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Friday, July 03, 2009

Some of the thousands arrested during the recent protests in Iran

Names of some of those arrested during the recent demonstrations in Iran. They have been sent to the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners and New Channel TV from human rights activists in Iran. Send additional names to us and or send them to the Guardian’s database.

All those imprisoned during the protests and all political prisoners must be released immediately.

1- Akbar Aghai, 27 years old, arrested on Saturday 20 June in Azadi Street and transferred to Evin prison.

2- Omid Khatami, 26 years old, arrested on Monday 23 June in Vanak Square and transferred to Evin prison.

3- Ali Aqili, 18 years old, arrested on Wednesday 25 June in Bahar Square and transferred to Evin prison.

4- Masoud Asgari, 30 years old, arrested on Wednesday 25 June in Bahar Square and transferred to an unknown place.

5- Hussein Husseini, 24 years old, arrested on Sunday 14 June in Fatemi Street and transferred to Evin prison.

6- Reza Rahimi, 32years old, arrested on Monday 15 June in Karegari Janoobi Street and transferred to Evin prison.

7- Rahim Madadi, 29 years old, arrested on Tuesday 16 June in Azadi Street and transferred to Evin prison.

8- Mohammed Mehdi, 24 years old, arrested on Wednesday 17 June in Hafte Tir and transferred to Evin prison.

9- Arman Jodai, 20 years old, arrested on Thursday 18 June in Toopkhane Street and transferred to Evin prison.

10- Hamid Stoodeh, 22 years old, arrested on Thursday 18 June in Toopkhaneh Street and transferred to an unknown place.

11- Javad Jaberi, 26 years old, arrested on Thursday 18 June in 15 Khordad Street and transferred to Qezel Hasar prison.

12- Millad Soori, 22 years old, arrested on Saturday 20 June in Navab Street and transferred to an unknown place.

13- Ali Akabar Samadi, 26 years old, arrested on Saturday 20th June in Jemhoori Square and transferred to Qezel Hasar prison.

14- Naser Amiri, 23 years old, arrested on Saturday 20 June in Enqlab Street and transferred to Evin prison.

15- Matin Asadiyan, 19 years old, arrested on Saturday 20 June in Amiabad Shomali Street and transferred to an unknown place.

16- Mehran Khoshrow, 18 years old, arrested on Sunday 21 June in Hashemi Street and transferred to an unknown place.

17- Shahab Moqades, 20 years old, arrested on Monday 22 June in Tohid Street and transferred to an unknown place.

18- Shahin Asgari, 19 years old, arrested on Saturday 20 June in Tohid Street.

19- Payman Kahdani, 22 years old, arrested on Saturday 20 June in Tohid Street.

20- Mohammed Bayat, 29 years old, arrested on Saturday 20 June in Tohid Street.

21- Mohammed Mehdi Yeldahi, 31 years old, arrested on Saturday 20 June in Jomhoori.

22- Ibrahim Behrooz Nia, 29 years old, arrested on Saturday 20 June in Roodaki Street.

23- Berzoo Parvaresh, 26 years old, arrested on Saturday 20 June in Azadi Street.

24- Ahmed Ahmedian, student of University of Tehran.

25- Askanderi, student of University of Tehran.

26- Amin Fazali, student of University of Tehran.

27- Vahid Anari, student of University of Tehran.

28- Mohammed Belouri, student of University of Tehran.

29- Hussein Hamedi, student of University of Tehran.

30- Mohsen Habibi Mazaheri, student of University of Tehran.

31- Navid Haghdadi, student of University of Tehran.

32- Mohammed Reza Hokmi, student of University of Tehran.

33- Kazem Rahimi, student of University of Tehran.

34- Maisem Zarei, student of University of Tehran.

35- Amin Samiei, student of University of Tehran.

36- Bahram Shabani, student of University of Tehran.

37- Ali Reza Shaikhi, student of University of Tehran.

38- Morteza Reza Khani, student of University of Tehran.

39- Ibrahim Azizi, student of University of Tehran.

40- Saied Hussein Mirzadeh, student of University of Tehran.

41- Siavash Fiaz, student of University of Tehran.

42- Hussein Nowbakht, student of University of Tehran.

43- Javad Yazdanfar, student of University of Tehran.

44- Habib Khandagi, student of University of Tehran.

45- Sohrab Ahadiayn, student of University of Tehran.

46- Reza Arkwazi, student of University of Tehran.

47- Karim Emami, student of University of Tehran.

48- Mohammed Hussein Emami, student of University of Tehran.

49- Elaheh Imanian, student of University of Tehran.

50- Rooh allh Bagheri, student of University of Tehran.

51- Farhad Binazadeh, student of University of Tehran.

52- Iman Poor Tahmaseb, student of University of Tehran.

53- Azat Torbati, student of University of Tehran.

54- Momaeih Tohidlou, student of University of Tehran.

55- Yaser Jafari, student of University of Tehran.

56- Milad Chegini, student of University of Tehran.

57- Mohamed Reza Hadabadi, student of University of Tehran.

58- Sayed Javad Husseini, student of University of Tehran.

59- Farshid Haidari Zamin, student of University of Tehran.

60- Behnam Khodabandelou, student of University of Tehran.

61- Mohammed khansari, student of University of Tehran.

62- Mohamed Dawoodian, student of University of Tehran.

63- Mahmoud Delbari, student of University of Tehran.

64- Ali Rai, student of University of Tehran.

65- Omid Rezai, student of University of Tehran.

66- Ali Refahi, student of University of Tehran.

67- Saifollah Ramazani, student of University of Tehran.

68- Ibrahim Zahediyan, student of University of Tehran.

69- Naser Zamani, student of University of Tehran.

70- Majid Sepahvand, student of University of Tehran.

71- Hanif Salimi, student of University of Tehran.

72- Mohammed Bagher Shabanpour, student of University of Tehran.

73- Hamed Shaikh AliShahi, student of University of Tehran.

74- Iman Shaidai, student of University of Tehran.

75- Farhad Shir Ahmed, student of University of Tehran.

76- Saman Saheb Jalali, student of University of Tehran.

77- Farhan Sadeq pour, student of University of Tehran.

78- Farshad Taheri, student of University of Tehran.

79- Ghamdide, student of University of Tehran.

80- Hamzeh Farati, student of University of Tehran.

81- Ismail Qorbani, student of University of Tehran.

82- Mohammed Karimi, student of University of Tehran.

83- Irfan Mohammedi, student of University of Tehran.

84- Mohsen Azmoodeh, student of University of Tehran.

85- Payam pour-rang, student of University of Tehran.

86- Morteza Janbazi, student of University of Tehran.

87- Hajipour, student of University of Tehran.

88- Adrin Jalali, student of University of Tehran.

89- Sohrab Ahmadi, student of University of Tehran.

90- Reza Zinali, student of University of Tehran.

91- Samad Meher Alitabar, student of University of Tehran.

92- Pedram Rafati, student of Amir Kabir University.

93- Hadi Palawer, student of Amir Kabir University.

94- Mojtaba Alijani Bita Samimizad, student of Amir Kabir University.

95- Amir Husseini Astiri, student of Amir Kabir University.

96- Mitra Ali, student of Amir Kabir University.

97- Ahmed Jaberi, student of Amir Kabir University.

98- Amir Kalhor, student of Open University of Karaj.

99- Hesam Nasiri, student of Open University of Central Tehran.

100- Ali Bikas, PHD student in History.

101- Mojtaba Mohammedian, Open University Babol.

102- Amir Hussein Mohammedi, Open University Mobid.

103- Siawash Salimi Nejad, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

104- Mohsen Barzegar, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

105- Iman Sedighi, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

106- Hesamdin Bagheri, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

107- Alireza Kiani, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

108- Alireza Kiani, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

109- Milad Hussieni Keshtan, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

110- Ali Nazari, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

111- Ashkan Zahbanian, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

112- Ali Daniazi, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

113- Rahman Yaghoobi, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

114- Maziyar Yazdani, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

115- Ali Abbasi, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

116- Showane Merikhi, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

117- Mohsen Barzegar, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

118- Mohammed Elmi, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

119- Nima Nahvi, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

120 - Hamir Reza Jahan Tigh, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

121- Marjan Faizi, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

122- Sogand Alikhah, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

123- Siamand Ghiasi, student of Mazendaran University and Science University of Noshirvani Babol.

124- Mohammed Jafari, University of Kermanshah (several other students of this university have been arrested).

125- Payam Haider Qazvini, International University of Imam Khomeini of Qazvin.

126- Nasim Riahi, International University of Imam Khomeini of Qazvin.

127- Mojtaba Rahimi, International University of Imam Khomeini of Qazvin.

128- Atta Rashidi, International University of Imam Khomeini of Qazvin.

129- Hussein Rashidian, University lecturer.

130- Fazli, University lecturer.

131- Darvish, University lecturer.

132- Imani, University lecturer.

133- Alborzi, University lecturer.

134- Siawash Hatam Buali, University of Hamadan.

135- Hujat Bakhtiari Buali, University of Hamadan.

136- Mehdi Mosafer Buali, University of Hamadan.

137- Pouria Sharifian Buali, University of Hamadan.

138- Reza Jafarian Buali, University of Hamadan.

139- Mustafa Mehdizadeh Buali, University of Hamadan.

140- Amin Nazari Buali, University of Hamadan.

141- Mohammed Sayadi Buali, University of Hamadan.

142- Sajad Bazoovand, Teacher Training College.

143- Naseh Faridi, graduate of Teacher Training College.

144-169- Twenty five students from Semnan University.

170- Reza Lotfi Ferdosi, University of Mashad.

171- Ali Shojai, Hormozgan University.

172- Ismail Jalilvand, Shiraz University.

173- Hamdollah Namjoo, Shiraz University.

174- Majid Dri Alame, Tabatai University.

175- Hussein Rahimi, University of Ahvaz.

176- Amin Nikzadeh, Ahvaz University.

177- Amir Mardani, Tabriz University.

178- Amin Jahani, Tabriz University.

179- Mohammed Qaem Maqami, Graduate of Tehran University.

180-200- More than 20 people who had gathered in Laleh Park in Tehran were arrested by security forces. Their names have not yet been disclosed

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Protest to commemorate Kianoush Asa

On July 1 in Kermanshah, 6,000 people came out onto the streest to commemorate Kianoush Asa, who had been killed by the regime during its attack on protestors in Tehran. He was a student at the Science and Industry University.


Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Ashkan killed by Iranian forces on the same day as Neda

Ashkan Sohrabi is another young person killed by the Islamic regime of Iran on June 20 - the same day as Neda was killed.

He was shot thrice in the chest and died on the way to the hospital. He has been buried in Behesht e Zahra cemetary section 257, row 50, number 19.

Maryam on BBC's Woman's Hour today

To listen to my interview on BBC's Woman's Hour on banning the burka, click here.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Stand by me...

To see video sung in Farsi/English in support of Iranian people, click here.

Under the veil of repression

Tyranny and repression unavoidably depict an inverted and distorted picture of the political realities of society. The fall of dictatorial regimes has always produced outcomes other than what the political observers had expected according to their previous observations. It is quite understandable that in a repressed atmosphere the true character, power and programmes of political parties or forces, the balance of power between social forces, the direction and pace of political trends and, most significantly, the true political and social inclinations of the people and of various social classes, would not find an accurate reflection.

Iran under the Islamic regime is a living example of a repressed political environment with a distorted political profile and hidden history-making trends. Judged by the appearances, the present and future political personages of Iran are to be found among the likes of Khatami, Yazdi and Soroosh. Apparently, ‘worker’ and ‘communist’ are not forces present at the centre stage of politics. Apparently, what determines the fate of Iran is Khatami’s smile and Khamenei’s health. Apparently, the discourses determining Iran’s future are the regurgitations, over and over again, of the slogans of the Iranian Constitutional Revolution and Mullahfied versions of the demand for the ‘House of Justice’, which under the title of ‘civil society’ saturate the pages of the apparently ‘influential’ publications of the apparently ‘dissenting’ circles close to the regime itself.

News reporters and news fabricators, professors of oriental studies, experts from the Western states, nationalist parties and patriots, Third Worldist groups and those ‘smitten’ by the East, which, for a time, for reasons beyond their own control, delusively thought of themselves as communist, are all eagerly gazing at this jumbled scene, this warped picture, and receiving their conceptions, beliefs and inspirations from it. If we believe them, Iran stands at the threshold of yet another Islamic salvation. Domesticated Mullahs, together with an Islam perfumed with the rose-water of ‘modernity’, with Muslim-enough dissenting thinkers and dissenting-enough Muslims, with a law inspired by Islamic faith and a theocrat that respects the law, these are supposed to usher Iran, through a gradual process devoid of any revolution or disturbance, into the era of the second Islamic Republic. This is the ‘civil society’ which, in the minds of the pious Bazaar merchant and his Western-educated sons, the Iranian people have been longing for for a century and, indeed, deserve. Iran is supposedly moving along this route.

However, behind this spectacle, real history moves in a different direction. One should look further, put the ear to the ground, and feel the tremors of the foundations of this reactionary system. The current battle in Iran is not between hard Islam and soft Islam, or between theocracy and law, but between freedom, on the one hand, and tyranny, reaction and Islam, in all their forms, on the other. In the developments lying ahead, the personages in the foreground will quickly become irrelevant, and disappear. In the camp opposing Islamic reaction we will find not today’s petty reformers but the rank of communism, freedom and working-class egalitarianism, the rank of radical, anti-religious secularism, the rank of modernism, and the rank of thorough liberation of women. These are the true inclinations of the great majority of the Iranian people which lie hidden under the veil of repression today, and which are about to make the political future of Iran.

The above was translated by Jamshid Hadian and edited by Bahram Soroush. It has been translated and published because of its relevance to the current situation in Iran. It was first published in Persian in Iskra, No .3, April 4, 1998.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Join June 26 Demos today in solidarity with workers and people of Iran

For details on the various demonstrations on June 26, click here. Some of the demonstrations are listed below. They will be held at consulates and embassies of the Islamic Republic of Iran:

London, UK, 12:30, 16 Princes Gate, London SW7 IPTThere is also a march organised on Saturday 27 June beginning at 2pm at the former Bank Melli building (High Street Kensington station) and moving towards the Islamic regime’s embassy from 2:30pm with a demonstration at the embassy from 3-6pm.

Ottawa, Canada, 12-3pm;Copenhagen, Denmark, 12pm;Helsinki, Finland, 11am; Frankfurt, Germany, 11am;Bern, Switzerland, 12pm;Canberra, Australia, 12pm; Stockholm, Sweden, 12pm...

Did you know in Iran...

* During the past two weeks, millions of people have come out on to the streets of Tehran and other cities for freedom and an end to the Islamic regime in Iran.

* Their protests are not about the farce of an election; elections in Iran are neither fair nor free. There are no basic political freedoms and right to organise. Candidates are selected by the Supreme Leader and Guardian Council and are chosen from amongst pillars of the regime. Mousavi - now branded a ‘reformist’ - was prime minister during the 80s when thousands were executed.

* The ‘election’ is a pretext for people to come out with their own demands, including: ‘We want the prosecution of those who ordered and carried out the killings,’ ‘Free political prisoners,’ ‘Down with dictator,’ and 'Down with the Islamic regime.' The intensified factional infighting within the regime’s ruling class opens the space for them to do so.

* During the past two weeks, hundreds of protestors have been wounded or killed by the regime’s security forces, including 27 year old Neda Agha-Soltan who was shot in the chest on June 20. Many of the wounded have been dragged out of hospital beds and imprisoned.

* The protests are in opposition to thirty years of medievalism and cruelty. The regime stones people to death for ‘adultery,’ with the law even specifying the size of the stone to be used. Political opponents, labour activists and leaders, gays, and ‘apostates’ are executed. Iran has the highest number of child executions in the world. There is no right to strike. A woman’s testimony is worth half that of a man’s and women have limited rights to divorce and child custody. It imposes gender apartheid, segregating women in many public places like on buses. Veiling is compulsory and enforced by threats, fines and imprisonment…

Today, what you are seeing in Iran is an unfolding revolution that will bring the Islamic regime in Iran to its knees and break the back of the political Islamic movement internationally.

Now is the time for people in the west to show their solidarity with this movement, condemn the regime, and demand its political isolation and that its embassies be shut down.

Like racial apartheid in the former South Africa, a regime of gender apartheid must be proclaimed a crime against humanity.

On Friday, June 26, four global union organisations representing over 170 million workers have called a worldwide action day to demand justice for Iranian workers. Join those gathered in cities across the world to commemorate Neda and those killed in the past two weeks and show your solidarity with the people’s revolutionary movement in Iran.

The future is ours.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Ban the Burka?

Yes please...

To hear why, watch BBC 1 TV breakfast programme at 740am, or listen to BBC Humberside. I am on from 47:00-58:00 minutes.

Here is an article entitled 'what's all the fuss about the veil,' in case you want to read more. Also read, 'beyond the veil.'