Happy New Year to all- Niagara Falls, Canada -Jan.1 ,2008

Oakville-

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All

On last Tuesday "Campaign for one million signature" in Iran held

a charitable and pray event for the freedom of Jelveh Javaheri and Maryam Hosainkhah the two brave women human rights advocate. Jelveh is a journalist and Maryam a web writer, both of them are in prison by the Islamic Republic for more than a month.

UPDATE - IRAN
28 December 2007
Imprisoned journalist Emadoldin Baghi has heart attack; another jailed
journalist released temporarily for medical treatment
SOURCE: Reporters sans frontières (RSF), Paris
**Updates IFEX alert on Baghi case of 21 December and 24 and 17 October
2007; updates alerts on Ghavami (Qavami) case of 15 November, 12 July and
15 June 2007 and 24 August 2005, and others**
(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is extremely worried about the health of journalist and
human rights activist Emadoldin Baghi, who was rushed to hospital after
suffering a double heart attack in Tehran's Evin prison on 26 December 2007
and was returned to a general wing of the prison the following evening. He
has been held in Evin for 74 days.
"The conditions in which Baghi is being held are unacceptable," RSF said.
"He has been in solitary confinement ever since he was first taken to Evin,
as if imprisonment was not already enough punishment. As his state of
health has worsened steadily during the past two months, it is
inconceivable that he should be expected to convalesce in prison."
Baghi (http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=24004) was rushed to
Tehran's Khamar Bani Hachem hospital after his double heart attack. His
lawyer, Saleh Nikbakht, and his family were finally able to visit him on 27
December after spending 24 hours without any news of him. When he was taken
back to Evin, he was put in a new cell in section 350 of the prison.
Nikbakht told RSF that the deterioration in Baghi's health was mainly due
to the appalling conditions in the prison and to the harassment to which he
has been subjected during interrogation sessions. "Emadoldin Baghi will not
survive another heart attack," he said.
An active campaigner against Iran's death penalty, Baghi was awarded the
French government's human rights prize in 2005. He was sentenced in 2000 to
three years in prison for "violating to national security."
Meanwhile, Ejlal Ghavami, a reporter for the weekly "Payam-e Mardom-e
Kurdestan" who has been held in the prison of Sanandaj since 9 July, was
finally given 10 days leave from the prison on 26 December for treatment to
an eye infection that has worsened since his arrest.
Iran's Supreme Guide, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad are both on the RSF list of "press freedom predators." Twelve
journalists are currently detained in Iran.
For further information contact Hajar Smouni, RSF, 47, rue Vivienne, 75002
Paris, France, tel: +33 1 44 83 84 84, fax: +33 1 45 23 11 51, e-mail:
mideast@rsf.org, Internet: http://www.rsf.org
The information contained in this update is the sole responsibility of RSF.
In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit RSF.
-------------------
DISTRIBUTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
EXCHANGE (IFEX) CLEARING HOUSE
555 Richmond St. West, # 1101, PO Box 407
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5V 3B1
tel: +1 416 515 9622 fax: +1 416 515 7879
alerts e-mail: alerts@ifex.org general e-mail: ifex@ifex.org
Internet site: http://www.ifex.org/

Pakistan in turmoil after assassination of Bhutto
Beena Sawar: Supporters despair about fate of democratization
Thursday December 27th, 2007
Beena Sarwar is a journalist in Pakistan, former Editor 'The News on Sunday' and Nieman Fellow at Harvard University. She is currently based in Karachi.view


Democracy movement in Pakistan not dead
Aijaz Ahmad: The democracy movement did not start with Bhutto and will not end with her death
Thursday December 27th, 2007
Based in New Delhi, Aijaz Ahmad is The Real News Network Senior News Analyst and Senior Editorial Consultant and political commentator for the Indian newsmagazine, Frontline. He has taught Political Science and written widely on South Asia and the Middle East.view

News in brief-
Dec. 27, 2007

Deterioration of Emad Baghi's health in prison!
Tehran's prosecutor confirmed the news about transfering Emad Baghi to a hospital outside Evin prison.
The life of imprisoned Emad Baghi the journalist and president of the Association in defense of Prisoners Rights is in great danger !

According to an article in Roozonline written by Yasaman Manteghi , the family members of Baghi sent a warning about his deteriorating health situation in prison, and put the responsibility on the government officials if anything will go wrong with Baghi's health.

Yesterday evening, the deputy of Tehran's prosecutor on prisons situation,confirmed the news that; Mr. Baghi was transfered from Evin prison to a hospital in Tehran for deteriorating health condition.

According to news, Today ( Wednesday) at 11:00am, Mr. Baghi has made a call to his family and spoke about the deterioration of his health. The family members said ; Mr. Baghi's health condition was so severe that he could not continue speaking and the call was cut short.

Mr. Mohammad Ghuchani the editor in chief of the banned Shargh newspaper and the son inlaw of Mr. Baghi has told to "Nowrouz" website that; this morning , Mr. Nikbakht the family lawyer attended in Evin prison to meet with Mr. Baghi but the prison officials told him due to interrogation the visitation is impossible.
Mr. Ghuchani added: It was after Mr. Nikbakht's attendants in Evin prison , when Baghi called home and reported about the deterioration of his health.
Mr. Mohammad Ghuchani at the end warned the officials about his father in-laws health condition and announced that if anything goes wrong with the health of Baghi the responsibility will be with the prison officials and the other officials of the country.

Cry " Benazir"*

Cry Pakistan , Cry
cry to your bones
Cry for your daughter
cry " Benazir "
She was one
She had no alike
The rising "Tsunami" from tears
In the region.
Cry for democracy

Mourn Pakistan, Mourn
Mourn to your heart
Mourn not like before
Mourn "Benazir"
Mourn for a woman
Mourn for a mother
Mourn for a leader
Mourn for a Prime Minister
Mourn for democracy


*"Benazir" = Persian word meaning Incomparable

Morteza Abdolalian-Oakville
Thursday Dec. 27/2007


No justice , No peace !

On 1979 i was travelling from Philippines via Karachi ( Pakistan) to Iran to Join the aftermath of Iranian revolution . My stop in Karachi was coincided with the hanging of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto the democratically elected Prime Minister by the general Ziaulhaq an army chief backed by US . Ali Bhutto the father of Benazir , just wanted to bring democracy in Pakistan like Dr. Mohammad Mossadeq in Iran. In fact democracy was butchered by the generals backed by US in both of this countries by CIA and US military intelligence. Now after more than 30 years and in Canada that flash back and his daughter Benazir Bhutto a democratically elected Prime Minister has been assassinated by anti democratic forces in Pakistan.

Arise , arise
The people of the region
For human rights
for civil liberty
for civil society
for democracy

Arise , Arise
Arise Pakistan
Your daughter has been butchered
Arise , the people of Pakistan
For your own human rights
For a civil society

Morteza Abdolalian-Oakville

News in brief-
Recent UN resolution against Iran:Majority of UN members voted against Islamic Republic of Iran.
Canada introduced this resolution and out of 192 member countries,55 member countries were absent , 53 countries voted against(No)to the resolution and 73 countries voted (yes).
" remove all kinds of discrimination and violation of human rights in law and pratice against minorities." The resolution warned Iran for discriminations against Religiouse, ethnic and language minorities , particularly the Bahai.
The resolution asked from Iran to end public haging and stonning and to end harrassing and persecution of political dissidents and human rights defenders.The resolution also asked Iran to end arbitrary arrest of people because of their belief.

Asieh Amini

News in brief-
Asieh Amini , journalist, blogger and human rights advocate in her blog wrote:

"Yesterday was a day of protest to the arrest of Maryam Hoseinkhah and Jelveh Javaheri . The event took place in the office of the Association of journalists ."
"In my speech , i said that ; In one hand , our country has signed an agreement in 2003 in Geneva and agreed to undertake the developement of free flow of information in the country , particularly for women. according to the article 12, section A , the statement on principle, ask the country to use all technical services, softwares and ....what it has in its power to put into its service for that purpose. "
"While the government has given a written undertaking ( yesterday was its fourth year) to support freedom of expression, freedom of speech, freedom of information , exchange in communication and developement of internet....! I asked the participants without my judgement in my speech to judge themselves and to compare todays situation with those agreements and the situation of Maryam and jelveh who's crime is infact the implementation of those agreements and so on . And i said ; do the signatories to these agreement have answer, not to us but to those who have put their signature beside their signatures?"
"In the other hand, the problem is that ; the condition is moving in a way that their won't be any news about the women's rights defenders and human rights defenders.Because today , the women rights activists and human rights defenders themselves have become the victims of human rights , without getting help from any organizations, association or union group for their independent, volunteer activity and ........"

Link to this news:

http://varesh.blogfa.com/

----------ASIA-PACIFIC----------
AFGHANISTAN:
Television producer attacked by gunmen; radio journalist assaulted by
police; another journalist detained for a week (IFJ)
http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/88756/


PAKISTAN:
"So-called return to constitutional rule provides legal cover to laws that
muzzle media," says Human Rights Watch
http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/88880/
- Journalists' union calls for end to anti-media laws as restrictions
continue despite restoration of Constitution (IFJ)
http://www.ifj.org/default.asp?Index=5624&Language=EN
PAKISTAN:
Media regulatory authority threatens ban on live election coverage (IFJ)
http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/88762/


TURKEY:
Court case against writer, editor and magazine owner dropped on
technicality (BIANET)
http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/88881/
TURKEY:
Writer receives 14-month suspended sentence over "Aktüel" magazine article
(BIANET)
http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/88832/
TURKEY:
Trial against singer over critical article continues (BIANET)
http://tinyurl.com/ynvaue
TURKEY:
Hearing postponed in "insult" trial against two journalists (BIANET)
http://tinyurl.com/2g4twq


----------MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA----------
IRAN:
Human Rights Watch calls for release of detained women's rights activists
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/12/17/iran17561.htm
IRAQ:
- President of Kurdish region opposes restrictive new press bill (CPJ)
http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/88887/
- Restrictive press bill passed by Kurdish Parliament, awaits president's
approval (CPJ)
http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/88761/


JORDAN:
Authorities silence criticism by restricting NGOs, says Human Rights Watch
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/12/17/jordan17555.htm
SYRIA:
- Wave of arrests against signatories of petition calling for "democratic
change" (RSF)
http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/89005/
- Democratic activists arrested as government represses peaceful
expressions of dissent (Human Rights Watch)
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/12/17/syria17556.htm

End censorship in Iran!

Alert-Urgent

IWC

For her children sake , help save the life of Raheleh Zamani!

Anton Chekhov the great Russian writer wrote a story with a title " The Bet " .In this story he shows his disagreement about capital punishment. That story and stories alike , and the time and experiences,changed very little the way the human conceive about this phenomenon.

In Iran we have a long way to go to eleminate this inhuman historical trends. Are we allowed to call those regimes in the world today which continue capital punishment as "barbaric". We may call ourselves "modern" , " Liberal" ," civil", "progressive" , " Islamic sharia " or with any other title, but still we lack creating a humane society .

Once again disturbing news is coming from Evin prison. The prison officials have hanged six people,a 27 year old woman and five men . Another women whose name is Raheleh Zamani is awaiting for her death by hanging. She was supposed to be hanged together with other six prisoners , but she was given a last chance to speak with her husbands family to pardon her . She has a three and a five year old children,the authority has given the custody of the children to their uncle,Raheleh has wrote a letter to the parents of her late husband and asked for forgiveness.

Just imagine about her children , a three and a five years old.

Efat Mahbaz ,one of the Iranian women's rights advocate, in an article which was posted on gooya news wrote: Hang the laws and not Raheleh !

"Asieh Amini" another women's human rights advocate, who went early in the morning of Wednesday to Evin prison to save the lives of these people , wrote in her blog: "Raheleh was not executed, they gave time to get an agreement from the family of the husband to pardon Raheleh. Since 3:00am we ( together with Iman)were in Evin and around 6:20 am we returned,three hours of crying,begging ...and praying!!!!"

Link to Asieh's blog in Farsi:

http://varesh.blogfa.com/

Link to the news:

http://iran-emrooz.net/

http://news.gooya.com/politics/archives/2007/12/066106.php

For Immediate Release

Iran: Release Women’s Rights Activists Immediately
Government Should Drop All Charges, End Harassment
(New York, December 17, 2007) –
Iran should drop politically motivated charges against two women’s rights activists facing trial this week because of their participation in a peaceful protest, Human Rights Watch said today. The authorities should release Jelveh Javahari and Maryam Hosseinkhah without delay.
Human Rights Watch learned that court officials have set court dates of December 18 and 19 to try Javaheri and Hosseinkhah on charges stemming from their involvement in a March 4 peaceful gathering to protest the prosecution of other women’s rights activists (http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/03/07/iran15452.htm). They were among 26 women arrested at that time and released from detention over the following weeks.
However, authorities have been holding Hosseinkhah and Javeheri in Unit 3 of the general women’s ward of Evin prison since November 17 and December 1, respectively, on separate charges relating to their peaceful activities on behalf of the One Million Signatures Campaign to End Discrimination Against Women.
“There seems to be no end in sight to the Iranian government’s persecution of women’s rights activists,” said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. “They are bringing new charges against women faster than they can try them.”
On November 17, Hosseinkhah responded to a written order to appear before a branch of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran in connection with her advocacy for the One Million Signatures Campaign. Officials charged her with “disturbing the public opinion” and “publishing lies” and set a heavy bail of 100 million tomans (approximately US$100,000) for her release. As a result of her inability to provide bail, authorities transferred her to Evin prison.
On December 1, Javahari responded to a written order to appear before a branch of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran, also stemming from her involvement with the One Million Signatures Campaign. The court charged her with “disturbing the public opinion,” “propaganda against the order,” and “publishing lies via the publication of false news,” and then transferred her to Evin prison. According to interviews with Javahari’s mother, which are available on the website of the One Million Signatures Campaign to End Discrimination Against Women, the court initially set a bail of 50 million tomans (approximately US$50,000) but withdrew it on grounds that investigations into the case would first have to be completed.
It is not clear if the trials on December 18 and 19 will also address the new charges against them.
Two other women’s rights activists with the One Million Signatures Campaign to End Discrimination Against Women, Ronak Safazadeh, 21, and Hana Abdi, 21, remain in detention on charges of “endangering national security.” Authorities arrested and detained Safazadeh on September 25 and Abdi on October 23 in Sanandaj, a city in the Kurdish region of northwestern Iran (http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/11/10/iran17302.htm).
“The government has not provided a shred of evidence to suggest that Ronak Safazadeh and Hana Abdi have done anything except campaign peacefully for the rights of Iranian women,” Whitson said.
For more information, please contact:
In Washington, DC, Joe Stork: +1-202-299-4925; or +1-202-299-4925 (mobile)

Islamic Republic has banned newspapers of covering news about Zahra Baniyaghub!

*****

Zahra Baniyaghub , the young Iranian doctor , who was enjoying a day with her fiance in a park in the city of Hamadan , was arrested and after 48 hours in detention was murdered. The prison official have told to her parents that ; she has commited suicide. The Islamic Republic has banned all newspaper not to write about her case or else face cosequences.Zahra Baniyaghub like Zahra Kazemi and many others died to open another chapter of crime against humanity by the Islamic Republic in Iran. In these pictures , her family and friends mourn for her death.

Super Young HOT Voice
03:48 From: imryanang
Views: 79,178

Iranian women wont be silenced !

News in brief-Dec.14,2007
According to a news from " Aftab Yazd" newspaper- Friday Dec.14,2007,The case file of Emad Baghi the president of the Association in Defense of Prisoners Rights,will be reviewed in division number 44 on Saturday Dec. 15,2007.Mr. Baghi's lawyer has sent a complaint to the court of review about his clients' three years sentecing. Mr. Baghi allegedly was charged with " crimes against national security"and " propaganda against Islamic Republic". This case file was about a conference in Dubai. Excluding Mr. Baghi ,four other peoples, including his wife and his daughter were also sentenced but to three years suspended sentences. They are also allegedly charged with crime against national security.
Link to this news:

http://www.aftab-yazd.com/textdetalis.asp

News in brief-
Kazem Darabi one of the Islamic Republic's terrorist returned to Iran!
Look at this picture closely, this guy is Kazem Darabi a trained terrorist of the Islamic Republic,a murderer , with a criminal record in Germany.He spent 15 years in prison for masterminding a terrorist plot against Iranian dissident in Germany.
On 17 September 1992, a group of Kurdish and other opposition leaders were meeting in Mykonos Rastaurant in Berlin, Germany when several terrorist ( Kazem Darabi and three lebanese)armed with machingun entered in to the restaurant and fired at the dissidents and as a result of this, four kurdish including the leader of the Kurdish Democratic Prty died at the scene and few survied this attack to tell us and the court the ordeal.
Kazem Darabi was arrested by German police and found guilty and was sentenced to life imprisonment but after spending 15 years he was released On Tuesday DEc. 11,2007 and returned to Iran.The Media in Iran covered his returning news. The regime of Islamic Republic was behind this terror. Read more:

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,522584,00.html

http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/12/d80e1c60-1da3-4cb1-a985-8bc465b52c14.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,511499,00.html

http://www.daylife.com/article/0afbcHP3WP3ue/articles/all/1

http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=34494&sectionid=351020101

Are you hearing , this is the voice of feedom !

On last Sunday Dec. 9,2007, More than 2000 Iranian students from all ideological background and belief came together to demand for the release of all imprisoned students, workers and women human rights campaigners. They are: Ahmad Ghasaban, Majid Tavakoli, Ehsan Mansuri, Yaser goli,Hana Abdi,Ronak Safarzadeh,Hedayat Ghazali,Sabah Nasiri, Behruz Karimizadeh, Mehdi Graylu, Abolfazl jahandar,Saeed Drakhshandi , Mehdi Nouri, Hadi Shafi, .

**Ali Azizi , Ali Nikunesbati, are students from Kurdistan and Sohrab Karimi one of the Kurdish student activist in his speech said: You students are the hope of Iranian !

He spoke about Adnan Hassanpoor another Kurdish journalist who have received death sentence.

They also carried picture of Emad Baghi a human rights and prisoners rights advocate ,who is currently in prison.

If only the unity among Teachers, workers , students against the government of Ahmadinejad for widespread violation of human rights in Iran and his foreign policy happens, that can push back his government.

Iranian students are active reporters and bloggers.

More about students rally On Sunday Dec.9, 2007 in Iran , calling the regime to release the imprisoned students . Kurdish students display their placards and demanding the regime to end its militarism and terror government in Kurdistan.

Nigina Amonkulova - Dar labi obi...tajik persian
tajikistan dushanbe nigina amonkulova
Video
Tajik music

Slogans:

Can you hear , this is the voice of freedom!

University is the last trench of Freedom !

Women's rights is human rights!

Cell number 209, the house of freedom lovers!

These are students of Tehran University. On Sunday December 9 ,2007 they staged a rally in support of all their colleagues who are currently in prison. They demanded all the imprisoned students be released. Currently there are hundreds of students from all over Iran in prison.

Mehdi Arabshahi one of the student leader: The regime is afraid of our unity !

News in brief-
Friday Dec. 7,2007
Ayatollah Mohammad Taghi Mesbah Yazdi: Cultural revolution in universities is moving slow !
He believe it is time for another cultural revolution, meaning for more Islamisation of the country and closure of universities.
Ayatollah Mohammad Taghi Mesbah Yazdi known as "Ayatollah Temsah" meaning "Ayatollah crocodile."
Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi believe that the government of Ahmadinejad must make the situation more taugher for liberal professors ,and liberal minded students in the universities.He believe what Ahmadinejad and his Minister of Science is doing is not enough !!?? Helo !More Islamisation is what he and his other colleagues are seaking?!!
Ayatollah Mohammad Taghi Mesbah Yazdi is one of those Ayatollah, the Iranian people compare as Sheikh Fazlolah Noori.Both of them anti-liberalization of the Iranian society. Sheikh Fazlolah Noori lost his life during the constitutional revolution in Iran hundred years ago and was hanged while his moderate clergy son was watching.Sheikh Fazlolah's grand son Kia Noori later became the leader of the Tudeh Party of Iran(The known communist party in Iran).
According to a report by ISNA , at the research and educational institute of Khomeini in the vatican city of "Qom" where Mesbah is acting as the president , a meeting took place between Mesbah , the Minister of Science , several deputies and presidents of Tehran universities and during this meeting Mesbah criticized the ministry for not being quick in Islamisation of the Universities.
It is needed to add that , Ahmadinejad is a "student" of Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi. What Ahmadinejad is doing (like expelling liberal professors and students from universities, arresting women and other human rights activists , imprisoning bloggers and independent journalists) make Mesbah and his circle happy.
This was written for the purpose of knowing these people and their agenda for Iran and Iranian.The agenda which isn't different from Taleban style regime in Iran,but Iran is different from Afghanistan .

Link to this news:
http://www.aftab-yazd.com/textdetalis.asp?at=12/6/2007&aftab=8&TextID=25537

News in brief-

According to the constitution of the Islamic Republic an alleged accused can only be held 24 hours in detention for questioning, but my husband Mr. Said Matinpoor has been in solitary confinement for 200 days and he is under the torture to confess for the crime he did not commit.

The regime has kept innocent Iranian in prison, people like Ms. Jelveh Javaheri, Mr. Mansur Osanlu , Mr. Madadi, Ms. Leila Heidari , Mr. Abdollah Abbasi, Mr. Behruz Safari , Mr. Jalil Ghanilu , Mr. Alireza Matinpoor , Mr. Abbas Lesani and .........so many others just because they defended the human rights of others and for their own human rights , for freedom and democracy and for free expression.

Ms. Atieh Taheri the wife of Mr. Said Matinpoor in a statement which is posted on online media's wrote:
"God, it is now 200 days that my husband Said Matinpoor is in solitary confinement , being tortured, He can't sleep, being humiliated,can't see the sun,they are asking him to admit the crime that he didn't commit,they aske him to confess while a camera is running and ...its 200 days that i don't have news from him and i don't know what they are going to do with him and what they want from him."
This is a woman who cry for freedom and justice. Like her there are thousands in all over Iran. News that are not covered by media.These cries are geting louder and a tidal wave of cry for freedom can be heard in distance.

Link to this news:
http://news.gooya.com/politics/archives/2007/12/065798.php

A Weapon out of Control
February 20, 2007 Video
A short film documenting the lethal effects of the use of cluster munitions worldwide, with commentary, new statistics and analysis from military experts at Human Rights Watch. Footage shows how cluster munitions have endangered civilian populations from the Vietnam era through current conflicts in Iraq and Lebanon.

News in brief-
www.asre-nou.net
December 7,2007
Another women human rights campaigner is arrested and detained, Is she going to hang herself !?
Ms. Jelveh Javaheri is a journalist and an active member of the " Campaign for One Million Signature" has been arrested and detained. On December 1,2007. Ms. Javaheri was summoned to a court of revolution division which deals with security breach and after a few hours of interrogation was allegedly charged with " propaganda against the system", publication of lies" and " creating public unrest". Ms. Javaheri was transfered from the court direct to division number three in Evin prison and she is still in prison.
During the last two years more than one hundred human rights advocate were arrested without a proper court procedure and on baseless accusation and then released temporarily on a usually heavy bail amount ( more than $100,000 ).
The safety of Ms. Javaheri is under question and the family members and human rights community are worried about her safety inside the prison.

ALERT - IRAN

5 December 2007

Two journalists and women's rights defenders detained over online articles

SOURCE: Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC), International PEN, London

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN protests the detention of
journalists and women's rights defenders Maryam Hosseinkhah and Jelveh
Javaheri on 18 November 2007 and 1 December 2007 respectively, for articles
posted online.

PEN seeks guarantees of their well-being, and urges that while detained
they be granted access to their lawyers, family and any necessary medical
care. PEN considers Hosseinkhah and Javaheri to be detained in violation of
Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
(ICCPR), to which Iran is a signatory, and calls for their immediate and
unconditional release.

According to Amnesty International, Hosseinkhah and Javaheri, both
journalists and women's rights defenders, were arrested when they reported
to a branch of the Revolutionary Court in the capital, Tehran, for
questioning. Other members of a women's rights campaign report that they
have both been accused of "disturbing public opinion", "propaganda against
the system" and "publication of lies" in connection with articles posted on
the Internet.

Hosseinkhah and Javaheri are both active members of the Campaign for
Equality, which aims to collect one million signatures in support of an end
to legislation that discriminates against women. Hosseinkhah is one of the
editors of the campaign's website ( http://www.we4change.info/ ), and
Javaheri is a regular contributor of articles to the site. Javaheri has
also written extensively on women's issues elsewhere. Hosseinkhah is also a
member of the Women's Cultural Centre (WCC), a women's organization founded
in 2001 to promote women's human and political rights in Iran. Several days
before her summons, the website of the WCC was shut down on the orders of
the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance and the Judiciary.

Both women are detained in Section 3 of Tehran's Evin Prison, an open
section which is used to hold those convicted of non-violent crimes and
where other women's rights activists have previously been held.

Hosseinkhah and Javaheri were among 33 women arrested on 4 March while
protesting at the trial of five women's rights activists. They were
released four days later.

RECOMMENDED ACTION

Please send appeals to Iranian authorities:
- protesting the detention of Maryam Hosseinkhah and Jelveh Javaheri for
their online writings in support of women's rights
- calling for their immediate and unconditional release in accordance with
Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
(ICCPR)

APPEALS TO:

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic
His Excellency Ayatollah Sayed 'Ali Khamenei,
The Office of the Supreme Leader
Islamic Republic Street - Shahid Keshvar Doust Street
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
E-mail: info@leader.ir or istiftaa@wilayah.org

Head of the Judiciary
His Excellency Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi
Ministry of Justice, Panzdah Khordad (Ark) Square,
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Fax: +00 98 21 3390 4986
E-mail: info@dadgostary-tehran.ir (mark 'FAO Ayatollah Shahroudi' in the
subject line).
Salutation: Your Excellency

Minister of Intelligence
Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejeie
Ministry of Intelligence,
Second Negarestan Street,
Pasdaran Avenue,
Tehran
Islamic Republic of Iran.

Director, Human Rights Headquarters of Iran
His Excellency Mohammad Javad Larijani
C/o Office of the Deputy for International Affairs
Ministry of Justice,
Ministry of Justice Building, Panzdah-Khordad (Ark) Square,
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
Fax: + 98 21 5 537 8827

COPIES TO:

President:
His Excellency Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
The Presidency,
Palestine Avenue, Azerbaijan Intersection,
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
Fax: +00 98 216 649 5880
E-mail: dr-ahmadinejad@president.ir
Via website: http://www.president.ir/email/

For further information contact Cathy McCann at International PEN Writers
in Prison Committee, Brownlow House, 50/51 High Holborn, London WC1V 6ER,
Tel.+ 44 (0) 20 7405 0338, Fax: +44 (0) 20 7405 0339, email:
cathy.mccann@internationalpen.org.uk

Canada warned its citizen for traveling to Iran !

News in Brief-
Still Valid: December 5, 2007 14:09 EST
Canada warned its citizen for traveling to Iran !

Under warning and recomendations Iran, the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada warned its citizens for traveling to Iran , especially in Khuzestan province and Baluchestan and Sistan region close to Pakistan and Afghanistan.

"Act of political violence , including assassinations of political figures and bomb attacks against the Iranian Government have occured in the past.Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awarness at all time, as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice. Avoid situation where political violence and demonstrations might occur....."

Link to this news:
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/
dest/report-en.asp?country=132000

News in brief-

iran-emrooz.net

Tue Dec. 04, 2007
Iran-Emrroz reporting from "Nowrouz" :

No visitation rights for Emad Baghi !

The wife of Emad Baghi( president of the Association of the rights of prisoners) in speaking with Nowrouz said: I was in prison to visit Emad but noticed that he is not allowed to see visitors.
In his last visitation , Emad have said , he has written letters to five officials and told them ; if this situation continues he has no choice but to go to hunger strike.
Emad's wife Ms. fatema Kamali Ahmadsaraei said; together with Emad's mom , his sister and my eldest son , we went to the prison and after climbing 50 steps and arriving to the visiting area and watching the agony of other prisoners and their families, the prison guard told us "to go back down stairs and Baghi is banned from visitation."
In our last visitation Mr. Baghi was very thin and weak and he spoke about " white torture" experience.
until now there is no response to his letter and he is locked in a cell under interrogation.

Link to this news in Farsi:

http://www.iran-emrooz.net/index.php?/news2/14822/

Resalat newspaper in Iran in it's Wednesdays edition wrote :

News in brief-
Iranian time-Wednesday December 5/2007
"Resalat" newspaper in Iran in it's Wednesdays edition wrote-
Canada's Foreign Minister: The ambassador of Canada was expelled from Tehran !
Maxime Bernier the foreign Minister of Canada on Monday has announced that, Iran has expelled Canada's Ambassador from Tehran.Maxime Bernier added that, both countries will keep their embassies in the capitals and will do their business.
Link to this news in Farsi:
http://www.resalat-news.com/Detail.aspx?cid=91023

In another news, Farsi language " Etelaat" newspaper wrote:
For the first time in the world, the Iranian living abroad can become an honorary consul (???)of Iran. The paper wrote: The offer came from MP Seyed Ali Riyaz the head of a group following the situation of Iranian living abroad . He said: In some countries like Canada because of its wideness, the Iranian representation does not have more consulate (!!??)to give consulate services to Iranian , therefore the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can give an honorary title of consul to Iranian origin , non -governmental and eligible to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Link to this news in Farsi:
www.ettelaat.com/index2.asp?code=fadiplay&fname=/ettelaat

Canadian ambassador to Iran expelled: Foreign Affairs

News in Brief-

December 3, 2007 - 21:52
By: Murray Brewster, THE CANADIAN PRESS
OTTAWA - Canada's ambassador to Iran has been ordered to leave the country, Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier said late Monday.
Bernier says the decision is entirely unjustifiable. "We stand behind our ambassador, who has performed his diplomatic duties with professionalism and dedication," the minister said in a statement.
The diplomatic slap came one day after the Iranian charge d'affaires expressed frustration that his country's overtures to Canada were being ignored by the Harper government.
Seyed Mahdi Mohebi said in an interview with The Canadian Press that he has twice asked for a resumption of high-level contacts up to the foreign minister level.
"It is one-sided love," Mohebi said in an interview conducted in Farsi. "Love should be mutual."
Bernier suggested that the explusion of John Mundy, who was recently appointed and yet to have his credentials accepted, was a tit-for-tat move by the government in Tehran.
Canada and Iran have tried to come to an agreement on an exchange of ambassadors for some time, but Canada's not willing to accept the candidates Tehran has proposed thus far.
"Unfortunately, we have as yet been unable to accept the candidates Tehran has submitted," said Bernier.
"We believe that the expulsion of our ambassador is an unfortunate and unjustified consequence of this situation. As always, Canada remains prepared to receive an Iranian ambassador provided a suitable candidate is presented."
Calls to the Iranian embassy were not returned Monday night, the country's foreign ministry Web site contained no reference to the explusion and it hasn't been mentioned by Iran's official news agency.
An official at Foreign Affairs in Ottawa, speaking anonymously, said that the two candidates proposed by the Iran thus far had been "student radicals" in the 1970s with possible links to the U.S. embassy hostage-taking, but offered no proof of the claim.
Iran-Canada relations have been frosty since former Canadian ambassador Ken Taylor helped spirit Americans out of the U.S. embassy in 1980 before they could be taken hostage shortly after the Iranian revolution.
The diplomatic tussle has been going on behind the scenes for months, the official said.
The Foreign Affairs statement says Ottawa will continue to monitor the well-being of the other embassy staff in Tehran.
Bernier says the Canadian embassy in Iran will be now headed by the charge d'affaires.
Both countries will continue to maintain embassies in the respective capitals and conduct normal operations, according to the release.
Recently, Iran's supreme court ordered a review of the death of Zahra Kazemi, the Canadian photojournalist who tied in custody after being arrested outside of a Tehran prison in 2003.
Authorities said she died after falling ill. Her son believes she was tortured and raped before being killed.
Mohebi said he hoped a resolution of the case would lead to a warming of relations. He also hinted that Iran could help in what he called the pursuit of common interest in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, U.S., intelligence agencies concluded Sunday that Iran halted its nuclear weapons program four years ago, but is still enriching uranium.
The National Intelligence Estimate is an about-face on Washington's previous statements and came amid an escalating warnings from the White House about Iran's intentions.
The report - a compilation of 16 U.S. spy agencies, says the covert Iranian nuclear weapons program was halted in the fall of 2003 under international pressure and hadn't resume by June 2007.
It estimates that continued uranium enrichment could for its civilian energy program could still see Tehran develop a bomb between 2010 and 2015.
http://www.680news.com/news/national/article.jsp?content=n1203139A

The regime is scared of yet another student uprising!

News in brief-
News.gooya.com
Monday December 3,2007

Student Committee Reporting Human Rights: Widespread arrest of students in Tehran and Mazanderan !
After widspread arrest of students the other day , Mr.Behrooz Karimizadeh the student of Tehran University was also arrested this morning.
The security agents attended to the house of this student activist and after searching his home , arrested him. The other student houses also were searched by the security agents today.
There are no news about which prison these students are being held. The family of Mr. Said Habibi denied the news about knowing where their son is being held. They said they don't know where their son is . The informed sources believe that the student might be possibly held in the cell number 209 of the Evin prison.
The leftist students of Tehran University announced that; they would gather on the ocassion of " Shanzdahe Azar" a commemoration day of students in Iran which take place every year on December 7 . Because of this the regime , started arresting the activist students.Many of this students have been also summoned by the ministry of information.
Sadra Pirhayati, Morteza Eslahchi, Kaveh Abasian, Mohsen Ghamin, Babak Pasha javid , Musavi and Parisa Nasrabadi are the students who have been summoned by the ministry of Information.

From Mazandaran province also five students from Mazandaran University have been arrested. According to news report Milad Moeini, Arash Pakzad, Hassan Maarefi and Behrang Zandi also been arrested by the security agents.
It is needed to add that; yesterday Said Habibi ( member of the Student Committee Reporting Human Rights ) , Elnaz Jamshidi, Anusheh Azadbar, Mehdi Grailu and Nader Ahsani were also arrested by the security agents.

Link to the SCRHR:
http://www.schrr.net

-30-

Case of Reza Valizadeh

News in brief-

2007.12.03

http://www.roozonline.com/

Shahram Rafizadeh journalist and blogger, himself accused number one
blogger in the "case file of blogger" in the past in Iran , In a report in Roozonline about the case of Reza Valizadeh, wrote:

"Reza Valizadeh who was arrested last Wednesday with a complaint by
the government, on Saturday evening was transfered from Evin prison to
Ghazal Hesar prison and was left in a cell with drug addicts.This
journalist and blogger was arrested because of his report about
president's office buying four german dogs worth of 600 million Tuman to add his protection team.It was noticed under supervision of agents from inside the prison, he has removed the reports from his blog and instead he wrote an explanation."
Nima Valizadeh the brother of this journalist in speaking with Etemad Melli newspaper said: "On the morning of Saturday in following the case of my brother ,i arrived at the court and the officials at court told me; they didn't accept the property document provided by the family to bail him out, because of the lean on the property."
He added: " suddenly on saturday and without informing the family, Reza was transfered from Evin to Ghazal hesar prison and was left in the drug addicts cell."

Shahram Rafizadeh said : "The other things that happened is that : during the last three years the interrogators also learnt internet and how to write the blog."
Last Wednesday night while Reza was still in prison, the report about the dogs was removed from his blog and a note as " explanation on a report" was published in his blog the " Station".
The explanation says: The report about the team protecting the president had different reaction and a simple report suddenly become an argumental issue. Despite of different and sometimes paradoxial opinion on every report, this report also become a pretext for criticizing presidents deeds."
or: " Some of the media run by groups that are anti-system, foreign radio's and websites and blogs that are critical to Ahmadinejad, abused the report and made a big issue from an unimportant thing to destroy the president and because of this,i removed the reoport from my blog." said the explanation.
Reza valizadeh is 32 years old.In his blog he said :" My intention from that report was just to inform the public. In my whole life as a journalist,i never worked in political section and i always worked as reporter of literature and art..."
Reza valizadeh's other website " Baznegar " is also became out of reach.

Link to this news:

http://www.roozonline.com/archives/2007/12/post_5074.php

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