 due to his critical health as a result of his dry hunger strike. The political prisoner, who was detained and jailed because of his internet activities, is also under pressure to make televised confessions.
On the morning of March 26, Hamidreza Amini was taken to Fashafuyeh hospital by security forces with bound hands and feet on a wheelchair. He was unable to walk and speak.
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Prison Agents Beat Political Prisoner In Hospital In Front Of Wife And Children
Political prisoner Hamidreza Amini was beaten in the hospital during a Nowruz visit with his family.
According to reports, on the morning of Tuesday March 20, the wife and children the political prisoner, who had currently been on a dry hunger strike, came to see him in Khomeini Hospital. His family were guided by people at the hospital to the ward when Hamid Reza was hospitalized. Upon seeing them, Hamid Reza requested from his guards to see his family, after which he was severely beaten to the extent that his face and lips became injured and bloody. The agents pushed the political prisoner to the ground. His youngest son, who had become terrified from seeing his father being beaten in front of him, started yelling and crying… Hamid Reza was finally allowed to hug and comfort his terrified son with blood streaming down his face.
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A woman, her two sons, arrested in Ahwaz
The families residing in the Zaytoon neighborhood of Ahwaz were attacked by agents of the Intelligence Department on Friday, March 16, 2018, and over 15 persons including three women were arrested and taken to an unknown location.
The agents did not hold any warrants for the arrests.
Maryam Zobaidi, 51, and her two sons, Benyamin, 28, and Mohammad Ali, 25, have been identified among those arrested.
Ahwaz is the capital of the oil-rich province of Khuzistan in southwestern Iran which has seen many angry protests against the regime in recent months.
Parisa Rafii remains in detention for not cooperating
Despite completion of preliminary investigations and interrogations of student activist Parisa Rafii in Evin Prison, she has not been released because of what her interrogator describes as “lack of coopration.”
Paris Rafii, a student of photography at Tehran University’s School of Fine Arts, was arrested as she was leaving school on February 25, 2018, and transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison.
One of Ms. Rafii’s friends said, “The interrogator contacted Parisa’s father and said if she does not cooperate, she will not be released. In another contact, he warned her father that by giving interviews they only delay their daughter’s freedom.”
Although the court has accepted a lawyer for Parisa Rafii, but he has not been permitted to see her case or visit her in prison. The lawyer said, “We know that she has been under interrogation, and that she has been informed of her charges, but we do not know exactly what her charges are, because we have not visited her. In her brief telephone contacts, she could only say that she is fine.”
Security Forces Brutally Raid Women's IWD Gathering in Tehran
Urgent call for immediate freedom of those arrested
Thursday, March 8, 2018, on the International Women’s Day, a group of courageous Iranian women gathered outside the Labor Ministry on Tehran’s Azadi Ave.
The women held placards which read, “No to gender-based discrimination”, “no to discriminatory labor law”, “equal and fair wages for women”, “Freedom, equality, justice.”
Security forces, plainclothes agents and female troops had been stationed in the area, on alert before the gathering started. To prevent the formation of the gathering and disperse the crowd, they viciously attacked the participants and brutalized them with batons and shockers. At least 20 women were arrested.
Security forces did not allow anyone to take pictures or shoot films of this gathering. A number of young men who had come to support the IWD gathering were also arrested and taken to SSF Station 137 on Gisha Ave.
The Iranian Resistance calls on international organizations defending human and women’s rights to vehemently condemn the raid on women and take urgent action to free those arrested. The NCRI calls on Iran’s courageous youths to rise up against this misogynous regime and its repression of our fellow countrywomen.
The Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran
March 8, 2018
Political Prisoner Nader Afshari On Hunger Strike Protesting Baseless Charges
Mother of political prisoner Nader Afshare, 26, who was arrested on February 1, says he has been on strike in Tehran’s Evin prison since Feb 4. She last saw her son on Feb 8 and is now asking everyone to be her son’s voice, emphasizing he did nothing wrong and was arrested for his human rights activities. Human rights activist Nader Afshari has been charged with “acting against national security.” He had currently been held at ward 209.
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A pregnant woman among those arrested in attack on Dervishes
Leili Nayeb Zadeh, arrested in Tehran during the raid on the protest gathering of dervishes on February 19, 2018, is pregnant and presently held under interrogation and torture.
Good news
Shima Babaee, and her husband Dariush Zand Got release from jail
Young human rights defenders couple at risk of torture
23 February 2018 - Young Iranian human rights defenders Shima Babaee, who is campaigning against compulsory veiling,She and her husband Dariush Zand both were active in helping to the victims of recent earthquake in Kermanshah.
Now they are at risk of torture and other ill-treatment. Both have been detained in Tehran’s Evin prison, without access to family and lawyer following their arrest by the Ministry of Intelligence on 1 February in connection with their peaceful human rights work. They are prisoners of conscience.
Call for Urgent Action to Free Women Arrested in Iran
Maryam Rajavi to the Council of Europe: Compel the Iranian regime to stop repression of women and abolish the compulsory veil
The Women’s Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran strongly condemns the Iranian regime’s state security forces’ attack on a woman in Tehran on Thursday, February 15, 2018, and arresting her for protesting against the compulsory veil.
The NCRI Women’s Committee urges all international organizations defending human rights and women’s rights to take urgent action to secure the release of this and all women who have been arrested for non-veiling, improper veiling, opposing and protesting the compulsory veil.
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Mahiar Ahmadi, 24, a college graduate from Sanandaj, west of Iran, was arrested at his residence by intelligence agents on February 5.In a brief telephone call, Ahmadi has informed his family of his arrest by the Intelligence Department. It is not clear why she has been arrested and detained.Iranian regime has started to arrest of renowned human rights defenders since January 1st, 2018, as the latest episode in a long crackdown on any form of peaceful activism in the country.
Mohammad Najafi, district attorney and civil activist Ali Bagheri, who unveiled the murder of Vahid Heydari in prison by regime authorities, have been transferred to Arak Central Prison in central Iran and were banned from any visits.Mohammad Najafi, was arrested by security forces on the afternoon of January 25 at his home in Arak. Mr. Najafi has a history of arrests and summonses. Some of his activities include wearing a T-shirt with the words Ashura 88 (referring to the 2009 uprising), and giving a speech at a ceremony for Gohar Eshghi, the mother of Sattar Beheshti, a young blogger who was killed under torture.
Female Civil Rights Activist Detained In Mahabad On Monday February 12, civil right activist Kobra Khalandi, who was sentenced to prison by the Mahabad Revolutionary Court for participating in a gathering in protest to the killing of border porters, was detained to serve her prison term in Mahabad Prison.
Zahra Rahimi, student of sociology at Tehran University, was arrested on February 5, 2018.
Dozens of female university students, mostly from Tehran University, have been already detained and denied freedom.
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NCRI Women’s Comm. urges censure of the arrests of women for shunning the compulsory veil, calls for their urgent, unconditional release
Thursday, February 1, 2018, the IRGC-affiliated FARS news agency announced that the regime’s repressive forces had arrested 29 women in Tehran for not having the veil, and “turned them in to the Judiciary.” The arrests were claimed to be “in line with social security” and the regime’s Judiciary has reportedly set heavy bails for the freedom of the apprehended women.
The Women’s Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran condemns the arrests of the women and girls of Iran under the pretext of mal-veiling. The NCRI Women's Committee further urges international organizations and authorities defending human rights and women’s rights to censure this inhuman measure by the mullahs’ misogynist regime and take urgent action for the immediate and unconditional release of these women.
Visiting the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on January 24, 2018, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi , the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, called on the European Union , the Council of Europe, and their member states to adopt effective measures and binding decisions to compel Iran’s ruling religious fascism to end subjugation of women and abolish the compulsory veil. She said, “39 years of bloodshed and crimes, discrimination against and suppression of women, repression and censorship is enough. The International Community must end its silence and inaction in this regard.”
The National Council of Resistance of Iran
February 2, 2018
Iran Human Rights Monitor has compiled a report detailing the human rights situation in Iran for the month of January 2018.
Last month, there was a huge crackdown on protesters. At the end of December, the people of Iran took to the streets because of the poor economic situation that is caused by the regime’s mishandling of the nation’s wealth. The protests quickly turned into anti-government demonstrations. The security forces violently suppressed the protesters and there were at least 50 deaths. The report also indicates that more than 8,000 protesters were arrested.
The report mentioned that teargas and water cannons were used to disperse crowds and unarmed protesters were shot at. Plainclothes agents went from home to home to arrest people and there have been reports of detainees being tortured “to the brink of death”. There have also been accounts of detainees being put into freezer rooms to force confessions out of them.
There have also been dozens of young people that have forcibly disappeared. The families gathered outside several prisons but were dispersed by prison authorities who used air shots and tear gas.
The total number of protesters that have been killed by torture is at least 12. Iranian officials have denied the claims that they were tortured and said that the deaths were attributable to suicide or drug use. Families have given accounts of their loved ones being covered in injuries.
Other violations of human rights include the beating of a woman by more than 50 security agents when she was seen filming the demonstration at the Golsar Intersection in the northern city of Rasht. Furthermore, a large number of protesters that were thrown in jail were denied legal representation.
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At least six young human rights defenders arrested in coordinated raids at risk of torture
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
2 February 2018
Responding to reports that at least six young human rights defenders, including Shima Babaei and her husband Dariush Zand, Saeed Eghbali, Leila Farjami, Mahmoud Masoumi and Behnam Mousivand have been detained in coordinated arrests across Iran on 1 February, Magdalena Mughrabi, Deputy Middle East and North Africa Director at Amnesty International said:
“These human rights defenders must be released immediately and unconditionally – they have committed no crime and have been arrested purely because of their human rights work. We are extremely concerned that these individuals are now at risk of torture or other ill-treatment.
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Compulsory veiling is abusive, discriminatory and humiliating; end the persecution of women for peacefully protesting against it
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
24 January 2018
Iran: Compulsory veiling is abusive, discriminatory and humiliating; end the persecution of women for peacefully protesting against it
The Iranian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release a woman who was arrested on 27 December 2017 in Tehran for engaging in a peaceful protest against compulsory veiling (hijab), Amnesty International said today. The organization renewed its calls on the Iranian authorities to end the persecution of women who speak out against compulsory veiling, and abolish this discriminatory and humiliating practice. This practice has violated women’s rights in Iran for decades, including their rights to non-discrimination, freedom of belief and religion, freedom of expression, and protection from arbitrary arrests and detention, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
A video has gone viral on social media platforms since Wednesday 27 December 2017, which shows a woman standing alone on a concrete structure in a busy section of Tehran’s Enqelab (Revolution) Street, without wearing a headscarf and silently waving a white flag in an apparent protest against the country’s mandatory Islamic dress code which, among other things, forces women to cover their hair with a headscarf. The video was first obtained and released by White Wednesdays, a popular campaign which urges women to share pictures and videos of themselves on social media every Wednesday, wearing white headscarves or pieces of clothing in protest at compulsory veiling.
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The director of Iran's Prisons Organization admits: More than 5,000 people arrested during the uprising
The anti-human clerical regime launched a show visit to Evin prison on January 30, by a number of the regime’s members of Parliament, to cover the disgrace of the crimes against humanity regarding the uprising prisoners, which is increasing each and every day. This show took place while with the killing of Khaled Qaisari under torture in Kermanshah Prison, the number of those who were martyred under torture reaches to at least 12.
Eleven members of the Parliament, after three weeks of design, preparation and postponement, were eventually taken to Evin Prison on January 30. Although this handpicked delegation had been banned from talking freely about its observations, some of them have revealed new corners of the regime's crimes about the detainees of the January uprising.
Alireza Rahimi, member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the regime, on Friday, February 2, quoted the criminal director of the Prisons Organization, Asghar Jahangir, as saying: 'The total number of prisoners in January events was 4972, 94.73% of whom were men and 5. 27% were women. 438 people are still in detention. In addition, 55 people are detained in the Ministry of Intelligence (Ilna News Agency – February 2).
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A brave young woman who defied the Iranian regime strict dress code has been arrested with her fate unknown
January 24, 2018 – According to reports, the fate of the “Girl of Enghelab Street,” a woman arrested for removing her white headscarf and waving it in the air in a sign of protest to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s compulsory hijab law is unknown.
The woman’s act of bravery and defiance took place on one of Tehran’s busiest streets on December 27, just one day prior to the start of the national uprising against the Iranian government, as part of a movement known as “White Wednesday.” She quickly became a symbol of hope for the protesters.
The report sites witnesses on the scene seeing her taken away and even accompanied her to the police station.
The only information available about her is that this brave woman is 31 years old and has a 19-month-old baby.
The incident took place on the same day that the Iranian regime announced it was relaxing its punishment for women who do not adhere to the strict Islamic dress code. Police reportedly said that women who wear makeup and loosened headscarves will no longer face arrest, but will be sent to “Islamic values” classes.
However, women who repeatedly break the rules will ultimately be arrested.
Despite the announced change, it is possible the regime will change its stance again.
Repressive plans and collective arrests in Tehran
Hossein Rahimi, criminal commander of Broader Tehran State Security Force (SSF) announced on January 22 a new suppressive plan called 'Tehran's night security plan' and said, 'There are hundreds of specialized police officers and operational units in this plan.' He added: “Counter-Narcotics Police, Security Police, Prevention Police, ‘Rahvar’ Police, and Support Unit will participate in the plan.” Earlier, the Revolutionary Guards commander had informed of launching Basij district-based patrols.
Subsequently, on January 23 the regime's media reported of the arrest of 120 people under the guise of 'thugs and rabble' in Tehran, and quoting the Tehran police commander, they wrote: 'These plans are performed every night, but it was made public tonight.'
The plan and the release of news and pictures of these repressive measures indicates the falling regime of the Velayat-e faqih’s fear from continuation of the brave uprisings of the Iranian people. Ghazanfari, an IRGC commander, described the uprising and protests as unprecedented in the history of Iran. (Fars News Agency, January 20). “There will be days and years of trouble ahead,' said another regime official fearing the continuation of the uprising. He added, “The story is not over and the protests are serious symptoms. Iran is ... sick. There is a widespread illness that has spread throughout the country ... there is widespread and organized corruption, and ... if instead of managing the crisis, we try to manage skirting the crisis, today’s threats will turn into a Tsunami tomorrow '(Iranian Diplomacy state run website- January 20).
There is no doubt that these repressive plans will not cure the regime. Because the biggest factor in killing, insecurity and desecration of people in Iran and the region is the religious fascism ruling Iran and Khamenei himself.
The determination of the youth of Iran to uproot this corrupt and oppressive regime will bring security and tranquillity to Tehran and cities throughout the country, and will bring peace and tranquillity to the region.
Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran January 25, 2018
Introduction
Thousands of Iranians angry over rising food prices, government institutions’ scam and inflation protested in the country’s second-largest city and other areas Thursday, December 28, 2017.
The protests swiftly spread to 142 cities and turned into a nationwide uprising.
The slogans chanted by people combined economic dissatisfactions and political discontents, poverty, unemployment, corruption and total rejection of the regime.
Iranian authorities blocked access to social media tools that had become key sources of information to demonstrators. Telegram and Instagram had been blocked since Dec. 31, while internet access was sporadically cut off to several cities where protests have taken place.
The authorities also resorted to violence to disperse the demonstrators using firearms and water cannons.
Thousands of innocent young protesters, have been detained while dozens were shot dead or wounded by the State Security Force. Some of those arrested were tortured to make televised confessions. At least five protesters lost their lives under torture in custody. Iranian officials however claimed that they committed suicide.
In the first case activists reported on:
January 7 that 22-year-old Sina Ghanbari had died in prison of “unknown causes.”
Two Iranian lawmakers subsequently confirmed Ghanbari’s death and suggested that the young man had committed suicide while in detention but did not offer details.
Referring the “deaths of protesters in custody” lawyer and social activist Nasrin Sotudeh said in a call to Iran International TV that she was informed in a phone call with a political prisoner in Evin Prison that three people were killed in prison. After news on the death of Sina Ghanbari in Tehran and Vahid Heydari in Arak, there was news on the suicide of Mohsen Adelli. He was arrested on January 1 and his body was returned to his family two days later with the claim that he had committed suicide. (Peik-e Iran website – Jan. 8, 2018)
The signs of torture on the bodies of those killed in prisons expose the regime’s violence against the detainees.
The families of Iran protesters arrested in the past days, staged a sit-in outside the prisons of Evin, Isfahan and Ahwas demanding the release of their loved ones. The authorities however responded them violently, firing tear gas and arresting the families.
Iran uprising provoked international reactions including two statements issued by Amnesty International rising concern over the fate of detainees and demanding release of them all.
Four Special Rapporteurs also expressed extreme concern over the reported deaths of more than 20 people including children and hundreds of arrests across the country. The Special Rapporteurs said: “The Government’s instruction to the Revolutionary Guards to hit hard against the protesters, and the judiciary’s threats of harsh punishment, are unacceptable.”
The number of people killed during nationwide uprising
The number of people killed in the recent popular uprising has risen to at least 50. Iranian officials however admitted to killing 27 demonstrators.
Media cite officials admitting murder of protesters
The representative of Izeh and Baghe Malek in the Majlis said that two people died in this town and some others wounded. (The state-run ILNA news agency, December 31, 2018)
State TV reported that the number of deaths in the town of Dorud was announced as two in Sunday’s protests, with the explanation that two others were also shot dead in the protests on Saturday night in the same city… According to this report, six people were killed in the shootings of Tuyserkan while three people were killed in Isfahan’s Shahin Shahr. Therefore, according to state TV, a total of thirteen people were been killed in the unrest. (Isfahan Emrouz Website, the state-run Seda and Sima website – Jan. 1, 2018)
Dorud Governor, Nemati, said that on the first day of the turmoil, two people were killed and six were wounded. “On the second day, a middle aged person and a boy who was between 12 to 15 years of age died when he was run over by a fire truck,” he added. (The state-run ISNA news agency – Jan. 1, 2018)
The Governor Falavarjan, Asghar Hedayat, said that ccording to the latest numbers reported to us by the hospital, six rioters were killed in Ghahdarijan. (The state-run Fars news agency – Jan. 2, 2018)
Mohammad Javad Abtahi who represents Khomeinishahr in the Parliamentof Iran said according to the official statics, four people in the city and another one in Shahinshahr were killed. (The state-run ILNA news agency – Jan. 8, 2018)
Video clips document killing of protesters
Videos posted on social media from the western town of Dorud showed two young men lying motionless on the ground, covered with blood, and a voiceover said they had been shot dead by The State Security Force firing on protesters.
Another shocking social media video from Tuyserkan, in Hamedan Province showed a number of protesters being shot possibly dead and other people are carrying their bodies. Local media reports said that of those who were killed, six were shot dead by Iran’s Security Force in Tuyserkan, in Hamedan Province, including 11 year-old Armin Sadeghi.
Two school boys were also killed during the protests in Marivan, Iranian Kurdistan, when attacked by a grenade lobbed by the State Security forces. One of the victims is identified as Arman Zomi.
Arrest of protesters
Although Iranian authorities tried to conceal the extent of arrests, the figures are so high that some Iranian officials had to admit the crackdown.
According to official figures at least 3,700 people have been arrested during the protests. National Council of Resistance however announced that the number of arrests is at least 8,000 and more than 50 protesters killed.
The number of people arrested during nationwide uprising
A senior official in Arak (Markazi Province) announced the arrest of at least 80 people following a protest rally in the city on Saturday. (The state-run ILNA news agency – Jan. 1, 2018)
The Security Deputy of the Tehran Governorate Ali Asghar Naserbakht said that around 200 people were arrested in yesterday’s gathering in Enghelab and Valiasr Squares. “These people are now in the hands of the Judiciary,” he said. Tehran’s Security Deputy said that 40 leaders were arrested in the illegal rally yesterday adding that “the situation was now under control.” (The state-run ILNA news agency – Dec. 31, 2017)
The Robate Karim Chief of Police, Abdullah Zadeh Pashaki, said 11 people were arrested last night in Parand, including three women and seven men, some of whom were leaders of the turmoil. He also announced the arrest of a person identified by his initials as R.A who had published a call for protests in Robate Karim in his Instagram channel encouraging people to riot. (The state-run ILNA news agency – Jan. 1, 2018)
The Security Assistant of the Interior Ministry said that more than 90% of those arrested at the scene of the unrest were young and adolescents, and that their average age was under 25. “Most of them have not had any previous arrests,” Hossein Zolfaghari added. He also said that from tonight (Monday) they would more seriously control the current conditions in the capital and a number of other cities that were involved in the unrest. (The state-run RONKA website – Jan. 1, 2018)
The Political and Security Deputy to the Governorate of Western Azarbaijan Province said that 10 people who intended to incite people were arrested. “Those who incite people to break the norms will be legally dealt with,” Alireza Radfar added. (Asre Iran state-run Website – Jan. 1, 2018)
The Governor of Markazi Province said 100 seditionists were arrested in Arak. “We arrested more than 100 people last night and we think that in the next few days, with the information we will receive and after reviewing recordings from CCTV cameras, including in banks and the entrance to the Arak Governorate which was attacked, more assailants will be identified and arrested. (The state-run Tasnim news agency – Dec. 31, 2017)
Mohammad Takbirgo, Kashan Prosecutor, said that any kind of illegal gathering or arrogant activists in Kashan will be treated in a lawful and serious manner. He added that according to the law, those who intend to fight against the regime are considered a corruptor on earth (MOHAREB), and necessary legal proceedings will be carried out. Kashan’s prosecutor also said that in the past days during gatherings, about 50 to 60 people were arrested. (The state-run Mehr news agency – Jan. 1, 2017)
Hamedan Governor Ali Ta’ali said that more than 150 people were arrested in the course of the unrest in the past few days in Hamedan. “Most of the detainees are between the ages of 17 and 25, and some of them are not native to Hamedan,” he added. (Tasnim state-run News Agency, Fars state-run News Agency – Jan. 2, 2018)
Mashhad Assistant Prosecutor Hasan Heidari, said that 138 people were arrested in Mashhad’s illegal gatherings.”Overall, during the gatherings in Mashhad, 52 people were arrested on the first night, and in the next two nights, 74 and 12 people, who were planning to do damage, were arrested,” he added. (The state-run Mehr news agency – Jan. 2, 2018)
Ardebil Prosecutor Nasser Atabati, said that at a sit-in on Saturday, a number of people were arrested due of the slogans they chanted and criminal actions.
They were 41 people (who were arrested) six of them were under the age of 18,” he added.
Four cybercriminals, who provoked people to take part in the riots, were also arrested,” the Ardebil Prosecutor said. (The state-run Tasnim news agency – Jan. 7, 2018)
Karaj prosecutor Haji Reza Shakarami said that in a number of people were arrested in relation to the recent unrest in Karaj. “We will not announce the numbers as yet,” he added. “Among the detainees, there were 20 of them who were leaders and led the unrests in a way,” the Karaj Prosecutor added. (The state-run ISNA news agency – Jan. 2, 2018)
The Political and Security Deputy of the Tehran Governorate, Ali Asghar Naserbakht, said that about 200 people were arrested on Saturday, 150 on Sunday and that about 100 people were arrested yesterday (Monday). “This is a matter for the judiciary and they must have thought about the necessary conditions,” he added in response to whether they had taken measures to hold the detainees. (The state-run ILNA news agency – Jan. 2, 2018)
The Political and Security Assistant to the Golestan Governor, Ali Asghar Tahmasebi, said that with the arrest of about 150 of Gorgan’s rioters, peace returned to the city. “In the last few days, enemies hired a number of people with their money using social networks and exploited a number of young people,” he added. (The state-run ISNA news agency – Jan. 3, 2018)
Prosecutor, Hassan Mozafari, said a number of the heads of groups of the recent gatherings were arrested in Zanjan, Abhar and Khoramdareh. “Their cases are under preliminary investigation,” he added. (The state-run Fars news agency – Jan. 3, 2018)
Chief of Police Hussein Ashtari said more than 70 percent of the arrests by police during gatherings were targeted. “Despite the (protests) not being a good incident, the State Security Forces gained experience and we saw that they did not give any excuses to foreigners so that they would be able to strike out against the system,” Ashtari added. (The state-run Fars news agency – Jan. 3, 2018)
Gorgan Prosecutor Mostafa Haghi said that in the recent riots in the country, 12 leaders of the unrest were arrested and taken to prison in Gorgan. (The state-run Mizan news agency – Jan. 3, 2018)
The Governor of Birjand, said that 28 people, who were influenced by social media, were arrested by the police and were handed over to judicial authorities. (The state-run Tasnim news agency – Jan. 3, 2018)
Ardebil Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor Nasser Atabati, said that three main elements (of the protests) in Ardebil were identified and arrested. “During the interrogations, the defendants stated that they were completely influenced by cyberspace to take these measures,” he added…Atabati said that several individuals who had been chanting slogans that broke the structures (of the regime) were identified and arrested… “During technical examination and close intelligence observations, a number of the main leaders who had called on and instigated people to create chaos and riot were identified and a number of them were arrested,” the prosecutor added. (The state-run Mizan news agency – Jan. 3, 2018)
Ghasem Abdullahi, the Chief Justice of Markazi Province, said that 294 rioters were transferred to prison. “On December 30, there were protests in Arak, Saveh and Delijan. Seventy-one men, nine women and 14 youngsters under the age of 18 were arrested in Arak, 15 men and one woman were arrested in Saveh and four others were arrested in Delijan. In these arrests, four leaders of the protests who were non-native to the region were also arrested,” he said. “(On December 31) seventy-nine people and 17 youngsters under the age of 18 were arrested in Saveh city. 145 men, five women and 30 young people under the age of 18 years were arrested in Arak, while six people were arrested in Delijan.” He announced the number of arrests on December 30 and 31 in Markazi Province as a total of 396 people and said that 294 people had been imprisoned, three of whom were under 18 years of age. The prisoners include 116 people from Saveh, 164 from Arak, nine from Delijan, two from Khomein and also three women. (The state-run ISNA news agency – Jan. 4, 2018)
The Tehran Representative in Majlis referred to a list that was given to her on the number of detained students and said that around 90 students had been arrested throughout Iran. “These numbers might be higher but currently we are certain about 90 arrests,” Parvaneh Salahshouri said. (The state-run Jame’e No website – Jan. 5, 2018)
After the popular protests in Iran, at least 90 university and school students were arrested. Mahmoud Sadeghi, a member of the Education and Research Committee in the Majlis said that most of the detainees were not involved in the protests. “The vast majority of them were arrested outside of universities and a number were arrested in their homes,” he added. Farid Mousavi, a Tehran representative in the Majlis wrote in his twitter page in this regard. “It was said that most of the arrests were for prevention,” he tweeted. (The state-run Roydad website – Jan. 7, 2018)
Qazvin Prosecutor Sadeq Niaraki said that the detainees in this province were between the ages of 20 to 30 years old. “We are looking to arrest 50 other rioters,” he added. (Mizan state-run Website – Jan. 8, 2018)
The Cultural Assistant of Tehran University, said that they had a meeting with the caretaker of the detainees in Evin Prison. “We examined the state of detained students,” he added. “Twenty-three students from Tehran University are still in detention,” he said. (Asre Iran State-run Website – Jan. 10, 2018)
Majlis Representative and member of the Education Commission Mahmoud Sadeghi said that around 3,700 people were arrested in the recent (protests). “The specifications of a number of people who have been arrested by unknown institutions have been provided to the ministries of Intelligence, Interior and Science in the form of a list so that it becomes clear which organization arrested them,” he added. (The state-run Entekhab website – Jan. 9, 2018)
Inhuman treatment and gross violation of people’s rights
Iranian regime shut down mobile internet access and blocked apps including Telegram and Instagram after days of protests to prevent people from publishing the news of demonstrations in cyberspace. It also made threats against the protesters. Iranian officials claimed that many peaceful protesters intended to disrupt the national security, calling them as “rioters.” Based on such accusations, the authorities have justified killing of defenseless and unarmed people and taking strict measures against them as well as hasty trials.
Below are some of the inhuman statements and official orders to public crackdown:
A member of the Assembly of Lorestan Representative said that there was no way except for the police to deal with and shoot those who broke the norms and came to the streets last night. “Two people were killed last night in Lorestan Province. There is a time when protests are in the framework of the law… But when they (protesters) break the norms and vandalize public property, it is natural that it has to be dealt with,” Hamidreza Kazemi, a member of the Lorestan delegation said. The head of the Judiciary, Ardeshir Larijani, ordered prosecutors across the country to deal decisively and seriously with the destruction of public and private property, and the violation of the rights of individuals.
“Breaking bank windows, attacking mosques and prayer halls and attacking places like prosecutor’s offices and governorates is not something that judicial officials tolerate,” he said. “Accordingly, I strongly want prosecutors all over the country to deal decisively and seriously with those who destroy or burn public property or destroy people’s property and violate the rights of individuals”. (The state-run ISNA news agency – Jan. 1, 2018)
The Ministry of Intelligence issued a statement on the recent gatherings in Tehran and other cities. The statement reads in part: “Thanks to intelligence measures, a number of elements and dissident rioters and the instigators of the unrest were identified and a number were arrested… Other elements are wanted (under pursuit) and will soon be seriously dealt with. The Ministry of Intelligence asks the various strata of the community to introduce the dissidents, rioters and those who destroy public property by calling 113.” (The state-run Fars news agency – Jan. 1, 2018)
The Public Relations Department of Cyber Security Command Center announced in a statement: “Gerdab (website) asks all the people to identify the elements of the sedition so that they are decisively dealt with… If you have any information or any news about the people in these pictures including images, video, news, emails, internet addresses or complaints about the rioting movements from any group who instigate and encourage destructive activities via the internet, you can send a report to Gerdab Website through the contact us link. In upcoming days, other images of the elements of the unrest and riot will be published.” (The state-run Mehr news agency – Jan. 1, 2018)
Hojatoleslam Musa Ghazanfarabadi, head of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, said that those who were arrested from the third day of the unrest would receive a heavy sentence. “Given the Ministry of the Interior’s announcement that the gatherings are illegal, they (protesters) have deliberately and knowingly gathered, rioted and broken the norms,” he said. “The charges of some of the arrested persons may be Moharebeh (enmity with God which could carry the death sentence), acting against national security, destroying public property, destroying people’s property, beatings and other charges… Many of these people were arrested in Tehran and other places and will soon be tried,” Ghazanfarabadi added. “The videos of the defendants will be broadcasted in court for them and there will be no way out; therefore, families should be watchful of their children and if they are given heavy sentences, expressing regret might not be effective.” (The state-run Tasnim news agency – Jan. 2, 2018)
“We will not allow insecurity to continue in any way in Tehran.” This was announced by Ismail Kowsari, deputy Commander of the Sarallah Garrison of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He added, “If insecurity continues in Tehran, officials would certainly adopt decisions, putting an end to the affair.” )The state-run ISNA news agency – January 12, 2018 (
The Assistant Head of the Judiciary, Hamid Shahriari, said that those who had managed the recent riots would be dealt with and severely punished. I still do not have the exact figures on the detained rioters, but all the people who were the heads of the rioting groups have been identified and arrested.” (The state-run Mehr news agency – Jan. 8, 2018)
Video clips document inhuman treatment of protesters
An appalling footage shows Iran’s anti-riot units rushing into peaceful protesters and ran over them.
A footage shows Iran’s State Security Force motorcyclists charging into protesters in Karaj and beating them with batons.
A video shows Iranian authorities are transferring tanks
Tanks stationed in Valiasr Square of Tehran to intimidate the public can be seen in photos.
The State Security Force used pepper gas against protesters on December 29, 2017, in the northern city of Rasht to disperse the crowd.
The State Security Force on December 30, 2017, attacked and beat people with batons in Enghelab Square in Tehran.
Basij forces closed the entrance door of the Tehran University to students and attacked them, firing tear gas.
Intelligence agencies in western city of Sanandaj, filmed the demonstration using UAV while intelligence agents used cameras to film protesters in the ground.
Intelligence agents in western city of Sanandaj, filmed the demonstration using UAV while while intelligence agents use cameras to film protesters on the ground. The Sanandaj Intelligence Agency has also threatened Kurd journalists and activists via telephone not to publish any material in support of popular protests in the media
Freedom of expression
Access to the internet
Free Internet access is the basic right of every citizen. Iranian authorities however blocked the Instagram, Telegram and mobile data and suppressed digital communication to prevent leaking news of nationwide uprising.
Among the admissions made by officials and the state media, the following can be mentioned:
Telegram and Instagram services were interrupted on all platforms of internet like fixed mobile and Irancell lines. According to the ILNA reporter, after telegram and Instagram interruptions on mobile Internet and Irancell networks, fixed-line DSL internet was disconnected as well. An informed source announced a few days ago: According to the recent events in the past few days, it was ordered in the event of gatherings to disconnect the internet connection for mobile and landlines.
Ismail Jabarzadeh, deputy political minister of the interior, said at the news conference that was held at the Interior Ministry today that the government does not have any plans to stop the social networks, but when there is a disruption in public order, it’s natural that we restrict this access for a period of time. (The state-run ILNA website – Dec.31, 2017)
Attorney General Montazeri said that prosecutors around the country are on the scene around the clock and were taking the necessary precautions… “The arrestees are made up of two groups. There are those who were arrested on the scene, who are not major players and effective in the unrest… But those who are destructive, the intelligence and judicial apparatus will certainly deal with them”, he added. “(Having) a free cyberspace is harmful for all aspects of our lives … The people should know that the freedom of this space is harmful to the country and families and should be organized,” he said. (The state-run Mizan news agency – Jan. 2, 2018)
Fresh Ahvaz protest to release detainees in Mullahs detention camps
Baghdad Post, January 17, 2018 - Dozens of families of Iranian detainees on Tuesday staged a protest against the corrupt mullahs in occupied Ahvaz Region.
The demonstration was held in front of the Revolution Court.
More than 7.300 Iranians were arrested in the recent protests that swept all Iran's major cities.
Recently, the Mullahs' regime claimed that all protesters were released.
But the protesters complained that the fate of some of the detainees is still unknown.
They also noted that their relatives were tortured to death at the hands of the mullahs henchmen.
Iran has recently witnessed widespread protests against the clerical rule and corruption.
Mullahs have accused US, Israel and Kurdistan Region of being behind the protests.
World Tribune-Thousands arrested following Iran protests; Death in prison gives rise to fears of torture
About 3,700 people have been arrested in connection to anti-government protests in Iran, a reformist lawmaker said.
The number of arrests cited by Mahmud Sadeghi on Jan. 9 is far higher than figures announced by authorities.
Widespread anti-government protests began in Iran on Dec. 28.
At least 22 people have been killed as a result of the unrest and government crackdowns surrounding the protests.
Sadeghi also noted that a 22-year-old protester has died in custody, intensifying fears of a repeat of the prisoner abuse that followed similar protests in 2009.
Sadeghi, who said he was told the detainee, identified as Sina Ghanbari, committed suicide, has called for an investigation into the man’s death.
No matter the cause of Ghanbari’s death, it reflects poor conditions inside the prison, says Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran.
“The prison guards and authorities are responsible for the lives of prisoners while in custody, and it’s devastating to hear that once again Iranian authorities have failed to protect lives,” Ghaemi told Voice of America.
Iranian prison guards routinely use intimidation, including physical and psychological pressure, on detainees, according to Ghaemi. “For some people, it’s unbearable and they reach a point they can’t endure,” he said.
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Iran has sentenced a female prisoner of conscience to 148 lashes for speaking out about poor living conditions in Gharchak Prison, including the denial of medical treatment.
Elham Ahmadi, a member of the Sufi Gonabadi religious minority, was accused of “publishing falsehoods” and “insulting agents carrying out their duties” based on a lawsuit brought by the head of the prison, Mehdi Mohammadi, for telling a website that a fellow inmate at the prison in Varamin, south of Tehran, was not being given proper medical care.
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Authorities forced to release detained Tehran bus syndicate members
The Greater Tehran Bus Drivers Syndicate reported the Iranian regime’s intelligence and security agents arrested one of their members by the name of Reza Shahabi early Tuesday morning. Shahabi was originally detained along with a number of others and transferred to an unknown location.
“In recent days, workers of six different units have been protesting and demanding better facilitation of their homes. At least one protesting worker set himself ablaze outside a regime office building yesterday and there is no information about his conditions,” according to a Syndicate statement.
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Flogging and prison sentence for 15 HEPCO hardworking workers
A call on the International Labor Organization (ILO) and labor unions to condemn anti-worker Iran regime
The clerical regime’s judiciary in the city of Arak, in a five-year suspended sentence, in order to intimidate protesting and striking workers, condemned 15 Hepco workers to 74 lashes and one to two years in prison for their protest rally in June of last year. The charges against the Hepco workers who were protesting non-payment of their salary and benefits, and failure to implement the deceptive promises of the regime, were mentioned as disrupting public order and propaganda against the regime.
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Young women arrested in August uprisings receive jail sentences
Azar Heydari was sentenced to one year in prison. Niloufar Homafar and Mojdeh Rajabi were each sentenced to six months in jail. These young women had been arrested during the protests on August 2, 2018, in front of Daneshjoo Park in downtown Tehran.
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Yasamin Ariani, Saba Kord Afshari each sentenced to one year in jail
The Iranian Judiciary issued a one-year sentence each for two young women, Yasamin Ariani and Saba Kord Afshari, for participating in the protests in August.
Yasamin Ariani, 23, and Saba Kord Afshari, 19, were lingering in limbo in Qarchak Prison in Varamin since the time of their arrest. They have been transferred from Qarchak to Evin Prison after their sentence was issued.
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Iran Environmentalists Spend Eight Months in Detention Without Formal Charges
Back in February, prominent environmentalist Professor Kavous Seyed Emami died in prison, only a few weeks after he and seven of his colleagues from the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation, a charity working to protect endangered species in Iran, were arrested by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Iranian authorities claimed that the Iranian-Canadian citizen had committed suicide, but many found this hard to believe, especially given the Regime’s habit of torturing detainees to death.
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Six #PMOI/#MEK Supporters Sentenced 8 to18 Years Imprisonment and Exile
charged with burning images of Khomeini and Khamenei, and writing slogan “Death to Khamenei-Hail to Rajavi”
The head of the regime's justice in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad province, the criminal mullah Mazarei, announced that six defendants affiliated to the Peoples’ Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) were "sentenced to imprisonment and exile from 8 to 18 years” on the charge of writing slogans, blasphemy (against supreme leader) and burning "propaganda banners with the images of national and religious figures". (ISNA News Agency - October 17, 2018).
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Heavy sentences for arrested protesters
New reports indicate the Iranian regime’s so-called judiciary is resorting to issuing heavy sentences against protesters and political prisoners.
The regime’s courts in the city of Arak, central Iran, issued a total of six years behind bars and 444 lashes for six protesters arrested during the December/January uprising that spread to over 140 cities across the country. These individuals are facing charges such as “disrupting public order and peace by taking part in illegal rallies.”
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AMNESTY URGENT ACTION
TEACHER TRADE UNIONIST IN NEED OF MEDICAL CARE
Imprisoned Iranian teacher and trade unionist Mohammad Habibi is in poor health and is
being denied the urgent specialized medical care he needs. He is a prisoner of
conscience, serving 10 and a half years in prison solely for exercising his human rights.
He must be immediately and unconditionally released.
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UK’s largest education union supports jailed Iranian teachers
The UK’s largest education union, in a letter acquired by Iran News Wire, confirmed its strong support of Iranian teachers, especially those who are jailed in Iran.
“I assure you that the plight of the people, and in particular teachers, of Iran is not forgotten by the National Education Union – NUT Section,”
Samidha Garg, the International Relations Officer of the National Education Union – NUT Section wrote in response to a letter by a human rights activist.
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More than a thousand arrests, a call for urgent action to release prisoners
Sept. 5, 2018 - According to reports from inside Iran, during the uprising in August, at least 1,000 young people and other protesters were arrested. According to the regime's interior minister, the uprising involved 27 cities and 13 provinces (IRNA news agency- August 21). In addition, many of those who were arrested during the January uprising and released on bail were again arrested and sentenced to long prison terms. In August, many young people, especially the PMOI supporters, were arrested in many other cities like Yazd, Behshahr, Birjand and Ganaveh.
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Prison authorities attacking Dervish community inmates
Reports indicate inmates of Iran’s Sufi (Dervish Gonabadi) community have been protesting in ward 8 of Tehran’s Penitentiary Complex for three months now. These inmates have been protesting the use of torture and inhumane measures against Sufi women.
In the first hours of Wednesday morning members of the Tehran Penitentiary Complex security units were reported to have attacked the Dervish inmates. Sources say authorities even welded a door leading to the guard officers’ area in order to pressure the inmates into ending their protest.
The vicious attack on these protesting inmates followed inspections conducted by Mohebi, head of the regime’s Prisons Organization.
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A portrait of Fashafuyeh Prison: Life under Inhumane Conditions
Aug. 27, 2018 - On August 21, Nader Fatourechi, a writer, and reporter affiliated with the factions in the Iranian regime was arrested in another row of internal feuds between groups of power and connections among the establishment.
He spent four days in the quarantine section of Fashafuyeh Prison and after his release, wrote a portrait about the situation of the inmates imprisoned there, calling their conditions “inhumane.”
Fatourechi was arrested after exposing some of the jobbery that had happened in the “Teachers’ Reserve Fund.” According to his account, he was released after his father provided the bail money.
Fashafuyeh Prison also called the Great Tehran Penitentiary, Tehran Central Prison or the Hassanabad-Qom Prison, is a prison approximately 32 km south of Tehran. Since its creation in 2012, Fashafuyeh Prison has been a source of horrific reports of human rights abuses.
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Shokoufeh Yadollahi was sentenced to five years in jail. She is in critical conditions due to lack of medical treatment in prison. In another incident, Evin Prison wardens endangered the life of the elderly mother of a political prisoner, by playing the sound of his cries under torture in a telephone call to his mother.
Sufi woman Shokoufeh Yadollahi was sentenced on Monday, August 13, 2018, to five years in prison and two years’ deprivation of social and media activity.
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Civil rights activist Negisa Shahbazi has been forcibly disappeared
Civil rights activist Negisa Shahbazi has disappeared since August 1, 2018, when security forces arrested her. No information is available on her whereabouts.
The Iranian regime's security forces raided the residence of civil rights activist Negisa Shahbazi in Ilam and arrested her on Wednesday, August 1, 2018. Two weeks after the arrest of civil rights activist Negisa Shahbazi and persistent follow up by her family, no information has been made available on her fate and whereabouts.
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Still No Sign Of Missing Young Men Believed Abducted By The State Forces
Two missing young men believed to be abducted by the state forces in a June 11 gathering of National Steel Group workers have still not been heard from. Reza Reyhani, 17, and Khaled Khasraji, 18, took part in a peaceful rally of Ahvaz National Steel Group workers demanding overdue wages.
Father of Reza Reyhani, sent an audio file immediately declaring that his son and his friend went missing. Reza’s father says both of them were arrested during the protest and his main worry is that their lives could be in danger now that they have been taken away.
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Sufi woman Sepideh Moradi refused to appear in court
Sufi woman Sepideh Moradi refused to appear before the court on Saturday, July 14, 2018.
Imprisoned in Qarchak Prison (a.k.a. Shahr-e Ray) in Varamin, Sufi woman Sepideh Moradi Sarvestani is protesting denial of access to defense lawyers for Sufi prisoners and the prison authorities’ failure to observe the due process of law.
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Detention and suppression of women in Iran
Detention and suppression of women in Iran continues under the pretext of alleged anti-regime activities and opposition to the mandatory veil, and heavy sentences are issued for women.
Roya Saghiri, a student of Tabriz University, has been sentenced to 23 months in jail. She was arrested during the nationwide protests last winter. Her sentence issued by the 2nd Branch of the Revolutionary Court of Tabriz was upheld by the Revision Court.
The court charged this civil activist with “propaganda against the regime” and “insulting the leader.”
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Iran’s regime executes minority member Mohammad Salas
Despite a global campaign to save the life of Mohammad Salas (#SaveSalas), reports indicate this 51-year old member of #Iran's Sufi religious minority group has been executed early this morning.
The Iranian Resistance strongly condemns the execution of Mohammad Yavar Salas and calls for the effective action by the international community and human rights advocates against this arbitrary execution and the growing violation of human rights by the religious fascism ruling Iran.
The U.S. State Department issued a statement condemning Salas’ hanging at Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj, west of Tehran. According to the text, this facility has been recently designated by the U.S. Treasury Department in association with gross human rights violations.
No news on young woman arrested during uprising in Kermanshah
Five months on, no news is available on the conditions of a young woman, Mitra Alizadeh, arrested on December 29, 2017, during the uprising in Kermanshah, western Iran.
According to recently published information, Mitra Alizadeh was arrested by agents of Kermanshah’s Intelligence Department during the unrests on December 29, 2017, and taken to an unknown location.
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Conditions of imprisoned Gonabadi women raise AI concern
“Women prisoners of conscience from Iran’s Gonabadi Dervish religious community are being subjected to verbal abuse, including sexual slurs, and denied proper medical treatment by doctors and other health professionals at Shahr-e Rey prison on the outskirts of Tehran,” Amnesty International said in a statement issued on May 25, 2018
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Life of Yarsan woman Shokoufeh Yadollahi in peril
The life of prisoner of conscience Shokoufeh Yadollahi, a Yarsan woman who was badly beaten in the head during arrest and detention, is in danger as she has been denied medical care.
Ms. Yadollahi was brutalized and arrested on February 20, 2018, during security forces’ crackdown on the protest of Gonabadi Dervishes (Yarsan) in Tehran.
She was hit in the head by batons and seriously injured on the left side of her head, with her skull fracturing in the forehead. Despite bleeding from mouth and nose and suffering from broken ribs, Ms. Yadollahi was taken to Shapour Detention Center and subsequently transferred along with nine other women to Qarchak Prison.
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More women identified among arrestees in Ahwaz protests
May 27, 2018. It has also been reported that Najieh Sharhani (Tarafi) has been released on bail.
Laila Bervayeh, Ezzat Ka’abi, and Nadia Mohammadipour (Hamidi) are also among the women arrested in the late March protests in Ahwaz and presently detained in the Sepidar Prison of Ahwaz. There is no information on their situation.
It is said that 15 women who have been arrested during the protests are imprisoned in the women’s ward of Sepidar Prison..
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More than half of global executions carried out in Iran, says report
Arabiya English 15 April 2018
According to the latest report of the Amnesty International as reported in Iran Focus website, among all the recorded executions worldwide last year, more than 51 percent were carried out in Iran.
Although second, behind China in terms of executions, Iran “carried out 84 percent of the global total number of executions.”
The number of executions in Iran last year was 507, “accounting for 60 percent of all confirmed executions in the region.” Of the 507 people executed, “501 were men and six were women. At least five juvenile offenders were executed, and 31 executions were carried out publicly.”
Amnesty International believes that hundreds of other death sentences may have been imposed in Iran, but were unable to confirm figures. Mahmoud Amiri Moghaddam, who heads the Iran Human Rights Organization based in Norway, said in an interview that some “70 to 80 percent of executions in Iran are not reported.”
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The Arrest Of Youth And Wounded In Ahvaz And The Call For The Immediate Release Of Hundreds Of Detainees
Friday evening, April 6, the fellow Arab demonstrations in Ahvaz and some other cities in Khuzestan continued for the tenth day in protest to the suppression and divisive and discriminatory policies of the mullahs regime.
The repressive forces who were stationed in various parts of the city in an effort to prevent the continuation and spread of protests, arrested a large number of youth and children aged 11 to 15 intensively, during a raid on demonstration and also at midnight by attacking people's homes. A number of families have been arrested after going to the repressive organs in search of their children.
On Thursday, April 5, the youth of the city held overnight rallies in various areas including Alawi district, Zoyeh district, Ein II and Kiyan areas. The mercenaries attack on the people led to confrontation and a number of people were wounded. The repressive forces arrested some of the wounded.
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26 Arrested In Major Protest By Arab Nationality Residents In Ahwaz, Iran
Security forces on March 29, arrested 26 of Arab nationality residents peacefully protesting insult by the state TV in Ahwaz, capital of Khuzistan Province in south west Iran.
Thousands of people staged extensive protests in Ahwaz, on March 28 and 29, 2018, against racist presentation in the state-run television.
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No Report On The Fate Of Young Gonabadi Dervish Protester, Kianoush Abbaszadeh
After 24 days, there are no reports of the whereabouts of Kianoush Abbaszadeh, a Dervish Gonabadi protester who was arrested in Tehran’s 7th Golestan St.
When the prisoner’s relatives refer to the prison to visit Kianoush they were told that he was taken outside the prison three weeks ago and his name has not currently been in the list of inmates.
Recently intelligence agents of the Revolutionary Guards Corps have mentally tortured Abbaszadeh’s mother, Dr. Nazila Nouri, who is detained in Qarchak Prison along with a number of other female Dervishes. She has been repeatedly informed of the bogus confessions that her son has made, being threatened that both of them will face heavy sentences. Agents have been trying to force her into making false confessions.
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11 women ill-treated and arbitrarily detained
At least 11 women from Iran’s Gonabadi Dervish religious minority have been arbitrarily detained in inhumane conditions, without access to their lawyers, since 20 February following the violent dispersal of a protest held by Gonabadi Derivshes in Tehran. Some urgently need medical care for injuries sustained from beatings at the time of their arrest.
Hunger Striking Political Prisoner Taken Back To Prison On Wheelchair
Hamidreza Amini, has been hospitalized in Khomeini Hospital since March 17 due to his critical health as a result of his dry hunger strike. The political prisoner, who was detained and jailed because of his internet activities, is also under pressure to make televised confessions.
On the morning of March 26, Hamidreza Amini was taken to Fashafuyeh hospital by security forces with bound hands and feet on a wheelchair. He was unable to walk and speak.
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Prison Agents Beat Political Prisoner In Hospital In Front Of Wife And Children
Political prisoner Hamidreza Amini was beaten in the hospital during a Nowruz visit with his family.
According to reports, on the morning of Tuesday March 20, the wife and children the political prisoner, who had currently been on a dry hunger strike, came to see him in Khomeini Hospital. His family were guided by people at the hospital to the ward when Hamid Reza was hospitalized. Upon seeing them, Hamid Reza requested from his guards to see his family, after which he was severely beaten to the extent that his face and lips became injured and bloody. The agents pushed the political prisoner to the ground. His youngest son, who had become terrified from seeing his father being beaten in front of him, started yelling and crying… Hamid Reza was finally allowed to hug and comfort his terrified son with blood streaming down his face.
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A woman, her two sons, arrested in Ahwaz
The families residing in the Zaytoon neighborhood of Ahwaz were attacked by agents of the Intelligence Department on Friday, March 16, 2018, and over 15 persons including three women were arrested and taken to an unknown location.
The agents did not hold any warrants for the arrests.
Maryam Zobaidi, 51, and her two sons, Benyamin, 28, and Mohammad Ali, 25, have been identified among those arrested.
Ahwaz is the capital of the oil-rich province of Khuzistan in southwestern Iran which has seen many angry protests against the regime in recent months.
Parisa Rafii remains in detention for not cooperating
Despite completion of preliminary investigations and interrogations of student activist Parisa Rafii in Evin Prison, she has not been released because of what her interrogator describes as “lack of coopration.”Paris Rafii, a student of photography at Tehran University’s School of Fine Arts, was arrested as she was leaving school on February 25, 2018, and transferred to Ward 209 of Evin Prison.
One of Ms. Rafii’s friends said, “The interrogator contacted Parisa’s father and said if she does not cooperate, she will not be released. In another contact, he warned her father that by giving interviews they only delay their daughter’s freedom.”
Although the court has accepted a lawyer for Parisa Rafii, but he has not been permitted to see her case or visit her in prison. The lawyer said, “We know that she has been under interrogation, and that she has been informed of her charges, but we do not know exactly what her charges are, because we have not visited her. In her brief telephone contacts, she could only say that she is fine.”
Security Forces Brutally Raid Women's IWD Gathering in Tehran
Urgent call for immediate freedom of those arrested
Thursday, March 8, 2018, on the International Women’s Day, a group of courageous Iranian women gathered outside the Labor Ministry on Tehran’s Azadi Ave.
The women held placards which read, “No to gender-based discrimination”, “no to discriminatory labor law”, “equal and fair wages for women”, “Freedom, equality, justice.”
Security forces, plainclothes agents and female troops had been stationed in the area, on alert before the gathering started. To prevent the formation of the gathering and disperse the crowd, they viciously attacked the participants and brutalized them with batons and shockers. At least 20 women were arrested.
Security forces did not allow anyone to take pictures or shoot films of this gathering. A number of young men who had come to support the IWD gathering were also arrested and taken to SSF Station 137 on Gisha Ave.
The Iranian Resistance calls on international organizations defending human and women’s rights to vehemently condemn the raid on women and take urgent action to free those arrested. The NCRI calls on Iran’s courageous youths to rise up against this misogynous regime and its repression of our fellow countrywomen.
The Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran
March 8, 2018
Political Prisoner Nader Afshari On Hunger Strike Protesting Baseless Charges
Mother of political prisoner Nader Afshare, 26, who was arrested on February 1, says he has been on strike in Tehran’s Evin prison since Feb 4. She last saw her son on Feb 8 and is now asking everyone to be her son’s voice, emphasizing he did nothing wrong and was arrested for his human rights activities. Human rights activist Nader Afshari has been charged with “acting against national security.” He had currently been held at ward 209.
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A pregnant woman among those arrested in attack on Dervishes
Leili Nayeb Zadeh, arrested in Tehran during the raid on the protest gathering of dervishes on February 19, 2018, is pregnant and presently held under interrogation and torture.
Good news
Shima Babaee, and her husband Dariush Zand Got release from jail
Young human rights defenders couple at risk of torture
23 February 2018 - Young Iranian human rights defenders Shima Babaee, who is campaigning against compulsory veiling,She and her husband Dariush Zand both were active in helping to the victims of recent earthquake in Kermanshah.
Now they are at risk of torture and other ill-treatment. Both have been detained in Tehran’s Evin prison, without access to family and lawyer following their arrest by the Ministry of Intelligence on 1 February in connection with their peaceful human rights work. They are prisoners of conscience.
Call for Urgent Action to Free Women Arrested in Iran
Maryam Rajavi to the Council of Europe: Compel the Iranian regime to stop repression of women and abolish the compulsory veil
The Women’s Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran strongly condemns the Iranian regime’s state security forces’ attack on a woman in Tehran on Thursday, February 15, 2018, and arresting her for protesting against the compulsory veil.
The NCRI Women’s Committee urges all international organizations defending human rights and women’s rights to take urgent action to secure the release of this and all women who have been arrested for non-veiling, improper veiling, opposing and protesting the compulsory veil.
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Imprisoned activist Behnam Mousivand, who was kidnapped by Iran’s security forces two weeks ago, met his relatives today at Tehran notorious Evin prison.
He told the Twitter storm and the global online activities save my life. The day before there was a twit storm for him using Hashtag: "#Wherisbehnam?"
The human rights activist, Behnam Musivand, who was arrested at his house on February 1, 2018.
Musivand suffers from heart disease but he is not taking his medicine which he is supposed to take regularly.
Musivand’s father says “when I went back home on February 1, I found my wife fainted to the ground while eight security agents confiscating my home.” Mr. Musivand After a Twitter storm Detained Human Rights Activist
underlined the agents introduced themselves as intelligence agents. He further says they do not have any news on their son’s fate and their effort to obtain any information on him had been in vein.
Two weeks after the arrest of seven activists Shima Babaei and her husband Dariush Zand, Saeed Eghbali, Leila Farjami, Mahmoud Masoumi and Behnam Mousivand, there has been no phone contact or family visit and they have not had access to a lawyer. One of the detainees, Nader Afshari is on 11th day of his hunger strike, protesting his arrest. He is currently being held at Section 209 in Evin Prison which is under the control of the Ministry of Intelligence.
Another Human Rights Defender Arrested In Sanandaj
Mahiar Ahmadi, 24, a college graduate from Sanandaj, west of Iran, was arrested at his residence by intelligence agents on February 5.In a brief telephone call, Ahmadi has informed his family of his arrest by the Intelligence Department. It is not clear why she has been arrested and detained.Iranian regime has started to arrest of renowned human rights defenders since January 1st, 2018, as the latest episode in a long crackdown on any form of peaceful activism in the country.
Detained District Attorney Transferred To Arak Central Prison
Mohammad Najafi, district attorney and civil activist Ali Bagheri, who unveiled the murder of Vahid Heydari in prison by regime authorities, have been transferred to Arak Central Prison in central Iran and were banned from any visits.Mohammad Najafi, was arrested by security forces on the afternoon of January 25 at his home in Arak. Mr. Najafi has a history of arrests and summonses. Some of his activities include wearing a T-shirt with the words Ashura 88 (referring to the 2009 uprising), and giving a speech at a ceremony for Gohar Eshghi, the mother of Sattar Beheshti, a young blogger who was killed under torture.
Female Civil Rights Activist Detained In Mahabad On Monday February 12, civil right activist Kobra Khalandi, who was sentenced to prison by the Mahabad Revolutionary Court for participating in a gathering in protest to the killing of border porters, was detained to serve her prison term in Mahabad Prison.
Maryam Kalangari, 65, was taken to the Central Prison of Arak, in Markazi Province.Ms. Kalangari had been previously sentenced to five months in jail by the Revolutionary Court of Arak on the charge of “disseminating propaganda against the state.”
On January 13, 2018, agents of the Implementation of the Sentences Office broke into her residence and took her to jail by walker and despite her illness.
Ms. Kalangari suffers from various illnesses, including heart and lungs complications, arthritis and osteoporosis, and is not able to endure prison conditions.
Her brother and two sons are in jail on similar charges. They are survivors of victims of the massacre of political prisoners in 1988.
Zahra Rahimi, student of sociology at Tehran University, was arrested on February 5, 2018.Dozens of female university students, mostly from Tehran University, have been already detained and denied freedom.
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NCRI Women’s Comm. urges censure of the arrests of women for shunning the compulsory veil, calls for their urgent, unconditional release
Thursday, February 1, 2018, the IRGC-affiliated FARS news agency announced that the regime’s repressive forces had arrested 29 women in Tehran for not having the veil, and “turned them in to the Judiciary.” The arrests were claimed to be “in line with social security” and the regime’s Judiciary has reportedly set heavy bails for the freedom of the apprehended women.
The Women’s Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran condemns the arrests of the women and girls of Iran under the pretext of mal-veiling. The NCRI Women's Committee further urges international organizations and authorities defending human rights and women’s rights to censure this inhuman measure by the mullahs’ misogynist regime and take urgent action for the immediate and unconditional release of these women.
Visiting the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on January 24, 2018, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi , the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, called on the European Union , the Council of Europe, and their member states to adopt effective measures and binding decisions to compel Iran’s ruling religious fascism to end subjugation of women and abolish the compulsory veil. She said, “39 years of bloodshed and crimes, discrimination against and suppression of women, repression and censorship is enough. The International Community must end its silence and inaction in this regard.”
The National Council of Resistance of Iran
February 2, 2018
Iran Human Rights Monitor has compiled a report detailing the human rights situation in Iran for the month of January 2018.
Last month, there was a huge crackdown on protesters. At the end of December, the people of Iran took to the streets because of the poor economic situation that is caused by the regime’s mishandling of the nation’s wealth. The protests quickly turned into anti-government demonstrations. The security forces violently suppressed the protesters and there were at least 50 deaths. The report also indicates that more than 8,000 protesters were arrested.
The report mentioned that teargas and water cannons were used to disperse crowds and unarmed protesters were shot at. Plainclothes agents went from home to home to arrest people and there have been reports of detainees being tortured “to the brink of death”. There have also been accounts of detainees being put into freezer rooms to force confessions out of them.
There have also been dozens of young people that have forcibly disappeared. The families gathered outside several prisons but were dispersed by prison authorities who used air shots and tear gas.
The total number of protesters that have been killed by torture is at least 12. Iranian officials have denied the claims that they were tortured and said that the deaths were attributable to suicide or drug use. Families have given accounts of their loved ones being covered in injuries.
Other violations of human rights include the beating of a woman by more than 50 security agents when she was seen filming the demonstration at the Golsar Intersection in the northern city of Rasht. Furthermore, a large number of protesters that were thrown in jail were denied legal representation.
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At least six young human rights defenders arrested in coordinated raids at risk of torture
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
2 February 2018
Responding to reports that at least six young human rights defenders, including Shima Babaei and her husband Dariush Zand, Saeed Eghbali, Leila Farjami, Mahmoud Masoumi and Behnam Mousivand have been detained in coordinated arrests across Iran on 1 February, Magdalena Mughrabi, Deputy Middle East and North Africa Director at Amnesty International said:
“These human rights defenders must be released immediately and unconditionally – they have committed no crime and have been arrested purely because of their human rights work. We are extremely concerned that these individuals are now at risk of torture or other ill-treatment.
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Compulsory veiling is abusive, discriminatory and humiliating; end the persecution of women for peacefully protesting against it
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
24 January 2018
Iran: Compulsory veiling is abusive, discriminatory and humiliating; end the persecution of women for peacefully protesting against it
The Iranian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release a woman who was arrested on 27 December 2017 in Tehran for engaging in a peaceful protest against compulsory veiling (hijab), Amnesty International said today. The organization renewed its calls on the Iranian authorities to end the persecution of women who speak out against compulsory veiling, and abolish this discriminatory and humiliating practice. This practice has violated women’s rights in Iran for decades, including their rights to non-discrimination, freedom of belief and religion, freedom of expression, and protection from arbitrary arrests and detention, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
A video has gone viral on social media platforms since Wednesday 27 December 2017, which shows a woman standing alone on a concrete structure in a busy section of Tehran’s Enqelab (Revolution) Street, without wearing a headscarf and silently waving a white flag in an apparent protest against the country’s mandatory Islamic dress code which, among other things, forces women to cover their hair with a headscarf. The video was first obtained and released by White Wednesdays, a popular campaign which urges women to share pictures and videos of themselves on social media every Wednesday, wearing white headscarves or pieces of clothing in protest at compulsory veiling.
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The director of Iran's Prisons Organization admits: More than 5,000 people arrested during the uprising
The anti-human clerical regime launched a show visit to Evin prison on January 30, by a number of the regime’s members of Parliament, to cover the disgrace of the crimes against humanity regarding the uprising prisoners, which is increasing each and every day. This show took place while with the killing of Khaled Qaisari under torture in Kermanshah Prison, the number of those who were martyred under torture reaches to at least 12.
Eleven members of the Parliament, after three weeks of design, preparation and postponement, were eventually taken to Evin Prison on January 30. Although this handpicked delegation had been banned from talking freely about its observations, some of them have revealed new corners of the regime's crimes about the detainees of the January uprising.
Alireza Rahimi, member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the regime, on Friday, February 2, quoted the criminal director of the Prisons Organization, Asghar Jahangir, as saying: 'The total number of prisoners in January events was 4972, 94.73% of whom were men and 5. 27% were women. 438 people are still in detention. In addition, 55 people are detained in the Ministry of Intelligence (Ilna News Agency – February 2).
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A brave young woman who defied the Iranian regime strict dress code has been arrested with her fate unknown
January 24, 2018 – According to reports, the fate of the “Girl of Enghelab Street,” a woman arrested for removing her white headscarf and waving it in the air in a sign of protest to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s compulsory hijab law is unknown.
The woman’s act of bravery and defiance took place on one of Tehran’s busiest streets on December 27, just one day prior to the start of the national uprising against the Iranian government, as part of a movement known as “White Wednesday.” She quickly became a symbol of hope for the protesters.
The report sites witnesses on the scene seeing her taken away and even accompanied her to the police station.
The only information available about her is that this brave woman is 31 years old and has a 19-month-old baby.
The incident took place on the same day that the Iranian regime announced it was relaxing its punishment for women who do not adhere to the strict Islamic dress code. Police reportedly said that women who wear makeup and loosened headscarves will no longer face arrest, but will be sent to “Islamic values” classes.
However, women who repeatedly break the rules will ultimately be arrested.
Despite the announced change, it is possible the regime will change its stance again.
Repressive plans and collective arrests in Tehran
Hossein Rahimi, criminal commander of Broader Tehran State Security Force (SSF) announced on January 22 a new suppressive plan called 'Tehran's night security plan' and said, 'There are hundreds of specialized police officers and operational units in this plan.' He added: “Counter-Narcotics Police, Security Police, Prevention Police, ‘Rahvar’ Police, and Support Unit will participate in the plan.” Earlier, the Revolutionary Guards commander had informed of launching Basij district-based patrols.
Subsequently, on January 23 the regime's media reported of the arrest of 120 people under the guise of 'thugs and rabble' in Tehran, and quoting the Tehran police commander, they wrote: 'These plans are performed every night, but it was made public tonight.'
The plan and the release of news and pictures of these repressive measures indicates the falling regime of the Velayat-e faqih’s fear from continuation of the brave uprisings of the Iranian people. Ghazanfari, an IRGC commander, described the uprising and protests as unprecedented in the history of Iran. (Fars News Agency, January 20). “There will be days and years of trouble ahead,' said another regime official fearing the continuation of the uprising. He added, “The story is not over and the protests are serious symptoms. Iran is ... sick. There is a widespread illness that has spread throughout the country ... there is widespread and organized corruption, and ... if instead of managing the crisis, we try to manage skirting the crisis, today’s threats will turn into a Tsunami tomorrow '(Iranian Diplomacy state run website- January 20).
There is no doubt that these repressive plans will not cure the regime. Because the biggest factor in killing, insecurity and desecration of people in Iran and the region is the religious fascism ruling Iran and Khamenei himself.
The determination of the youth of Iran to uproot this corrupt and oppressive regime will bring security and tranquillity to Tehran and cities throughout the country, and will bring peace and tranquillity to the region.
Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran January 25, 2018
Wave of Arbitrary Arrests Throughout Iran and Call for Immediate Release of Arrestees
Suppressive forces in Golpayegan arrested three brothers, Mohammad, Fazlollah and Hadi Nikbakht, and transferred them to an unknown location. Furthermore, at least six other youths were arrested by security forces in Golpayegan.
At the same time, dozens of the people arrested during recent days in Asadabad and Tuyserkan were transferred to the Hamedan central prison. The regime's judiciary has accused them of "moharebeh (waging war against God)" and "corruption on earth".
In yet another development on Sunday, January 21, repressive police forces attacked the protesters in Tehran and arrested one of them. They were protesting against looting their property by government bodies in Tehran by chanting "Nothing on table to eat, injustice is enough". A police commander named Colonel Pashaki ran over a brave woman by car who was supporting the arrested person. Pashaki fled when faced the anger of protesters.
Massive and widespread arrests in Iran are happening at the same time that the prisoners are being killed under torture one after the other. The regime’s officials shamefully announce these criminal killing of prisoners as committing suicide, or due to injecting drugs, or lack of narcotics. Arbitrary arrests and mass murder of detainees under torture are undoubtedly a crime against humanity and requires international community involvement.
Hence, the Iranian Resistance calls on the UN Secretary-General, the UN Security Council, the UN member states and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and other relevant international bodies to take immediate action to release the arrests of the uprising, and to make clear the fate of missing people.
Introduction
Thousands of Iranians angry over rising food prices, government institutions’ scam and inflation protested in the country’s second-largest city and other areas Thursday, December 28, 2017.
The protests swiftly spread to 142 cities and turned into a nationwide uprising.
The slogans chanted by people combined economic dissatisfactions and political discontents, poverty, unemployment, corruption and total rejection of the regime.
Iranian authorities blocked access to social media tools that had become key sources of information to demonstrators. Telegram and Instagram had been blocked since Dec. 31, while internet access was sporadically cut off to several cities where protests have taken place.
The authorities also resorted to violence to disperse the demonstrators using firearms and water cannons.
Thousands of innocent young protesters, have been detained while dozens were shot dead or wounded by the State Security Force. Some of those arrested were tortured to make televised confessions. At least five protesters lost their lives under torture in custody. Iranian officials however claimed that they committed suicide.
In the first case activists reported on:
January 7 that 22-year-old Sina Ghanbari had died in prison of “unknown causes.”
Two Iranian lawmakers subsequently confirmed Ghanbari’s death and suggested that the young man had committed suicide while in detention but did not offer details.
Referring the “deaths of protesters in custody” lawyer and social activist Nasrin Sotudeh said in a call to Iran International TV that she was informed in a phone call with a political prisoner in Evin Prison that three people were killed in prison. After news on the death of Sina Ghanbari in Tehran and Vahid Heydari in Arak, there was news on the suicide of Mohsen Adelli. He was arrested on January 1 and his body was returned to his family two days later with the claim that he had committed suicide. (Peik-e Iran website – Jan. 8, 2018)
The signs of torture on the bodies of those killed in prisons expose the regime’s violence against the detainees.
The families of Iran protesters arrested in the past days, staged a sit-in outside the prisons of Evin, Isfahan and Ahwas demanding the release of their loved ones. The authorities however responded them violently, firing tear gas and arresting the families.
Iran uprising provoked international reactions including two statements issued by Amnesty International rising concern over the fate of detainees and demanding release of them all.
Four Special Rapporteurs also expressed extreme concern over the reported deaths of more than 20 people including children and hundreds of arrests across the country. The Special Rapporteurs said: “The Government’s instruction to the Revolutionary Guards to hit hard against the protesters, and the judiciary’s threats of harsh punishment, are unacceptable.”
The number of people killed during nationwide uprising
The number of people killed in the recent popular uprising has risen to at least 50. Iranian officials however admitted to killing 27 demonstrators.
Media cite officials admitting murder of protesters
The representative of Izeh and Baghe Malek in the Majlis said that two people died in this town and some others wounded. (The state-run ILNA news agency, December 31, 2018)
State TV reported that the number of deaths in the town of Dorud was announced as two in Sunday’s protests, with the explanation that two others were also shot dead in the protests on Saturday night in the same city… According to this report, six people were killed in the shootings of Tuyserkan while three people were killed in Isfahan’s Shahin Shahr. Therefore, according to state TV, a total of thirteen people were been killed in the unrest. (Isfahan Emrouz Website, the state-run Seda and Sima website – Jan. 1, 2018)
Dorud Governor, Nemati, said that on the first day of the turmoil, two people were killed and six were wounded. “On the second day, a middle aged person and a boy who was between 12 to 15 years of age died when he was run over by a fire truck,” he added. (The state-run ISNA news agency – Jan. 1, 2018)
The Governor Falavarjan, Asghar Hedayat, said that ccording to the latest numbers reported to us by the hospital, six rioters were killed in Ghahdarijan. (The state-run Fars news agency – Jan. 2, 2018)
Mohammad Javad Abtahi who represents Khomeinishahr in the Parliamentof Iran said according to the official statics, four people in the city and another one in Shahinshahr were killed. (The state-run ILNA news agency – Jan. 8, 2018)
Video clips document killing of protesters
Videos posted on social media from the western town of Dorud showed two young men lying motionless on the ground, covered with blood, and a voiceover said they had been shot dead by The State Security Force firing on protesters.
Another shocking social media video from Tuyserkan, in Hamedan Province showed a number of protesters being shot possibly dead and other people are carrying their bodies. Local media reports said that of those who were killed, six were shot dead by Iran’s Security Force in Tuyserkan, in Hamedan Province, including 11 year-old Armin Sadeghi.
Two school boys were also killed during the protests in Marivan, Iranian Kurdistan, when attacked by a grenade lobbed by the State Security forces. One of the victims is identified as Arman Zomi.
Arrest of protesters
Although Iranian authorities tried to conceal the extent of arrests, the figures are so high that some Iranian officials had to admit the crackdown.
According to official figures at least 3,700 people have been arrested during the protests. National Council of Resistance however announced that the number of arrests is at least 8,000 and more than 50 protesters killed.
A senior official in Arak (Markazi Province) announced the arrest of at least 80 people following a protest rally in the city on Saturday. (The state-run ILNA news agency – Jan. 1, 2018)
The Security Deputy of the Tehran Governorate Ali Asghar Naserbakht said that around 200 people were arrested in yesterday’s gathering in Enghelab and Valiasr Squares. “These people are now in the hands of the Judiciary,” he said. Tehran’s Security Deputy said that 40 leaders were arrested in the illegal rally yesterday adding that “the situation was now under control.” (The state-run ILNA news agency – Dec. 31, 2017)
The Robate Karim Chief of Police, Abdullah Zadeh Pashaki, said 11 people were arrested last night in Parand, including three women and seven men, some of whom were leaders of the turmoil. He also announced the arrest of a person identified by his initials as R.A who had published a call for protests in Robate Karim in his Instagram channel encouraging people to riot. (The state-run ILNA news agency – Jan. 1, 2018)
The Security Assistant of the Interior Ministry said that more than 90% of those arrested at the scene of the unrest were young and adolescents, and that their average age was under 25. “Most of them have not had any previous arrests,” Hossein Zolfaghari added. He also said that from tonight (Monday) they would more seriously control the current conditions in the capital and a number of other cities that were involved in the unrest. (The state-run RONKA website – Jan. 1, 2018)
The Political and Security Deputy to the Governorate of Western Azarbaijan Province said that 10 people who intended to incite people were arrested. “Those who incite people to break the norms will be legally dealt with,” Alireza Radfar added. (Asre Iran state-run Website – Jan. 1, 2018)
The Governor of Markazi Province said 100 seditionists were arrested in Arak. “We arrested more than 100 people last night and we think that in the next few days, with the information we will receive and after reviewing recordings from CCTV cameras, including in banks and the entrance to the Arak Governorate which was attacked, more assailants will be identified and arrested. (The state-run Tasnim news agency – Dec. 31, 2017)
Mohammad Takbirgo, Kashan Prosecutor, said that any kind of illegal gathering or arrogant activists in Kashan will be treated in a lawful and serious manner. He added that according to the law, those who intend to fight against the regime are considered a corruptor on earth (MOHAREB), and necessary legal proceedings will be carried out. Kashan’s prosecutor also said that in the past days during gatherings, about 50 to 60 people were arrested. (The state-run Mehr news agency – Jan. 1, 2017)
Hamedan Governor Ali Ta’ali said that more than 150 people were arrested in the course of the unrest in the past few days in Hamedan. “Most of the detainees are between the ages of 17 and 25, and some of them are not native to Hamedan,” he added. (Tasnim state-run News Agency, Fars state-run News Agency – Jan. 2, 2018)
Mashhad Assistant Prosecutor Hasan Heidari, said that 138 people were arrested in Mashhad’s illegal gatherings.”Overall, during the gatherings in Mashhad, 52 people were arrested on the first night, and in the next two nights, 74 and 12 people, who were planning to do damage, were arrested,” he added. (The state-run Mehr news agency – Jan. 2, 2018)
Ardebil Prosecutor Nasser Atabati, said that at a sit-in on Saturday, a number of people were arrested due of the slogans they chanted and criminal actions.
They were 41 people (who were arrested) six of them were under the age of 18,” he added.
Four cybercriminals, who provoked people to take part in the riots, were also arrested,” the Ardebil Prosecutor said. (The state-run Tasnim news agency – Jan. 7, 2018)
Karaj prosecutor Haji Reza Shakarami said that in a number of people were arrested in relation to the recent unrest in Karaj. “We will not announce the numbers as yet,” he added. “Among the detainees, there were 20 of them who were leaders and led the unrests in a way,” the Karaj Prosecutor added. (The state-run ISNA news agency – Jan. 2, 2018)
The Political and Security Deputy of the Tehran Governorate, Ali Asghar Naserbakht, said that about 200 people were arrested on Saturday, 150 on Sunday and that about 100 people were arrested yesterday (Monday). “This is a matter for the judiciary and they must have thought about the necessary conditions,” he added in response to whether they had taken measures to hold the detainees. (The state-run ILNA news agency – Jan. 2, 2018)
The Political and Security Assistant to the Golestan Governor, Ali Asghar Tahmasebi, said that with the arrest of about 150 of Gorgan’s rioters, peace returned to the city. “In the last few days, enemies hired a number of people with their money using social networks and exploited a number of young people,” he added. (The state-run ISNA news agency – Jan. 3, 2018)
Prosecutor, Hassan Mozafari, said a number of the heads of groups of the recent gatherings were arrested in Zanjan, Abhar and Khoramdareh. “Their cases are under preliminary investigation,” he added. (The state-run Fars news agency – Jan. 3, 2018)
Chief of Police Hussein Ashtari said more than 70 percent of the arrests by police during gatherings were targeted. “Despite the (protests) not being a good incident, the State Security Forces gained experience and we saw that they did not give any excuses to foreigners so that they would be able to strike out against the system,” Ashtari added. (The state-run Fars news agency – Jan. 3, 2018)
Gorgan Prosecutor Mostafa Haghi said that in the recent riots in the country, 12 leaders of the unrest were arrested and taken to prison in Gorgan. (The state-run Mizan news agency – Jan. 3, 2018)
The Governor of Birjand, said that 28 people, who were influenced by social media, were arrested by the police and were handed over to judicial authorities. (The state-run Tasnim news agency – Jan. 3, 2018)
Ardebil Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor Nasser Atabati, said that three main elements (of the protests) in Ardebil were identified and arrested. “During the interrogations, the defendants stated that they were completely influenced by cyberspace to take these measures,” he added…Atabati said that several individuals who had been chanting slogans that broke the structures (of the regime) were identified and arrested… “During technical examination and close intelligence observations, a number of the main leaders who had called on and instigated people to create chaos and riot were identified and a number of them were arrested,” the prosecutor added. (The state-run Mizan news agency – Jan. 3, 2018)
Ghasem Abdullahi, the Chief Justice of Markazi Province, said that 294 rioters were transferred to prison. “On December 30, there were protests in Arak, Saveh and Delijan. Seventy-one men, nine women and 14 youngsters under the age of 18 were arrested in Arak, 15 men and one woman were arrested in Saveh and four others were arrested in Delijan. In these arrests, four leaders of the protests who were non-native to the region were also arrested,” he said. “(On December 31) seventy-nine people and 17 youngsters under the age of 18 were arrested in Saveh city. 145 men, five women and 30 young people under the age of 18 years were arrested in Arak, while six people were arrested in Delijan.” He announced the number of arrests on December 30 and 31 in Markazi Province as a total of 396 people and said that 294 people had been imprisoned, three of whom were under 18 years of age. The prisoners include 116 people from Saveh, 164 from Arak, nine from Delijan, two from Khomein and also three women. (The state-run ISNA news agency – Jan. 4, 2018)
The Tehran Representative in Majlis referred to a list that was given to her on the number of detained students and said that around 90 students had been arrested throughout Iran. “These numbers might be higher but currently we are certain about 90 arrests,” Parvaneh Salahshouri said. (The state-run Jame’e No website – Jan. 5, 2018)
After the popular protests in Iran, at least 90 university and school students were arrested. Mahmoud Sadeghi, a member of the Education and Research Committee in the Majlis said that most of the detainees were not involved in the protests. “The vast majority of them were arrested outside of universities and a number were arrested in their homes,” he added. Farid Mousavi, a Tehran representative in the Majlis wrote in his twitter page in this regard. “It was said that most of the arrests were for prevention,” he tweeted. (The state-run Roydad website – Jan. 7, 2018)
Qazvin Prosecutor Sadeq Niaraki said that the detainees in this province were between the ages of 20 to 30 years old. “We are looking to arrest 50 other rioters,” he added. (Mizan state-run Website – Jan. 8, 2018)
The Cultural Assistant of Tehran University, said that they had a meeting with the caretaker of the detainees in Evin Prison. “We examined the state of detained students,” he added. “Twenty-three students from Tehran University are still in detention,” he said. (Asre Iran State-run Website – Jan. 10, 2018)
Majlis Representative and member of the Education Commission Mahmoud Sadeghi said that around 3,700 people were arrested in the recent (protests). “The specifications of a number of people who have been arrested by unknown institutions have been provided to the ministries of Intelligence, Interior and Science in the form of a list so that it becomes clear which organization arrested them,” he added. (The state-run Entekhab website – Jan. 9, 2018)
Inhuman treatment and gross violation of people’s rights
Iranian regime shut down mobile internet access and blocked apps including Telegram and Instagram after days of protests to prevent people from publishing the news of demonstrations in cyberspace. It also made threats against the protesters. Iranian officials claimed that many peaceful protesters intended to disrupt the national security, calling them as “rioters.” Based on such accusations, the authorities have justified killing of defenseless and unarmed people and taking strict measures against them as well as hasty trials.
Below are some of the inhuman statements and official orders to public crackdown:
A member of the Assembly of Lorestan Representative said that there was no way except for the police to deal with and shoot those who broke the norms and came to the streets last night. “Two people were killed last night in Lorestan Province. There is a time when protests are in the framework of the law… But when they (protesters) break the norms and vandalize public property, it is natural that it has to be dealt with,” Hamidreza Kazemi, a member of the Lorestan delegation said. The head of the Judiciary, Ardeshir Larijani, ordered prosecutors across the country to deal decisively and seriously with the destruction of public and private property, and the violation of the rights of individuals.
“Breaking bank windows, attacking mosques and prayer halls and attacking places like prosecutor’s offices and governorates is not something that judicial officials tolerate,” he said. “Accordingly, I strongly want prosecutors all over the country to deal decisively and seriously with those who destroy or burn public property or destroy people’s property and violate the rights of individuals”. (The state-run ISNA news agency – Jan. 1, 2018)
The Ministry of Intelligence issued a statement on the recent gatherings in Tehran and other cities. The statement reads in part: “Thanks to intelligence measures, a number of elements and dissident rioters and the instigators of the unrest were identified and a number were arrested… Other elements are wanted (under pursuit) and will soon be seriously dealt with. The Ministry of Intelligence asks the various strata of the community to introduce the dissidents, rioters and those who destroy public property by calling 113.” (The state-run Fars news agency – Jan. 1, 2018)
The Public Relations Department of Cyber Security Command Center announced in a statement: “Gerdab (website) asks all the people to identify the elements of the sedition so that they are decisively dealt with… If you have any information or any news about the people in these pictures including images, video, news, emails, internet addresses or complaints about the rioting movements from any group who instigate and encourage destructive activities via the internet, you can send a report to Gerdab Website through the contact us link. In upcoming days, other images of the elements of the unrest and riot will be published.” (The state-run Mehr news agency – Jan. 1, 2018)
Hojatoleslam Musa Ghazanfarabadi, head of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, said that those who were arrested from the third day of the unrest would receive a heavy sentence. “Given the Ministry of the Interior’s announcement that the gatherings are illegal, they (protesters) have deliberately and knowingly gathered, rioted and broken the norms,” he said. “The charges of some of the arrested persons may be Moharebeh (enmity with God which could carry the death sentence), acting against national security, destroying public property, destroying people’s property, beatings and other charges… Many of these people were arrested in Tehran and other places and will soon be tried,” Ghazanfarabadi added. “The videos of the defendants will be broadcasted in court for them and there will be no way out; therefore, families should be watchful of their children and if they are given heavy sentences, expressing regret might not be effective.” (The state-run Tasnim news agency – Jan. 2, 2018)
“We will not allow insecurity to continue in any way in Tehran.” This was announced by Ismail Kowsari, deputy Commander of the Sarallah Garrison of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He added, “If insecurity continues in Tehran, officials would certainly adopt decisions, putting an end to the affair.” )The state-run ISNA news agency – January 12, 2018 (
The Assistant Head of the Judiciary, Hamid Shahriari, said that those who had managed the recent riots would be dealt with and severely punished. I still do not have the exact figures on the detained rioters, but all the people who were the heads of the rioting groups have been identified and arrested.” (The state-run Mehr news agency – Jan. 8, 2018)
Video clips document inhuman treatment of protesters
An appalling footage shows Iran’s anti-riot units rushing into peaceful protesters and ran over them.
A footage shows Iran’s State Security Force motorcyclists charging into protesters in Karaj and beating them with batons.
A video shows Iranian authorities are transferring tanks
Tanks stationed in Valiasr Square of Tehran to intimidate the public can be seen in photos.
The State Security Force used pepper gas against protesters on December 29, 2017, in the northern city of Rasht to disperse the crowd.
The State Security Force on December 30, 2017, attacked and beat people with batons in Enghelab Square in Tehran.
Basij forces closed the entrance door of the Tehran University to students and attacked them, firing tear gas.
Intelligence agencies in western city of Sanandaj, filmed the demonstration using UAV while intelligence agents used cameras to film protesters in the ground.
Intelligence agents in western city of Sanandaj, filmed the demonstration using UAV while while intelligence agents use cameras to film protesters on the ground. The Sanandaj Intelligence Agency has also threatened Kurd journalists and activists via telephone not to publish any material in support of popular protests in the media
Freedom of expression
Access to the internet
Free Internet access is the basic right of every citizen. Iranian authorities however blocked the Instagram, Telegram and mobile data and suppressed digital communication to prevent leaking news of nationwide uprising.
Among the admissions made by officials and the state media, the following can be mentioned:
Telegram and Instagram services were interrupted on all platforms of internet like fixed mobile and Irancell lines. According to the ILNA reporter, after telegram and Instagram interruptions on mobile Internet and Irancell networks, fixed-line DSL internet was disconnected as well. An informed source announced a few days ago: According to the recent events in the past few days, it was ordered in the event of gatherings to disconnect the internet connection for mobile and landlines.
Ismail Jabarzadeh, deputy political minister of the interior, said at the news conference that was held at the Interior Ministry today that the government does not have any plans to stop the social networks, but when there is a disruption in public order, it’s natural that we restrict this access for a period of time. (The state-run ILNA website – Dec.31, 2017)
Attorney General Montazeri said that prosecutors around the country are on the scene around the clock and were taking the necessary precautions… “The arrestees are made up of two groups. There are those who were arrested on the scene, who are not major players and effective in the unrest… But those who are destructive, the intelligence and judicial apparatus will certainly deal with them”, he added. “(Having) a free cyberspace is harmful for all aspects of our lives … The people should know that the freedom of this space is harmful to the country and families and should be organized,” he said. (The state-run Mizan news agency – Jan. 2, 2018)
Fresh Ahvaz protest to release detainees in Mullahs detention camps
Baghdad Post, January 17, 2018 - Dozens of families of Iranian detainees on Tuesday staged a protest against the corrupt mullahs in occupied Ahvaz Region.
The demonstration was held in front of the Revolution Court.
More than 7.300 Iranians were arrested in the recent protests that swept all Iran's major cities.
Recently, the Mullahs' regime claimed that all protesters were released.
But the protesters complained that the fate of some of the detainees is still unknown.
They also noted that their relatives were tortured to death at the hands of the mullahs henchmen.
Iran has recently witnessed widespread protests against the clerical rule and corruption.
Mullahs have accused US, Israel and Kurdistan Region of being behind the protests.
The Number of Detainees During Uprising Is at Least 8,000
Call for immediate action to free the deatinees and to protect their families
The massive and widespread arrests of youths in different cities, which have started since the beginning of the uprising at December 28, still continues. According to reports obtained from inside Iran and from within the regime, the number of arrestees has mounted to at least 8,000 by the end of the second week of the uprising. In recent days, several of these prisoners were martyred under the tortures.
Despite the regime’s attempts to conceal the number of arrests, it is so high that the regime’s officials in a number of cities have inevitably admitted to parts of it.
- A week ago Mahmoud Sadeghi, a member of parliament, said the number of arrestees amounts to 3,700.
- On January 2, political-security deputy governor of Tehran said 450 people were arrested in Tehran in only three days (December 30, to January 1st).
- "On Dec. 30 and 31, 396 people were arrested in Arak and other cities of the Central Province, 65 of whom were teenagers," said the Chief Justice of the Central province on January 4th.
- The deputy governor of Golestan stated on January 3, "With the arrest of about 150 of insurgents in Gorgan, calm has returned to this city"
- "In recent days, when there were some rioting and turmoil in Hamedan, more than 150 people were arrested ," Hamedan Governor said on January 2.
- Mashhad deputy prosecutor said on January 3, “A total of 138 people were arrested in disturbances”.
- The commander of Kerman Provincial Guard Corps (Sarallah) said on January 2, "During the recent turmoil, more than 80 rioters were arrested and handed over to the authorities".
-"In the illegal gatherings of Kashan, about 50 to 60 people were arrested," Kashan Prosecutor said on January 1.
- According to Bahman Taherkhani, a parliamentarian from Takistan, on Jan. 2, "Some 50 people with ominous intentions caused unrest in this city, who should be punished according to their crimes". He added, "The presence of individuals with a leading role in recent riots is another sign that these disturbances are organized."
- According to reports from the prisons in Ahwaz and other cities in Khuzestan, the number of arrestees in the province is 1,600.
- The regime’s parliamentarian from Izeh said he does not have an accurate number of arrestees. He added that the detainees are mostly teenagers and yourhts aged 16 to 24 years old. Hundreds have been arrested in Izeh, according to reports.
The Iranian Resistance calls on all the people, especially the youth, to support the arrestees and their families, and to rise up for the release of prisoners. It also calls on the Security Council and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the European Union and the member states, and the US government, as well as all human rights organizations, to strongly condemn the mullahs’ regime for these blatant anti-human crimes, and to adopt effective measures to free the arrestees.
Numerous reports from various cities of the country alleging mistreatment of prisoners and martyrdom of a number of them under torture makes it very essential and urgent to establish an investigative committee by the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations Human Rights Council to investigate into the arbitrary arrests and the crimes carried out in the mullahs’ regime’s prisons.
Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran
January 11, 2018
World Tribune-Thousands arrested following Iran protests; Death in prison gives rise to fears of torture
About 3,700 people have been arrested in connection to anti-government protests in Iran, a reformist lawmaker said.
The number of arrests cited by Mahmud Sadeghi on Jan. 9 is far higher than figures announced by authorities.
Widespread anti-government protests began in Iran on Dec. 28.
At least 22 people have been killed as a result of the unrest and government crackdowns surrounding the protests.
Sadeghi also noted that a 22-year-old protester has died in custody, intensifying fears of a repeat of the prisoner abuse that followed similar protests in 2009.
Sadeghi, who said he was told the detainee, identified as Sina Ghanbari, committed suicide, has called for an investigation into the man’s death.
No matter the cause of Ghanbari’s death, it reflects poor conditions inside the prison, says Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran.
“The prison guards and authorities are responsible for the lives of prisoners while in custody, and it’s devastating to hear that once again Iranian authorities have failed to protect lives,” Ghaemi told Voice of America.
Iranian prison guards routinely use intimidation, including physical and psychological pressure, on detainees, according to Ghaemi. “For some people, it’s unbearable and they reach a point they can’t endure,” he said.
Read more
Call for immediate action by international assemblies to release all detainees
According to a classified report obtained from inside the regime, 35% of those arrested during the uprising of the Iranian people are students. Earlier, IRGC brigadier Hossein Zolfaghari, security deputy Minister of Interior, announced that more than 90% of the detainees are juveniles and teenagers with an average age of under 25 (state media – January 1st).
Meanwhile, Mohammad Sadeghi, a member of the Committee on Education and Research of the Majlis, reported that 90 university students had been arrested, and said, “there is no accurate information on the number of detainees and that the number of detainees may be higher.”
At a closed session of the Majlis on Sunday, January 7th, a number of parliamentarians called on the Ministry of Intelligence to pursue the status of detained students and submit their final report to the National Security Commission of the Parliament.
Iranian Resistance calls on all international authorities advocating human rights, in particular the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, the Working Groups on the Arbitrary Arrests and Enforced Disappearances, the Rapporteur on Torture, and all unions and syndicates of students and youth to take urgent and effective action for the prompt and unconditional release of the detainees, especially the students.
Iranian Students Call for Release of Protesters
Iranian university students have stood up for their imprisoned peers by denouncing the Regime’s crackdown on students during the current protests in an official statement.
The University Trade Unions Council of Iran (UTUCI) explained that the Regime is very “fearful” over the current protests and using it as an excuse to pressurise students, trade union activists, and others in the groups most likely to be protesting.
The Regime even ‘preemptively’ arrested many students who hadn’t taken part in the protests.
The statement read: “Randomly detaining students showed how scared the authorities are of an independent entity that voices student demands and represents the poorer strata of society.”
They insisted that they have always limited their actions to students’ rights- which the Regime has ignored- but would not “stand idly by” while their peers were imprisoned and facing trials for protesting peacefully or not protesting at all.
Iranian Families ‘Deeply Worried’ About Jailed Protesters After String of ‘Suicides’
Breitbart, 16 January 2018 - The families of four Iranian students imprisoned during the government crackdown on a popular uprising are “deeply worried about their loved ones,” as the government is holding them incommunicado and providing no information about their status.
The detainees in question are Ehsan Mohammadi and Leila Hosseinzadeh, arrested January 1, and Soheil Aghazadeh and Sina Darvish, arrested January 4. About a hundred other students were arrested during the same period, and only some of them have been released on bond. Iranian law technically requires formal charges to be filed quickly against detainees and does not permit “preventive arrests” of suspected troublemakers.
The reports include a tiny bit of good news for Leila Hosseinzadeh, in that she is not believed to be held in Iran’s hideous Evin prison, like so many other detainees.
On the other hand, no one is quite certain which Iranian agencies arrested her or why she is being held in defiance of laws granting detainees contact with their family and friends.
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