Iran’s most wanted!
(by: Christopher Hitchens)
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Iranian boy who defied Tehran hardliners tells of prison rape ordeal
From The Times
August 22, 2009
Homa Homayoun
The 15-year-old boy sits weeping in a safehouse in central Iran, broken in body and spirit. Reza will not go outside — he is terrified of being left alone. He says he wants to end his life and it is not hard to understand why: for daring to wear the green wristband of Iran’s opposition he was locked up for 20 days, beaten, raped repeatedly and subjected to the Abu Ghraib-style sexual humiliations and abuse for which the Iranian regime denounced the United States.
“My life is over. I don’t think I can ever recover,” he said, as he recounted his experiences to The Times — on condition that his identity not be revealed. A doctor who is treating him, at great risk to herself, confirmed that he is suicidal, and bears the appalling injuries consistent with his story. The family is desperate, and is exploring ways of fleeing Iran.
Reza is living proof of the charges levelled by Mehdi Karoubi, one of the opposition’s leaders, that prison officials are systematically raping both male and female detainees to break their wills. The regime has accused Mr Karoubi of helping Iran’s enemies by spreading lies and has threatened to arrest him.
The boy’s treatment also shows just how far a regime that claims to champion Islamic values is prepared to go to suppress millions of its own citizens who claim that President Ahmadinejad’s re-election was rigged.
Reza’s ordeal began in mid-July when he was arrested with about 40 other teenagers during an opposition demonstration in a large provincial city. Most were too young even to have voted. They were taken to what he believes was a Basiji militia base where they were blindfolded, stripped to their underwear, whipped with cables and then locked in a steel shipping container. That first night Reza was singled out by three men in plain clothes who had masqueraded as prisoners. As the other boys watched, they pushed him to the ground. One held his head down, another sat on his back and the third urinated on him before raping him.
“They were telling us they were doing this for God, and who did we think we were that we could demonstrate,” Reza said. The men told the other boys they would receive the same treatment if they did not co-operate when interrogated the next day.
Reza was then taken outside, tied to a metal pole and left there all night. The next morning one of the men returned. He asked whether Reza had learnt his lesson. “I was angry. I spat in his face and began cursing him. He elbowed me in the face a couple of times and slapped me.” Twenty minutes later, he says, the man returned with a bag full of excrement, shoved it in Reza’s face and threatened to make him eat it.
Reza was later taken to an interrogation room where he told his questioner he had been raped. “I made a mistake. He sounded kind, but my eyes were blindfolded. He said he would go look into it and I was hopeful,” Reza said.
Instead, the interrogator ordered Reza to be tied up and raped him again, saying: “This time I’ll do it, so you’ll learn not to tell these tales anywhere else. You deserve what’s coming to you. You guys should be raped until you die.”
He was subjected to further brutal sexual abuse — and locked up for three days of solitary confinement.
Reza was then forced to sign a “confession” in which he said that foreign forces had told him and his friends to burn banks and state media buildings. He was told to identify as the ringleader a 16-year-old friend who had been so badly beaten that he was in hospital.
“I was shaking so much I couldn’t even hear what they were saying,” said Reza. “I just signed whatever they put in front of me without looking at it. I was scared they would rape me again.”
The next day Reza and other detainees were transferred to a police detention centre, where he was held for a further week.
On the third day, police officers entered the cell in the middle of the night, blindfolded him and led him to the toilet, where he was again raped. “My hands began shaking, my legs were weak and I couldn’t stand up properly. I fell down and smashed my head hard on the ground to try and kill myself. I started screaming and shouting for them to kill me. I just couldn’t bear it anymore. I hated myself,” he said, weeping at the memory.
The following morning he was summoned by a police commander, who asked why he had been screaming the previous night. When he explained, he was asked to identify his rapist. The boy said he had been blindfolded, so the chief commander hit him and accused him of lying. He was forced to sign a letter admitting he had made baseless accusations against the security forces.
Reza’s ordeal was far from over. He was taken with about 130 other prisoners to the city’s Revolutionary Court, where they were herded into a yard. The judge told them that he would hang those who had violently resisted the Islamic revolution and read out the names of ten teenagers, including Reza. The message was clear: if they continued to say they had been raped they would be executed.
The judge sent them to the city’s central prison, where Reza was handcuffed and held in a small cell with six other boys for ten more days. In the evenings officers beat the boys and taunted them with the words: “You want to cause a revolution?.
Periodically, the most senior officer would take the boys away, three at a time. “When they returned they would be very quiet and uneasy,” Reza said. When his turn came he and the others were led into a small room and ordered to strip and have sex with each other. “He told us that with this we would be cleansed — we would be so shattered that we would no longer be able to look at each other. This would help calm us down.”
After 20 days Reza’s family finally secured his release on bail of about £45,000 — and with a final warning that he should say nothing about his treatment. His brother said: “A friend of mine who is a guard in the prison where Reza was being held had told me he was ill. The night he was released he was crying uncontrollably; then he broke down and told my mother everything.”
The family persuaded a hospital doctor they knew to treat him, despite the danger to herself. She has treated his physical injuries and given him antibiotics and sedatives but cannot perform an internal examination. Reza is deeply traumatised, terrified of being returned to prison and barely sleeps.
The doctor told The Times that other detainees had suffered a similiar fate. “We have many cases in the hospital but we can’t report on them. They won’t let us open a file. They don’t want any paperwork,” she said.
Drewery Dyke, an Amnesty International Iran researcher, said that Reza’s case was “consistent with other reports we have received in terms of the severity of disregard for human dignity, the unrestricted abuse without any recourse to justice, the involvement even of judicial persons in rape abuse and the denial of the basic right to healthcare”.
Reza, at least, survived to tell the world his story. The 16-year-old friend he had to name as the ringleader has since died in hospital from his injuries.
? The identities of all people mentioned in the article have been withheld.
NATION IN TURMOIL
June 12 Presidential elections held after a campaign marked by huge rallies in support of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his main challenger, Mir Hossein Mousavi
June 13 Mr Mousavi calls for vote counting to stop, saying there are “blatant violations”. Government says Mr Ahmadinejad won with 62.63 per cent of the vote. Angry crowds assemble in Tehran
June 14 Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gives his blessing to the disputed results
June 15 He agrees to investigate the election as tens of thousands of Mousavi supporters take to the streets in the largest protest since the 1979 revolution. At least eight are killed and 368 detained, says Amnesty International
June 16 Mass rallies continue while foreign media are banned from reporting on the streets of Tehran
June 19 State television says more than 450 are detained during clashes in Tehran. At least ten are killed, including Neda Saledi Agha Soltan, apparently shot by a militia sniper. Her murder is seen around the world on the internet
June 21 Mr Ahmadinejad accuses US and Britain of fuelling protests
June 23 Britain expels two Iranian diplomats after two of its diplomats are thrown out of Iran. Britain and US condemn beatings and arrests of demonstrators
July 22 Amnesty International says it has received the names of at least 30 killed during the demonstrations
August 1 Thirty people put on trial for alleged opposition “conspiracy”. Amnesty denounces the trials as “grossly unfair”
August 5 Mr Ahmadinejad is sworn in for second term
August 10 “Confessions” from defendants on trial, including a British Embassy employee and a French student, are said to prove a Western plot to topple the Iranian government
August 11 Former opposition candidate Mehdi Karoubi says detainees have been systematically raped and tortured in jails
August 14 Reformist MPs denounce government brutality and call for Ayatollah Khamenei’s qualifications for position of Supreme Leader to be investigated
August 20 Mr Karoubi says he is ready to present evidence of rape
(Sources: Amnesty International, Reuters, Times database)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Allegations of Rape in Detention Centres
Analysis by Sara Farhang
TEHRAN, Aug 14 (IPS) - At continued public protests at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar Wednesday, demonstrators are expressing their discontent with the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, while the rifts among the ruling elites of the Islamic government widen.
The latest disputes are focused on allegations of rape in detention centres made in a letter issued by reformist cleric Mehdi Karoubi, former head of Parliament and presidential candidate who ran against Ahmadinejad in the contested elections in June. The letter has managed to create greater controversy than the earlier allegations of torture and murder in the prisons of the Islamic Republic, which emphasises and promotes propriety.
Karoubi’s letter, addressed to Hashemi Rafsanjani, the powerful head of the Expediency Council and the Assembly of Experts, expresses concern about reports of rape by those taken into custody during the recent unrest and urges Rafsanjani to set up an independent and unbiased committee under the direction of the Assembly of Experts to investigate the allegations.
"A number of those arrested have reported that some [officials] have raped women in their custody with such force resulting in severe injuries. On the other hand there are individuals who have violently raped young men in detention, resulting in serious physical and emotional problems," stated Karoubi’s letter.
The letter, which was made public after ten days and - according to Karoubi’s son - because there was no response from Rafsanjani, also suggested that the issue be taken up with Ali Khamenei the Supreme Leader, if appropriate. Rafsanjani later stated that he had taken up the issue with Ayatollah Hashemi Shahroudi, the head of the Judiciary.
In an interview on Thursday with Saham News - an internet news site close to Karoubi - the high ranking cleric explained that the head of the Judiciary had agreed to investigate the allegations of sexual assault in prisons.
The letter has caused quite a stir among some high level conservative officials who were quick to dismiss the charges.
Ali Larijani, the Head of the Parliament, dismissed the claims at the start of the session of Parliament Wednesday. According to Larijani, the special Parliamentary Committee set up to investigate the situation of those in detention, and claims of human rights abuses following the election unrest, had examined claims of rape and found no evidence in support of the allegations. The dismissal by Larijani Wednesday takes place after he suggested earlier in the week that should Karoubi have evidence in support of his allegations, he should submit it to the Parliamentary Committee which would investigate.
Alaedin Boroujerdi, the head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of Parliament also dismissed the claims. He explained that according to Judge Mortazavi - who discussed these claims with Hossein Karoubi, the son of Mehdi Karoubi - the only evidence supporting such allegations were telephone calls made to the Etemad Melli Daily, a newspaper affiliated with Karoubi’s political party.
Since the letter was made public, Karoubi has been the target of harsh criticism by the hard-line Keyhan Daily newspaper, which is close to Ahmadinejad and the Supreme Leader.
In an editorial, Hossein Shariatmadari, the editor of Keyhan called the claims baseless and called on the Judiciary to force Karoubi to prove his claims or be prosecuted.
But, Mir Hossein Mousavi, former Prime Minister and ostensibly defeated presidential candidate and Majid Ansari, member of the Central Council of the Society of Combatant Clerics, defended Karoubi’s claims. In an interview with the government news agency IRNA Thursday, Ansari claimed that the issue of rape in prisons was a fact and the evidence had been submitted to officials. "Regretfully these [allegations] are true. It seems that the situation has deteriorated so much in the Islamic Republic that such atrocities can in fact occur," claimed Ansari who is a cleric and also a member of the Expediency Council.
In his interview with Saham News, Karoubi, expressed regret about the fact that Larijani and Boroujerdi dismissed claims of sexual assault in prison before even having had the chance to investigate the issue. He went on to say that the claims made in the letter were based on evidence provided by victims who had confided in him, or accounts by witnesses. "So, I am not someone who would write such a letter without evidence or based on a phone call or unsubstantiated claim," said Karoubi.
While criticising the prevalent atmosphere of fear and violence, which makes it impossible for victims fearing retribution to come forward, Karoubi called for an independent committee to examine the claims of sexual abuse in prisons. He went further, saying, "I am telling officials that these insults and criticisms will not force me into silence, I have endured such slander over the past 20 years and I will continue to defend the rights of the people for as long as I am alive."
During a meeting with human rights lawyers earlier in the week, Mohsen Rezaiee, the conservative candidate standing against Ahmadinejad in the Presidential races, also said "if these reports are true, we have to declare public mourning in the country." He has since vowed to follow the cases of those in detention personally.
The issue of human rights abuses and death resulting from torture in prisons became a cause for official concern when it was announced that Mohsen Rooh-ol-Amini, 25, the son of a senior advisor to Mohsen Rezaiee died in Kahrizak prison as a result of injuries due to beatings he received in detention.
While reports of deaths in custody or deaths after release resulting for injuries received while in custody had been made prior to Rooh-ol-Amini’s death, they were not taken seriously by conservative officials. After the death of Rooh-ol-Amini, a special committee was set up by the parliament to investigate the situation of prisons. Kahrizak prison was also shut down on order of the Supreme Leader, who cited substandard conditions.
Since the fiasco, several parliamentarians have called for the ousting of Police Chief Ismail Ahmadi Moghaddam. In an editorial published in Parliament News, the news site of the reformist faction of Parliament, Jamshid Ansari, a reformist parliamentarian, called on Ahmadi Moghaddam to resign or else be dismissed. "It would have been appropriate for Mr. Ahmadi Moghaddam to bravely take responsibility for all that events that have transpired," said Jamshid Ansari.
A statement issued by the reformist party Mojaheddin-e Enghalab, blamed Ahmadinejad and Minister of Interior Sadegh Mahsouli for the atrocities at Kahrizak. "Any action to address these developments without taking into account the roles of these officials would be insufficient, raising concerns about the possibility of such atrocities being repeated in the future."
After the closure of Kahrizak prison, and calls for investigation into allegations of torture and death, the police chief dismissed claims that any prisoners had been killed while in detention, stating that the two reported deaths of Rooh-ol-Amini and Mohammad Kamrani resulted from a case of meningitis. The police chief further claimed that the head of the prison had been fired from his post and that disciplinary measures would be taken against a few guards and officials.
The response of the police chief has left many - even in conservative camps - unsatisfied. Ali Mottahari a conservative MP claimed the efforts of the Police Chief to be insufficient and called for disclosure of the names of those responsible, in an effort to ensure that they would be prosecuted.
Meanwhile, Abdulhossein Rooh-ol-Amini has stated that those responsible for the death of his son should be identified and prosecuted. Abulhossein Rooh-ol-Amini has claimed that in an effort to prevent similar atrocities in the future, those responsible should face the punishment of ‘qesas’ or retribution, which can be implemented in cases of wrongful death - should family members choose.
(Source: www.ipsnews.net)
TEHRAN, Aug 14 (IPS) - At continued public protests at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar Wednesday, demonstrators are expressing their discontent with the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, while the rifts among the ruling elites of the Islamic government widen.
The latest disputes are focused on allegations of rape in detention centres made in a letter issued by reformist cleric Mehdi Karoubi, former head of Parliament and presidential candidate who ran against Ahmadinejad in the contested elections in June. The letter has managed to create greater controversy than the earlier allegations of torture and murder in the prisons of the Islamic Republic, which emphasises and promotes propriety.
Karoubi’s letter, addressed to Hashemi Rafsanjani, the powerful head of the Expediency Council and the Assembly of Experts, expresses concern about reports of rape by those taken into custody during the recent unrest and urges Rafsanjani to set up an independent and unbiased committee under the direction of the Assembly of Experts to investigate the allegations.
"A number of those arrested have reported that some [officials] have raped women in their custody with such force resulting in severe injuries. On the other hand there are individuals who have violently raped young men in detention, resulting in serious physical and emotional problems," stated Karoubi’s letter.
The letter, which was made public after ten days and - according to Karoubi’s son - because there was no response from Rafsanjani, also suggested that the issue be taken up with Ali Khamenei the Supreme Leader, if appropriate. Rafsanjani later stated that he had taken up the issue with Ayatollah Hashemi Shahroudi, the head of the Judiciary.
In an interview on Thursday with Saham News - an internet news site close to Karoubi - the high ranking cleric explained that the head of the Judiciary had agreed to investigate the allegations of sexual assault in prisons.
The letter has caused quite a stir among some high level conservative officials who were quick to dismiss the charges.
Ali Larijani, the Head of the Parliament, dismissed the claims at the start of the session of Parliament Wednesday. According to Larijani, the special Parliamentary Committee set up to investigate the situation of those in detention, and claims of human rights abuses following the election unrest, had examined claims of rape and found no evidence in support of the allegations. The dismissal by Larijani Wednesday takes place after he suggested earlier in the week that should Karoubi have evidence in support of his allegations, he should submit it to the Parliamentary Committee which would investigate.
Alaedin Boroujerdi, the head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of Parliament also dismissed the claims. He explained that according to Judge Mortazavi - who discussed these claims with Hossein Karoubi, the son of Mehdi Karoubi - the only evidence supporting such allegations were telephone calls made to the Etemad Melli Daily, a newspaper affiliated with Karoubi’s political party.
Since the letter was made public, Karoubi has been the target of harsh criticism by the hard-line Keyhan Daily newspaper, which is close to Ahmadinejad and the Supreme Leader.
In an editorial, Hossein Shariatmadari, the editor of Keyhan called the claims baseless and called on the Judiciary to force Karoubi to prove his claims or be prosecuted.
But, Mir Hossein Mousavi, former Prime Minister and ostensibly defeated presidential candidate and Majid Ansari, member of the Central Council of the Society of Combatant Clerics, defended Karoubi’s claims. In an interview with the government news agency IRNA Thursday, Ansari claimed that the issue of rape in prisons was a fact and the evidence had been submitted to officials. "Regretfully these [allegations] are true. It seems that the situation has deteriorated so much in the Islamic Republic that such atrocities can in fact occur," claimed Ansari who is a cleric and also a member of the Expediency Council.
In his interview with Saham News, Karoubi, expressed regret about the fact that Larijani and Boroujerdi dismissed claims of sexual assault in prison before even having had the chance to investigate the issue. He went on to say that the claims made in the letter were based on evidence provided by victims who had confided in him, or accounts by witnesses. "So, I am not someone who would write such a letter without evidence or based on a phone call or unsubstantiated claim," said Karoubi.
While criticising the prevalent atmosphere of fear and violence, which makes it impossible for victims fearing retribution to come forward, Karoubi called for an independent committee to examine the claims of sexual abuse in prisons. He went further, saying, "I am telling officials that these insults and criticisms will not force me into silence, I have endured such slander over the past 20 years and I will continue to defend the rights of the people for as long as I am alive."
During a meeting with human rights lawyers earlier in the week, Mohsen Rezaiee, the conservative candidate standing against Ahmadinejad in the Presidential races, also said "if these reports are true, we have to declare public mourning in the country." He has since vowed to follow the cases of those in detention personally.
The issue of human rights abuses and death resulting from torture in prisons became a cause for official concern when it was announced that Mohsen Rooh-ol-Amini, 25, the son of a senior advisor to Mohsen Rezaiee died in Kahrizak prison as a result of injuries due to beatings he received in detention.
While reports of deaths in custody or deaths after release resulting for injuries received while in custody had been made prior to Rooh-ol-Amini’s death, they were not taken seriously by conservative officials. After the death of Rooh-ol-Amini, a special committee was set up by the parliament to investigate the situation of prisons. Kahrizak prison was also shut down on order of the Supreme Leader, who cited substandard conditions.
Since the fiasco, several parliamentarians have called for the ousting of Police Chief Ismail Ahmadi Moghaddam. In an editorial published in Parliament News, the news site of the reformist faction of Parliament, Jamshid Ansari, a reformist parliamentarian, called on Ahmadi Moghaddam to resign or else be dismissed. "It would have been appropriate for Mr. Ahmadi Moghaddam to bravely take responsibility for all that events that have transpired," said Jamshid Ansari.
A statement issued by the reformist party Mojaheddin-e Enghalab, blamed Ahmadinejad and Minister of Interior Sadegh Mahsouli for the atrocities at Kahrizak. "Any action to address these developments without taking into account the roles of these officials would be insufficient, raising concerns about the possibility of such atrocities being repeated in the future."
After the closure of Kahrizak prison, and calls for investigation into allegations of torture and death, the police chief dismissed claims that any prisoners had been killed while in detention, stating that the two reported deaths of Rooh-ol-Amini and Mohammad Kamrani resulted from a case of meningitis. The police chief further claimed that the head of the prison had been fired from his post and that disciplinary measures would be taken against a few guards and officials.
The response of the police chief has left many - even in conservative camps - unsatisfied. Ali Mottahari a conservative MP claimed the efforts of the Police Chief to be insufficient and called for disclosure of the names of those responsible, in an effort to ensure that they would be prosecuted.
Meanwhile, Abdulhossein Rooh-ol-Amini has stated that those responsible for the death of his son should be identified and prosecuted. Abulhossein Rooh-ol-Amini has claimed that in an effort to prevent similar atrocities in the future, those responsible should face the punishment of ‘qesas’ or retribution, which can be implemented in cases of wrongful death - should family members choose.
(Source: www.ipsnews.net)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
People use friday prayer to Protest, Tehran friday July 17. (26 Tir)
IRAN Tehran, Friday July 17. (26 Tir), People’s Demonstration - 1 IRAN Tehran, Friday July 17. (26 Tir), People’s Demonstration - 2
IRAN Tehran, Friday July 17. (26 Tir), People’s Demonstration - 3
IRAN Tehran, Friday July 17. (26 Tir), People’s Demonstration - 4
IRAN Tehran, Friday July 17. (26 Tir), People’s Demonstration - 5
IRAN Tehran, Friday July 17. (26 Tir), People’s Demonstration - 6
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Did Nokia Enable Iranian Anti-Dissident Wiretaps?
Telecom giant Nokia has spiffy slogan: "Connecting People." But a new report reveals that Nokia may be helping connect the wrong people: Iranian security agents and grassroots dissidents. It seems Nokia has helped Iran install electronic surveillance equipment to intercept text messages, emails, and more. Several activists appear to have been jailed thanks to Nokia's technology.
Last year, Nokia provided the state-owned Irantelecom with a "monitoring center," which enables the regime to tap phones, read e-mails, and watch over all kinds of electronic data transmission. Designed to help stop crime and terror, the new surveillance system appears to have enhanced the regime's ability to crack down on dissent. Last month, twelve women's rights activists were arrested at a private meeting that security forces likely learned about through intercepts. Another arrested dissident was recently confronted by interrogators with transcripts of his text messaging.
"This is an absolute threat to the privacy of all Iranian activists," says Hadi Ghaemi, spokesman for the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran. "It puts them in danger of being constantly monitored by the intelligence services, something that we know is already happening." Some international advocates are now calling for new laws to prevent Western companies from selling such "dual-use" technology to Iran. Read more here
To sign the Bycot letter click here
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
. . . It was nothing less than war! . . .
Lara Setrakian
Reporting from the Middle East
July 9, 2009
TEHRAN UNREST: "IT WAS NOTHING LESS THAN WAR. PRAY FOR US."
An apparent eyewitness account from Tehran today, came to me in an email in Persian:
"At 5 pm we went to one of the meeting points, but there was no one there...At 6 pm we were at the intersection of Palestine and Keshavarz Blvds (the center of town). The police were busy identifying people. There were two groups: the disciplinary forces (police) and the plainclothes (lebas shakhsi). Then we went towards Laleh Park but we saw that the demonstrators were coming from Laleh Park toward Vali Asr and they were shouting "Mir Hossein, Ya Hossein." We asked them why they're coming this way and they said every other way was closed, we had to change direction. Again we arrived at intersection of Palestine and Keshavarz Blvds and the police attacked with tear gas and batons. We were stuck and being attacked from both sides. People had opened the doors of their houses, many were seeking refuge in the houses.
People's cigarettes and the fires people had lit in their gardens were counteracting the tear gas. When things calmed down a bit we went toward Keshavarz again, but this time we were encircled from three sides -- East, West, and the Northern streets and alleyways. Suddenly an empty bus appeared and drove straight into the demonstration. Inside the bus was filled with plainclothes officers who were hiding and wanted to attack from the center of the crowd. We ran away toward the southern alleyways, one out of five houses open their doors for us. We heard shootings - we don't know if the bullets injured anybody. But thereafter the houses were filled with people injured.
One person had his arm shattered in different places, another had a broken skulls. As soon as we came out of the houses they continued to use the tear gas and batons. We ran, but it was no use. A young girl and young man were killed in front of us. Know that it was the disciplinary forces that fired the bullets and were attacking people with the batons and tear gas. The plainclothes officers did not have batons, they had planks of wood to beat us to death. The Ansar (special forces) were also there, they took a young guy right in front of us. The police were attacking people; once they targeted someone they would catch them and hit them to death. There were a lot of people lost/disappeared.
The mobile phones were cut off in many areas. Our only hope was people's houses who had opened their doors to us. They had water and fire to counteract the tear gas and they all had first aid kits. After a lot of running away and chasing, we tried to get out of being encircled by police. The only option seemed like suicide -- we had to cross them, passing through hundreds of officers. They did not think that any protesters would come toward them, so they didn't think we were part of the demonstration. There was a lot going on during the rest of our journey, but all the roads heading toward Vali Asr were filled with cars honking their horns in protest. The police hitting the cars as well, using batons on. We were in the red zone and it was nothing less than war. Pray for us."
Source: larasetrakian.posterous.com
... and they did protest! …
when they could,
where they could,
& how they could …
IRAN Tehran Demo July 9. (18 tir) – 1 . IRAN Tehran Demo July 9. (18 tir) – 2IRAN Tehran Demo July 9. (18 tir) – 3 . IRAN Tehran Demo July 9. (18 tir) – 4
IRAN Tehran Demo July 9. (18 tir) – 5 . IRAN Tehran Demo July 9. (18 tir) – 6
IRAN Tehran Demo July 9. (18 tir) – 7 . IRAN Tehran Demo July 9. (18 tir) – 8
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Several silent days, … and what will happen tomorrow?
10 years ago, on the 9th of July, Iranian students mobilized to demand an end to oppression. They poured into the streets, sparking a number of massive protests against a government they perceived to be excessively corrupt and authoritarian. Within days, however, their movement was crushed by the government. The students were dismissed, silenced, and brutally punished.The efforts and sacrifices of that last generation of Iranian students will never be forgotten. The day they set out to take back their country, now infamously known by its date in the Persian calendar – the 18th of Tir, has become a symbol of the Iranian movement for freedom.
In commemoration of the 18th of Tir, or 9th of July, we ask that you join us for a peaceful protest. Now, more than ever, the people of Iran need to SEE and HEAR our support. Now, more than ever, the people of the world must know of the atrocities and crimes committed by the Islamic Republic against its people.
JOIN US in taking a stand against oppression.
JOIN US in taking a stand for freedom.
JOIN US in standing with the people of Iran as they fight for their human rights.
We welcome all individuals regardless of their affiliations, race, and religion. As our efforts transcend all political ideologies, organizations, and parties, we ask that such ideologies, organizations, and parties, or their respective symbols, not be presented at protests. We also discourage the display of national flags; This policy is intended not to stifle freedom of expression but instead to prevent others from labeling us as a disingenuous political organization. Finally, we strongly encourage the use of positive rather than negative chants and slogans.
(From: Iranian-American Youth, Facebook)
More Info under: Iran student protests, July 1999
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Video clips from last days:
Note:
because, these materials are all made by amateurs and are also distribute by anonymous individuals, their informations like date or place might be wrong!
Tehran, capturing a Policeman, June 19.09Makhmalbaf speaks to people from rome, June 23.09
Tehran Protests on the streets June 23.09
IRAN Tehran People making barricades June 21.09
Tehran Protests on the street june 23.09
Tehran another night protesting from Roofs! June 23.09
IRAN Tehran street fights with police June 20.09
IRAN Tehran night demonstration on Highway June 22.09
Tehran Basijis Attack people but get beaten June 20.09
Tehran Basijis run away and one is shooting on people June 20.09
This can save their lives ...
23-Jun-2009
This is a document that a friend of mine who is an Iranian-American police officer has put together. He is the member of the SWAT team and he's an expert on anti riot tactics. he has been watching and studying the videos and the tactics that basij has been using and he put the document together. It would be great to spread this document and pass it on to the kids in Iran. It might save their lives. -- SB
Here are some simple ways of defending yourself when attacked by Basij or Security forces.
Anti riot attacks
Once caught by security forces, the best way to break free is by swinging relentlessly in all directions. Keep in mind that security forces have to hold on to you, which means they only can use one hand to deflect the blows. Brass Knuckle is extremely effective when trying to break loose from the grip of security forces. Wooden brass knuckle is strong and simple to make. The image above is a sample of a basic wooden brass knuckle that can be made with a piece of wood, a cutter and a drill. It should not take more than 30 minutes to make a wooden brass knuckle. Wooden brass knuckle is extremely strong, light weight and versatile. Make sure that the top edges are sharp and round.
Motorcycle attacks
Iranian Basij motorcycle units use attack and retrieve tactics which is meant to create fear more than anything else. The same tactic was used by US police forces on horsebacks when confronting the civil right protestors. The advantage of utilizing motorcycles in urban environment is obvious: motorcycles can go places that cars can’t. However, motorcycles have disadvantages which can handicap the force that uses them.
The most effective way of disabling motorcycles is using tire spikes. Though made of carbon cratnor material, the Basij motorcycle tires cannot withstand multiple punctures. The easiest way to spike Basiji’s tires is by using a simple tire spike system called Iron Caltrop. This simple device can be made in a matter of minutes by wrapping two pieces of nail together in a 65 degree angle. By dropping a handful of Iron Caltrop on the ground, you can deflate the tires of Basijis’ motorcycles in a matter of minutes. If you ride, you know how difficult it is to steer a motorcycle with two flat tires.
Tear gas
A fabric socked in vinegar can very well protect you against tear gas. Cover your nose and mouth with the fabric and keep plenty of water around to wash your eyes if you come in direct contact with tear gas. Urban Legend: burning tires will reduce the effect of tear gas. Not true, it actually increases the effect and it smells bad too.
Batons
Riot police is trained to use batons. They understand that it’s easy to hit a stationary target and much easier to hit a target that is running away. Hitting somebody with baton is a matter of timing. The worst thing you can do is to run away from baton whirling security guards because it allows them to time the strike perfectly. The most effective way to counter a security guard with baton is to throw off his timing by going directly at him. That’s right. Run away and turn and go directly at him. When you go directly at the guard and close the distance, you completely screw up his timing. A boxer cannot hit a person that is standing 2 inches away from his face. That’s why boxer bounce around. A baton whirling guard is just like a boxer, he needs to time his strikes. By going directly at the guard and closing distance you mess-up his timing and might even be able to take him down.
Riot formation
Basij and police security guardsmen perform best when crowd disperses and becomes separated. The worst scenario for the riot police is when the crowd is together and inseparable. South Korean labor protestors in the 90s were the best organized units in history of rioting. Thousands of them held on to each other (locked arms) and no matter what, they did not let go. It made it impossible for the riot police to disperse them.
Just a few tips. Please translate and send it back to the youth in Iran. This can save their lives.
This is a document that a friend of mine who is an Iranian-American police officer has put together. He is the member of the SWAT team and he's an expert on anti riot tactics. he has been watching and studying the videos and the tactics that basij has been using and he put the document together. It would be great to spread this document and pass it on to the kids in Iran. It might save their lives. -- SB
Here are some simple ways of defending yourself when attacked by Basij or Security forces.
Anti riot attacks
Once caught by security forces, the best way to break free is by swinging relentlessly in all directions. Keep in mind that security forces have to hold on to you, which means they only can use one hand to deflect the blows. Brass Knuckle is extremely effective when trying to break loose from the grip of security forces. Wooden brass knuckle is strong and simple to make. The image above is a sample of a basic wooden brass knuckle that can be made with a piece of wood, a cutter and a drill. It should not take more than 30 minutes to make a wooden brass knuckle. Wooden brass knuckle is extremely strong, light weight and versatile. Make sure that the top edges are sharp and round.
Motorcycle attacks
Iranian Basij motorcycle units use attack and retrieve tactics which is meant to create fear more than anything else. The same tactic was used by US police forces on horsebacks when confronting the civil right protestors. The advantage of utilizing motorcycles in urban environment is obvious: motorcycles can go places that cars can’t. However, motorcycles have disadvantages which can handicap the force that uses them.
The most effective way of disabling motorcycles is using tire spikes. Though made of carbon cratnor material, the Basij motorcycle tires cannot withstand multiple punctures. The easiest way to spike Basiji’s tires is by using a simple tire spike system called Iron Caltrop. This simple device can be made in a matter of minutes by wrapping two pieces of nail together in a 65 degree angle. By dropping a handful of Iron Caltrop on the ground, you can deflate the tires of Basijis’ motorcycles in a matter of minutes. If you ride, you know how difficult it is to steer a motorcycle with two flat tires.
Tear gas
A fabric socked in vinegar can very well protect you against tear gas. Cover your nose and mouth with the fabric and keep plenty of water around to wash your eyes if you come in direct contact with tear gas. Urban Legend: burning tires will reduce the effect of tear gas. Not true, it actually increases the effect and it smells bad too.
Batons
Riot police is trained to use batons. They understand that it’s easy to hit a stationary target and much easier to hit a target that is running away. Hitting somebody with baton is a matter of timing. The worst thing you can do is to run away from baton whirling security guards because it allows them to time the strike perfectly. The most effective way to counter a security guard with baton is to throw off his timing by going directly at him. That’s right. Run away and turn and go directly at him. When you go directly at the guard and close the distance, you completely screw up his timing. A boxer cannot hit a person that is standing 2 inches away from his face. That’s why boxer bounce around. A baton whirling guard is just like a boxer, he needs to time his strikes. By going directly at the guard and closing distance you mess-up his timing and might even be able to take him down.
Riot formation
Basij and police security guardsmen perform best when crowd disperses and becomes separated. The worst scenario for the riot police is when the crowd is together and inseparable. South Korean labor protestors in the 90s were the best organized units in history of rioting. Thousands of them held on to each other (locked arms) and no matter what, they did not let go. It made it impossible for the riot police to disperse them.
Just a few tips. Please translate and send it back to the youth in Iran. This can save their lives.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
More twitter news:
“Head of parliament’s judiciary committee: Mousavi accountable for illegal protests, can be pursued legally.”
“Iran MP: Ground ready to legally pursue Mousavi for ‘acting against national security.”
“Head of the Judicial Commission of Majlis has requested the judicial pursuit of Mir Hussein Mousavi.”
“Ali Larijani, Hashemi Shahroudi, and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had a meeting with Ayatollah Khamenei about elections and recent events.”
Crowd gathers in Tehran square, heavy police presence
Mon Jun 22, 2009 10:40am EDT
TEHRAN (Reuters) - Around 1,000 pro-reform Iranians gathered in a central Tehran square on Monday and there was a heavy police presence in the area, witnesses said.
They gathered in Haft-e Tir square, despite a warning by the elite Revolutionary Guards earlier on Monday that they would crack down on any election-related unrest.
"I was passing through Haft-e Tir square and I saw around 1,000 people there," one witness said.
Another witness confirmed that a crowd had gathered at the square. He said there was also a big police presence in the area but that the situation appeared calm. A third witness said hundreds of police were in the square.
The Guards threatened earlier on Monday to crack down on street protests after defeated candidate Mirhossein Mousavi called on supporters to stage more demonstrations over the disputed June 12 election, which he says was rigged in favor of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
The authorities reject the charge of vote fraud.
Britain pulling embassy families out of IranUpdated: Monday, June 22, 2009
15:14GMT—11:14AM/EST
Washington, 22 June (WashingtonTV)—Britain’s Foreign Office said on Monday that it is withdrawing the families of its embassy staff in Iran, as a result of the ongoing violence there following the disputed 12 June presidential election.
“The ongoing violence has had a significant impact on the families of our staff who have been unable to carry on their lives as normal,” a spokesperson said, according to Reuters.
“As a result, we are withdrawing dependents of embassy staff until the situation improves,” the spokesperson added.
The announcement came as the semi-official Fars news agency reported that members of four Iranian student unions would stage a protest demonstration outside the British embassy in Tehran on Tuesday.
Esmail Tahmouressi, a student leader, warned that the demonstration could be another “November 4”, referring to the date when Islamist students seized the US embassy in Tehran in 1979, following the Islamic revolution, AFP reports.
In a separate statement, the Foreign Office today warned British nationals against “all non-essential travel to Iran.”
The revised advisory urged British nationals to “avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings.”
“At this stage, we do not believe it is necessary to advise British nationals to leave Iran, however we are monitoring the situation with the utmost vigilance,” it stated.
Violent protests following the disputed election have killed at least 17 people, according to Iran’s state television. However, unconfirmed reports put the tally at more than 150.
Sources: Reuters, UK Foreign Office website, Agence France-Presse
A blogger apparently in touch with Neda's family members offers some new details:
She was born in 1982, apparently her full name was Neda Agha-Soltan, and she was at the protest with one her professors and several other students. She was, they said, shot by a basiji riding by on a motorcycle. Also, she was apparently buried today at a large cemetery in the south of Tehran. ABC News' Lara Setrakian writes, "Hearing reports Neda was buried in Behesht Zahra cemetery earlier today, memorial service cancelled on orders from authorities."
(translated by reader Nima) - (Original in Farsi here)
Twitter from inside of IRAN:
If you catch militia - do not use violence do not kill him - treat him as your brother
People of Iran - THIS IS THE DAWN - This is the new begining - have hope and prepare
Soon Mousavi will announce full national strikes, probably starting with Petrochemical - prepare for this
Expect food shortage - transport stoppage - money shortage in bank
Fight between people & police in Tehran (June 21.09) Tehran - 1
Tehran - 2
Tehran - 3
Tehran - 4
Tehran - 5