Det svenska smittskyddsinstitutet och Karolinska institutet hjälper ett forskningsinstitut i Iran med forskning kring ett mycket dödligt virus, som kan användas som massförstörelsevapen. Det Iranska forskningsinstitutet (Pasteurinstitutet) misstänks samtidigt av svenska myndigheter för att framställa massförstörelsevapen.
Lars-Hjalmar Wide generaldirektör på Inspektionen för strategiska produkter (IPS) säger så här om det Iranska ”forskningsinstitutet”; "Det här är en samlad bild av uppgifter från en rad olika länder, en rad olika källor som vi väger ihop. Det är få institut vi har så här starka misstankar mot".
Det svenska företaget Getinge fick inte sälja en diskmaskin till institutet eftersom den kunde användas till att framställa massförstörelsevapen. Samtidigt så hjälper smittskyddsinstitutet regimen i Iran att forska kring ett virus som kan användas som massförestörelsevapen.
Birgitta Ohlsson, riksdagsledamot för Folkpartiet, diskuterar detta på Sveriges radio, du kan lyssna på det här.
Vi på den här bloggen har redan redogjort för den svenska regeringens nära och vänskapliga relationer med mullorna i Iran. Men att hjälpa en terrorstat att forska kring ett dödligt virus som kan användas som vapen är fullständigt oacceptabelt.
tisdag, maj 31, 2005
Ganji released
In Iran, dissident journalist Akbar Ganji has been released for an unspecified period after serving five years in prison. He was jailed for six years for insulting the authorities.
Mr Ganji, who is 48, has been released because of ill health. It is unclear whether he will have to return to prison.
Earlier this month another well-known dissident, Abbas Abdi, was also released prematurely.
Mr Ganji, who is 48, has been released because of ill health. It is unclear whether he will have to return to prison.
Earlier this month another well-known dissident, Abbas Abdi, was also released prematurely.
måndag, maj 30, 2005
Diskussion om valet i Iran...
Fredrik Malm och Makan Afshinnejad i Canal 7s studio..
Tisdag 31/5 kommer Fredrik Malm ordförande för Liberala Ungdomsförbundet och Makan Afshinnejad generalsekreterare för Liberala Studenter att diskutera det kommande presidentvalet i Iran i Canal 7.
Programmet sänds klockan 22:00, kanalen hittar du här.
Iran: Everything is the medias fault!
An Iranian television channel has accused foreign media organisations of interfering in the country's forthcoming presidential election, just three days after the official start of the campaign.
In a special programme shown on Saturday, the 24-hour news channel Iranian News Network TV said foreign broadcasters, including Persian-language radio stations based abroad, were attempting to affect the outcome of the poll, scheduled for 17 June, by urging a low turnout.
"The foreign media are resorting to all the tricks in the book," said the programme's presenter. "The policy of creating division and discord is one of their old ploys."
"Iranian News Network TV receives and records pictures from news media all over the world," added a correspondent.
"Their propaganda can be summed up in one sentence - divide and rule."
'Solidarity and unity'
The channel said some overseas broadcasters were seeking to open up divisions in Iranian society by encouraging members of ethnic minorities not to cast their votes.
It then showed a series of interviews with representatives of these groups, who professed to a strong commitment to the electoral process as well as a distrust of external influences.
"The Kurds will definitely take part in the elections as Iranians because they love Islam and their homeland," one Iranian Kurd told the channel.
"The enemies of Iran are afraid and scared of the solidarity and unity of the people of Iran," argued a member of the Azeri community.
And in a live link-up with the studio, two university lecturers urged all Iranians to study the aims of such "foreign propaganda" to make sure they are not deceived.
No immunity
But domestic media have also come in for fierce criticism over their campaign coverage.
Earlier this month, hardline MP Mehdi Kouchakzadeh launched a stinging attack on the Iranian press after one paper published an article which he said misrepresented his conduct in parliament.
"You are a bunch of liars who don't believe in anything and lie for a loaf of bread," the MP told one reporter.
Around 60 journalists gathered outside parliament several days later to protest against his remarks and what they see as a wider crackdown on the media.
The next day, the moderate daily Etemaad published a commentary calling on the Iranian establishment to accept the notion of being criticised in the media.
"In a democratic system, no one and no institution enjoys immunity or a safety margin," it said.
In a special programme shown on Saturday, the 24-hour news channel Iranian News Network TV said foreign broadcasters, including Persian-language radio stations based abroad, were attempting to affect the outcome of the poll, scheduled for 17 June, by urging a low turnout.
"The foreign media are resorting to all the tricks in the book," said the programme's presenter. "The policy of creating division and discord is one of their old ploys."
"Iranian News Network TV receives and records pictures from news media all over the world," added a correspondent.
"Their propaganda can be summed up in one sentence - divide and rule."
'Solidarity and unity'
The channel said some overseas broadcasters were seeking to open up divisions in Iranian society by encouraging members of ethnic minorities not to cast their votes.
It then showed a series of interviews with representatives of these groups, who professed to a strong commitment to the electoral process as well as a distrust of external influences.
"The Kurds will definitely take part in the elections as Iranians because they love Islam and their homeland," one Iranian Kurd told the channel.
"The enemies of Iran are afraid and scared of the solidarity and unity of the people of Iran," argued a member of the Azeri community.
And in a live link-up with the studio, two university lecturers urged all Iranians to study the aims of such "foreign propaganda" to make sure they are not deceived.
No immunity
But domestic media have also come in for fierce criticism over their campaign coverage.
Earlier this month, hardline MP Mehdi Kouchakzadeh launched a stinging attack on the Iranian press after one paper published an article which he said misrepresented his conduct in parliament.
"You are a bunch of liars who don't believe in anything and lie for a loaf of bread," the MP told one reporter.
Around 60 journalists gathered outside parliament several days later to protest against his remarks and what they see as a wider crackdown on the media.
The next day, the moderate daily Etemaad published a commentary calling on the Iranian establishment to accept the notion of being criticised in the media.
"In a democratic system, no one and no institution enjoys immunity or a safety margin," it said.
söndag, maj 29, 2005
A call for Akbar Ganji..
Akbar Ganji is an Iranian journalist who has been spending the longest period in prison for expressing his views, and defending freedom and the professionalism of journalism. He has been accused, and currently imprisoned for over 61 months, for criticizing governmental officials and exposing the chain murders of Iranian intellectuals and politicians, which were ordered by the highest authorities of the Islamic Republic, both in Iran and abroad. During his imprisonment he has published "The Manifest of a Republic" and has invited the people to civil disobedience. This has angered the terrorist governmental authorities, which by monopolizing the Mafia of power have tried to silence him in such a way that even Ganji's legal attorney, Dr. Naser Zarafshan, is now spending time behind bars. In order to protest his unjust and ille gal imprisonment and the fact that he has been denied a sick leave, despite being severely ill from Asthma attacks, Ganji has started a hunger strike since Thursday, May 19th, 2004.
We Iranian journalist and bloggers hereby express our concern for the well being of Akbar Ganji. Iranian judicial authorities have been neglecting Ganji's freedom and treatment. We plead to other human rights organizatio ns to immediately start pressuring the Iranian judicial authorities for his treatment and freedom. We hereby announce, and conclude, that under the current conditions, the responsibility of Akbar Ganji's life is in the hands of international human rights organization and all the freedom-loving people of the world.
Thanks to White Hawk
We Iranian journalist and bloggers hereby express our concern for the well being of Akbar Ganji. Iranian judicial authorities have been neglecting Ganji's freedom and treatment. We plead to other human rights organizatio ns to immediately start pressuring the Iranian judicial authorities for his treatment and freedom. We hereby announce, and conclude, that under the current conditions, the responsibility of Akbar Ganji's life is in the hands of international human rights organization and all the freedom-loving people of the world.
Thanks to White Hawk
lördag, maj 28, 2005
More stupidities from Khamenei…
The “supreme leader” Khamenei told the people that they should elect an “anti-western” president. "This is one of the criteria," Khamenei said. "Americans have started absurdly saying who should run and who should not run in our election." The reason for Khameneis stupid comment was the US criticism of the Guardian Councils decision to ban reform candidates in the upcoming elections.
Condoleezza Rice was one of the few western politicians whom criticized the regime in Teheran, saying that the US would "stand by the Iranian people" in the fight for democracy. Rice also said; "The Middle East is changing and even the unelected leaders in Tehran must recognise this fact".
Khamenei replied by saying that Rice is ignorant and that the Iranian people should do the opposite of what the US say.
Condoleezza Rice was one of the few western politicians whom criticized the regime in Teheran, saying that the US would "stand by the Iranian people" in the fight for democracy. Rice also said; "The Middle East is changing and even the unelected leaders in Tehran must recognise this fact".
Khamenei replied by saying that Rice is ignorant and that the Iranian people should do the opposite of what the US say.
Vote Rafsanjani, and get the atomic bomb.
Hojatolislam Gholam Reza Hasani a representative for the “Supreme Leader”, said that people should vote for the “independent candidate” Rafsanjani. "This way we will finally be able to have for ourselves the atomic bomb to fairly stand up to Israeli weapons," said Hasani.
"Freedom, democracy and stupidities of this type cannot be carried over to any part, and these concepts are out of sync with the principles of Islam," said Hasani, at a Friday prayer.
"Islam always spoke with the sword in the hand and I don't see why now we have changed attitudes and talk with the other civilisations."
"Freedom, democracy and stupidities of this type cannot be carried over to any part, and these concepts are out of sync with the principles of Islam," said Hasani, at a Friday prayer.
"Islam always spoke with the sword in the hand and I don't see why now we have changed attitudes and talk with the other civilisations."
1000 university graduates homeless only in Teheran.
Nearly a thousand homeless people rounded off the streets of Tehran in the past five months had university degrees, according to the head of the social affairs section of the city’s Office of the Mayor.
“948 of these people had university degrees or higher credentials”, Mohammad-Reza Fardin said today, adding that altogether some 61,975 had been rounded off the streets of Tehran’s of which 60,409 were mentally competent.
Fardin said “20,548 of these homeless people were aged between 24 and 33 years, and 25,556 were married”.
“18,217 of these people were drug addicts”, he added.
“948 of these people had university degrees or higher credentials”, Mohammad-Reza Fardin said today, adding that altogether some 61,975 had been rounded off the streets of Tehran’s of which 60,409 were mentally competent.
Fardin said “20,548 of these homeless people were aged between 24 and 33 years, and 25,556 were married”.
“18,217 of these people were drug addicts”, he added.
fredag, maj 27, 2005
Student protests spreads
Hundreds of students residing in the Alame Dorms located in the Pasdaran (former Saltanat-Abad) area staged a protest, yesterday night, in solidarity with their colleagues of Amir-Abad dorms, the wounded students of Shahr e Kord University and against the Islamic republic regime.
Security forces were rushed to the area in order to close all accesses and to monitor any movement from the Zarabkhaneh area.
slogans, such as, '”Boycott of election, duty of each Iranian”, “Moin the incompetent, shame, shame” , "Rafsanjani is powerless, Iran won't become Chile”, "Incompetent reformist, shame, shame”, “damned bee both - by making allusion to regime's both factions”, "Student dies but won't accept submission”, “Student, Worker, Teacher, Unity, Unity”, “Down with Islamic republic”, “Down with repression”, were shouted by students.
Several students and local residents coming to their support were beaten up or arrested.
Reports from the Vali-e-Asr dorms, located in the center of the Capital, are stating also about protest actions despite the heavy security presence. Pictures of the regime's dignitaries have been set on fire and students were heard shouting slogans from the windows.
Security forces were rushed to the area in order to close all accesses and to monitor any movement from the Zarabkhaneh area.
slogans, such as, '”Boycott of election, duty of each Iranian”, “Moin the incompetent, shame, shame” , "Rafsanjani is powerless, Iran won't become Chile”, "Incompetent reformist, shame, shame”, “damned bee both - by making allusion to regime's both factions”, "Student dies but won't accept submission”, “Student, Worker, Teacher, Unity, Unity”, “Down with Islamic republic”, “Down with repression”, were shouted by students.
Several students and local residents coming to their support were beaten up or arrested.
Reports from the Vali-e-Asr dorms, located in the center of the Capital, are stating also about protest actions despite the heavy security presence. Pictures of the regime's dignitaries have been set on fire and students were heard shouting slogans from the windows.
torsdag, maj 26, 2005
Students wounded by militiamen...
Several students of Shahr-e-Kord University have been wounded following the brutal attack of Islamic regime's plainclothes men against their peaceful gathering.
The students were persisting in their hunger strike which has started end of last week.
Security forces had closed the perimeters before the start of attack by security agents.
The students were persisting in their hunger strike which has started end of last week.
Security forces had closed the perimeters before the start of attack by security agents.
Why Iran's Mullahs Are Feeling Lucky
Domestically, Khameini appears to realize that the challenge of the reform movement headed by current President Mohmammed Khatami has long since run out of steam. Foiled at every turn by the overriding authority of conservative clerics within the state but unable or unwilling to mount a people-power challenge to clerical authority, Khatami's movement has lost much of its ability to convince Iran's voters of its ability to secure change. Khameini appears to see little to fear — and much to gain — in allowing the lead reformist candidate Moein to run for president.
Reformers thwarted
With the reformists sidelined, the more important political cleavage now is between hardliners and pragmatists within conservative ranks. Khameini is said to disapprove of the policies of leading pragmatist candidate Hashemi Rafsanjani, the former speaker of parliament who might have drawn "lesser-evil" backing from reformist voters if they lacked a candidate of their own. Allowing the reformists to run potentially splits Rafsanjani's vote, improving the chances of hard-liners. Even if the reformers win, the Khatami years have proven that the clerical bodies controlled by the conservatives trump the power of the presidency. The Supreme Leader is also concerned to maintain a modicum of popular consent for Iran's institutions.
Read the whole article here.
Reformers thwarted
With the reformists sidelined, the more important political cleavage now is between hardliners and pragmatists within conservative ranks. Khameini is said to disapprove of the policies of leading pragmatist candidate Hashemi Rafsanjani, the former speaker of parliament who might have drawn "lesser-evil" backing from reformist voters if they lacked a candidate of their own. Allowing the reformists to run potentially splits Rafsanjani's vote, improving the chances of hard-liners. Even if the reformers win, the Khatami years have proven that the clerical bodies controlled by the conservatives trump the power of the presidency. The Supreme Leader is also concerned to maintain a modicum of popular consent for Iran's institutions.
Read the whole article here.
onsdag, maj 25, 2005
Russia supporting Hezbollah?
The site axisglobe.comis doing an exclusive about the terrorist organization Hezbollah, which is supported by the Iranian regime and its ties with the Russian president Putin.
“This was Putin`s revival of the traditional Soviet policy. During the USSR era its leadership used to divide the international terrorists into categories; "freedom fighters" and "radical elements". The first served Moscow's geopolitical interests and received its support. The others, acting against the USSR, or declining to accept its sponsorship, were labeled "terrorists". Today Moscow's policies and methods are identical. The pro-Iranian Hezbollah stands out among those who benefit from the Kremlin's support.”
And
“Putin`s declarations about "Russia's uncompromising battle against international terrorism" are taking place simultaneously with the contacts of the Russian Ministry of foreign Affairs with the leaders of Hezbollah. Their emissaries in Russia recruit potential suicide bombers without restraint or opposition on behalf of the local authorities. They purchase arms in the areas of the ex-USSR, which are now under Russian control. Russian ex-military experts train militants of Hezbollah before they infiltrate Iraq.”
Read more here..
“This was Putin`s revival of the traditional Soviet policy. During the USSR era its leadership used to divide the international terrorists into categories; "freedom fighters" and "radical elements". The first served Moscow's geopolitical interests and received its support. The others, acting against the USSR, or declining to accept its sponsorship, were labeled "terrorists". Today Moscow's policies and methods are identical. The pro-Iranian Hezbollah stands out among those who benefit from the Kremlin's support.”
And
“Putin`s declarations about "Russia's uncompromising battle against international terrorism" are taking place simultaneously with the contacts of the Russian Ministry of foreign Affairs with the leaders of Hezbollah. Their emissaries in Russia recruit potential suicide bombers without restraint or opposition on behalf of the local authorities. They purchase arms in the areas of the ex-USSR, which are now under Russian control. Russian ex-military experts train militants of Hezbollah before they infiltrate Iraq.”
Read more here..
tisdag, maj 24, 2005
Like a bad joke..
Today the Guardian Council approved the reform camps two strongest candidates, Moin and Mehralizadeh. The Council changed its mind after the “supreme leader” Khamenei who sent a letter to the council saying that it should approve Moin and Mehralizadeh.
The head of the Guardian Council, Ahmad Jannati wrote; "As you consider it desirable that all people in the country from different interests have the opportunity to take part (in presidential election), the competence of Mr Moin and Mr Mehralizadeh by the GC is recognized."
It seems like the second theory was correct, the “supreme leader” Khamenei was aware and approved the Councils decision to reject Moins candidacy from the beginning. So that he the same day could write a letter asking the council to approve Moin. The day after the council grants Khameneis wishes.
This way Khamenei thinks he can gain popularity among the youth, by being the man who saves the reform camp. He also shows his muscles, making any upcoming president aware of who is really in charge of the country. And if Moin or Mehralizadeh win they will be in gratitude to him.
Khamenei also hopes that the two reform candidates will split the young vote outmaneuvering Rafsanjani who needs the young vote to win and clearing the path for one of the conservatives close to him. And this way Khamenei also can stop the student demonstrations and also increase the voter turnout, and this way ducking national and international criticism.
The head of the Guardian Council, Ahmad Jannati wrote; "As you consider it desirable that all people in the country from different interests have the opportunity to take part (in presidential election), the competence of Mr Moin and Mr Mehralizadeh by the GC is recognized."
It seems like the second theory was correct, the “supreme leader” Khamenei was aware and approved the Councils decision to reject Moins candidacy from the beginning. So that he the same day could write a letter asking the council to approve Moin. The day after the council grants Khameneis wishes.
This way Khamenei thinks he can gain popularity among the youth, by being the man who saves the reform camp. He also shows his muscles, making any upcoming president aware of who is really in charge of the country. And if Moin or Mehralizadeh win they will be in gratitude to him.
Khamenei also hopes that the two reform candidates will split the young vote outmaneuvering Rafsanjani who needs the young vote to win and clearing the path for one of the conservatives close to him. And this way Khamenei also can stop the student demonstrations and also increase the voter turnout, and this way ducking national and international criticism.
”Down with dictatorship, down with tyranny”
Hundreds of students gathered around Tehran University and protested against as they said: “an upcoming sham presidential election”. The students chanted; “down with dictatorship, down with tyranny” and “referendum, referendum, this is what the people demand”.
The regime Security forces have been called to the area around the university, and the main roads have been blocked so that no one else can join the protesters. The interior minister has so far ordered the security forces not to confront the students.
The students have announced that further protest will be held tomorrow at 09:00 am local Tehran time at Sharif University.
You can help the students; spreads the news on you’re bloggs and make people aware of the protests. Raising the awareness about the protests will make it harder for the regime to silence it.
The regime Security forces have been called to the area around the university, and the main roads have been blocked so that no one else can join the protesters. The interior minister has so far ordered the security forces not to confront the students.
The students have announced that further protest will be held tomorrow at 09:00 am local Tehran time at Sharif University.
You can help the students; spreads the news on you’re bloggs and make people aware of the protests. Raising the awareness about the protests will make it harder for the regime to silence it.
måndag, maj 23, 2005
Khamenei is losing control or just cleaver?
Of 1010 registered candidates the “Guardian Council” only approved six for the presidential elections. All the candidates in the reform camp were banned from running in the elections. The news has been criticized from the reform camp who has threatened to boycott the elections. During last years parliamentary elections over 2 000 reformists were barred from the elections which lead to a record low voter turnout.
The candidates which the Guardian Council approved were the former president Rafsanjani, the former police chief Mohammad Ghalibaf, former radio and television chief Ali Larijani, Teheran Mayo Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former head of the revolutionary guards Mohsen Rezai and the former parliamentary speaker Mahdi Karroubi.
The council is appointed and has close ties to the “supreme leader” Khamenei. The council also barred women from running in the elections.
The former culture minister Mostafa Moin was the reform camps strongest candidate and the only candidate of Iran’s largest reform party, the Islamic Iran Participation Front (IIPF). Moin said today that he had nothing to say to the Guardian Council and that he would take his case directly to the people, saying that the people should measure the councils act as a coup or not.
Barring Moin from the elections would mean a lower voter turnout among the young people of Iran, where the conservatives have little support; around 70 % of the Iranian people are under the age of 30.
Moin was also the only candidate who wanted to continue the suspension of all uranium enrichment activities by Iran and to reach a political compromise with the EU.
Two theories
One theory could is that the “supreme Leader” Khamenei seems to be loosing his total control over the conservative camp. He has failed to gather the conservatives around his favourite candidate Larijani, and he now seems to be afraid of the ramifications of the guardian council’s decision to reject Moins candidacy. Today Khamenei wrote a letter to the Guardian Council urging the council to reconsider Moins candidacy, and allow him to run in the elections.
If Moin is not approved by the council and the IIPF decides to boycott the elections the voter turnout will probably be very low. A fact that seems to scare Khamenei, but not the Guardian Council who are willing to risk a low voter turnout, international and national criticism of unfair and illegitimate elections for the purpose of weakening the reform camp.
Another theory is that Khameneis move was an elaborated one. By acting as he was unaware of the Guardian Councils move to stop Moins candidacy he is clearing himself from all responsibility and can move on looking like the good guy. The Guardian Council who is appointed by Khamenei and close to him would probably never approve or disapprove a huge candidate as Moin without the “supreme leaders” knowledge and approval.
This way Khamenei gets what he wants, a chance to gain total control of Iran by increasing his favourite candidate’s chance of winning the elections, and also severely damaging the reformist camp. And during this process Khamenei will come out looking like the good guy who did his best for convincing the Guardian Council to approve Moin as a candidate and save the reform camp.
The candidates which the Guardian Council approved were the former president Rafsanjani, the former police chief Mohammad Ghalibaf, former radio and television chief Ali Larijani, Teheran Mayo Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former head of the revolutionary guards Mohsen Rezai and the former parliamentary speaker Mahdi Karroubi.
The council is appointed and has close ties to the “supreme leader” Khamenei. The council also barred women from running in the elections.
The former culture minister Mostafa Moin was the reform camps strongest candidate and the only candidate of Iran’s largest reform party, the Islamic Iran Participation Front (IIPF). Moin said today that he had nothing to say to the Guardian Council and that he would take his case directly to the people, saying that the people should measure the councils act as a coup or not.
Barring Moin from the elections would mean a lower voter turnout among the young people of Iran, where the conservatives have little support; around 70 % of the Iranian people are under the age of 30.
Moin was also the only candidate who wanted to continue the suspension of all uranium enrichment activities by Iran and to reach a political compromise with the EU.
Two theories
One theory could is that the “supreme Leader” Khamenei seems to be loosing his total control over the conservative camp. He has failed to gather the conservatives around his favourite candidate Larijani, and he now seems to be afraid of the ramifications of the guardian council’s decision to reject Moins candidacy. Today Khamenei wrote a letter to the Guardian Council urging the council to reconsider Moins candidacy, and allow him to run in the elections.
If Moin is not approved by the council and the IIPF decides to boycott the elections the voter turnout will probably be very low. A fact that seems to scare Khamenei, but not the Guardian Council who are willing to risk a low voter turnout, international and national criticism of unfair and illegitimate elections for the purpose of weakening the reform camp.
Another theory is that Khameneis move was an elaborated one. By acting as he was unaware of the Guardian Councils move to stop Moins candidacy he is clearing himself from all responsibility and can move on looking like the good guy. The Guardian Council who is appointed by Khamenei and close to him would probably never approve or disapprove a huge candidate as Moin without the “supreme leaders” knowledge and approval.
This way Khamenei gets what he wants, a chance to gain total control of Iran by increasing his favourite candidate’s chance of winning the elections, and also severely damaging the reformist camp. And during this process Khamenei will come out looking like the good guy who did his best for convincing the Guardian Council to approve Moin as a candidate and save the reform camp.
The regime wants to reconsider its ties with Canada
Some senior members of the conservative ruled parliament urged the country to review its diplomatic and commercial ties with Canada. Canada has already frozen its bilateral ties with Iran in protest against the regimes refusal to investigate the death of Zahra Kazemi. Zahra Kazemi was arrested while taking photographs of mourning mothers outside the notorious Evin prison, where most of the Iranian dissidents are held. Zahra Kazemi was beaten to death during the interrogations in July 2003.
The parliaments National Security and Foreign policy committee said that the Iranian foreign ministry should reconsider the level of ties with Canada. In a statement the committee said;
"Canada... is shedding crocodile tears for the death of Zahra Kazemi, which has been condemned by the Iranian government, with the judiciary firmly following up the case."
But the Iranian government first said that Kazemi died of a stroke, then admitted that she had been beaten and finally said that the photographer had just fainted and hit her head. Kazemis family in Canada has tried to get her body taken home to Canada, but the Iranian government denied the request and quickly buried her. Last year the Teheran judiciary acquitted a intelligence officer who was accused of her murder. Kazemis lawyers have appealed the verdict and demands a new investigation.
The parliament committee also brought up the case of Keyvan Tabesh who was killed by Canadian police after attacking the police with a machete. But the committee demanded that the foreign ministry should "seriously follow up the case relating to the murder of Tabesh, who was unjustly killed by Canadian police".
The parliaments National Security and Foreign policy committee said that the Iranian foreign ministry should reconsider the level of ties with Canada. In a statement the committee said;
"Canada... is shedding crocodile tears for the death of Zahra Kazemi, which has been condemned by the Iranian government, with the judiciary firmly following up the case."
But the Iranian government first said that Kazemi died of a stroke, then admitted that she had been beaten and finally said that the photographer had just fainted and hit her head. Kazemis family in Canada has tried to get her body taken home to Canada, but the Iranian government denied the request and quickly buried her. Last year the Teheran judiciary acquitted a intelligence officer who was accused of her murder. Kazemis lawyers have appealed the verdict and demands a new investigation.
The parliament committee also brought up the case of Keyvan Tabesh who was killed by Canadian police after attacking the police with a machete. But the committee demanded that the foreign ministry should "seriously follow up the case relating to the murder of Tabesh, who was unjustly killed by Canadian police".
Akbar Ganji; No one should be imprisoned for expressing an opinion..
The journalist Akbar Ganji has announced that he is going on a hunger strike to protest against his imprisonment. Reporters without borders have previously reported that the journalist health has deteriorated considerably in prison; the organization has also demanded his unconditional release.
In a statement Ganji said; "I protest against my illegal and unjust imprisonment, all the more so because I cannot even pursue my treatment outside Evin prison. I am beginning an unlimited hunger strike this evening. No one should be imprisoned - not even for a second - for expressing an opinion."
Akbar Ganji is seriously ill after spending five years in prison for reporting about the former president and now president candidate Rafsanjanis part in murders of journalists and intellectuals during 1998. He was sentenced to six years in prison.
For more on Akbar Ganji read here here(swedish).
In a statement Ganji said; "I protest against my illegal and unjust imprisonment, all the more so because I cannot even pursue my treatment outside Evin prison. I am beginning an unlimited hunger strike this evening. No one should be imprisoned - not even for a second - for expressing an opinion."
Akbar Ganji is seriously ill after spending five years in prison for reporting about the former president and now president candidate Rafsanjanis part in murders of journalists and intellectuals during 1998. He was sentenced to six years in prison.
For more on Akbar Ganji read here here(swedish).
Journalists threaten to boycott news from the parliament...
The relationship between journalist and the conservative members of the parliament is at best hostile. The situation deteriorated when a influent member of the parliament Mehdi Kouchekzadeh attacked a journalist of the independent paper “Sharq” and accused him for spreading lies about him.
Kouchekzadeh grabbed the journalist by the chin dragging him in the corridor and at the same time insulting him in the open. Kouchekzadeh is also a member of the “parliament’s human rights committee”.
In March another journalist of the reform paper “Hambastegi” was banned from the parlament, and so was the newspaper. After the journalist had reported on the benefits the parliamentarians had granted themselves. This report choked people as the “new” conservative majority has promised to live humble and stop the corruption. The journalist was barred for “lack of politeness and decency”.
Journalists in Iran are now threatening to boycott all news from the parliament if the prosecutions of journalists are not stopped by the parliamentarians. Reporters without boarders have described Iran as the biggest prison for journalists in the Middle East.
Kouchekzadeh grabbed the journalist by the chin dragging him in the corridor and at the same time insulting him in the open. Kouchekzadeh is also a member of the “parliament’s human rights committee”.
In March another journalist of the reform paper “Hambastegi” was banned from the parlament, and so was the newspaper. After the journalist had reported on the benefits the parliamentarians had granted themselves. This report choked people as the “new” conservative majority has promised to live humble and stop the corruption. The journalist was barred for “lack of politeness and decency”.
Journalists in Iran are now threatening to boycott all news from the parliament if the prosecutions of journalists are not stopped by the parliamentarians. Reporters without boarders have described Iran as the biggest prison for journalists in the Middle East.
söndag, maj 22, 2005
Some Rumors.....
In a couple of days the Guardian Council officially announces the candidates eligible for the elections. Rumors say that the leading “reform” candidate Mostafa Moeen has been disqualified and is not allowed to run for the presidency. This could mean the end of the “reform camp”, with no candidate in the elections and no obvious leader, the road is cleared for the conservatives to yet again dominate the country. This also means that the Teheran regime has given up the idea of pretending that elections are fair and legitimate.
The elections will now most probably stand between three candidates, Rafsanjani, Larijani and Ghalibaf. All three belonging to the “conservative” camp with close ties to the “supreme leader” Ali Khamenei, even if Rafsanjani is running as an independent.
The elections will now most probably stand between three candidates, Rafsanjani, Larijani and Ghalibaf. All three belonging to the “conservative” camp with close ties to the “supreme leader” Ali Khamenei, even if Rafsanjani is running as an independent.
fredag, maj 20, 2005
Iran introduce fake IKEA!
The news in Sweden had a short notice about the fake IKEA stores who have been established in Iran. Another embarrassing act from the rotten regime in Tehran.
Something that´s very surprising is the fake stores instead of the real ones that was established in Iran, it shouldn´t be so hard to sign another profitable contract with the terrorist regime from the Swedish side, this time with IKEA, considering the excellent ties the countries have with each other.....
Something that´s very surprising is the fake stores instead of the real ones that was established in Iran, it shouldn´t be so hard to sign another profitable contract with the terrorist regime from the Swedish side, this time with IKEA, considering the excellent ties the countries have with each other.....
torsdag, maj 19, 2005
Canada freezes its diplomatic relations with Iran...
Canada has frozen its bilateral ties with Iran, in protest against the regimes refusal to investigate the death of Zahra Kazemi, a Canadian citizen. Zahra Kazemi was arrested while taking photographs of mourning mothers outside the notorious Evin prison, where most of the Iranian dissidents are held. Zahra Kazemi was beaten to death during the interrogations in July 2003.
The Canadian foreign minister Pirre Pettigrew said: “Effective immediately...we will limit our encounters with Iranian officials to the Kazemi case, Iran’s human rights record and Iran’s nuclear non-proliferation performance“.
He also said: “This state of relations will persist until Iran has taken steps to launch a credible and independent investigation and judicial process into the Kazemi case“.
Canada has already withdrawn its ambassador from Iran because of the regimes refusal to investigate Zahra Kazemis death. But the Canadian ambassador will this time remain in Iran for the time being.
The Iranian Governments official explanation is that Kazemi died after fainting and hitting her head on the floor. A former Iranian interrogator, now in exile, has said that Kazemi was beaten to death after defending herself when the interrogators tried to rape her.
The Canadian foreign minister Pirre Pettigrew said: “Effective immediately...we will limit our encounters with Iranian officials to the Kazemi case, Iran’s human rights record and Iran’s nuclear non-proliferation performance“.
He also said: “This state of relations will persist until Iran has taken steps to launch a credible and independent investigation and judicial process into the Kazemi case“.
Canada has already withdrawn its ambassador from Iran because of the regimes refusal to investigate Zahra Kazemis death. But the Canadian ambassador will this time remain in Iran for the time being.
The Iranian Governments official explanation is that Kazemi died after fainting and hitting her head on the floor. A former Iranian interrogator, now in exile, has said that Kazemi was beaten to death after defending herself when the interrogators tried to rape her.
Antiamerikanska demonstrationer i Qom...
Runt 1000 personer deltog i dag i antiamerikanska demonstrationer i Qom, shiamuslimernas heliga stad. Demonstrationerna ägde rum efter regimens senaste kampanj mot USA, efter anklagelserna om att den amerikanska armén ska ha ”skändat koranen”. En rad demonstranter visade också sin vilja att bli martyrer i ”kriget mot USA”.
Trots att Newsweek dragit tillbaka anklagelserna har regimen fortsatt kampanjen. Men allmänhetens reaktioner på regimens senaste antiamerikanska kampanj har varit tämligen svala. Demonstrationen i Qom är den första sedan Newsweek publicerade artikeln om de påstådda skändningarna av koranen, den 9: e maj.
Trots att Newsweek dragit tillbaka anklagelserna har regimen fortsatt kampanjen. Men allmänhetens reaktioner på regimens senaste antiamerikanska kampanj har varit tämligen svala. Demonstrationen i Qom är den första sedan Newsweek publicerade artikeln om de påstådda skändningarna av koranen, den 9: e maj.
onsdag, maj 18, 2005
Kina trotsar sanktioner och säljer missilkomponenter till Iran...
USA har just nu infört sanktioner mot 80 kinesiska varor och företag, anledningen är att Kina just nu exporterar delar till Iran nya missilprojekt. Det statsägda företaget China North Industry Corp och China Great Wall Industry Corp. är de företag som leder exporten.
Den Kinesiska regimen har enligt World Tribune, bestämt sig för att ignorera sanktionerna eftersom inkomsterna från exporten till Iran överstiger förlusterna från sanktionerna. Samtidigt så har Kina ökat oljeimporten från Iran.
Den Kinesiska regimen har enligt World Tribune, bestämt sig för att ignorera sanktionerna eftersom inkomsterna från exporten till Iran överstiger förlusterna från sanktionerna. Samtidigt så har Kina ökat oljeimporten från Iran.
tisdag, maj 17, 2005
Telia Sonera stödjer förtrycket!
Dagens industri rapporterar idag om att Telia Sonera och Ericsson tagit hem en order värd 21 miljarder kronor. Ett av Telia Soneras dotterbolag har tagit hem ordern om att dra igång Irans andra landstäckande mobilnät, enligt DI.
Detta räknas som det största projektet sedan revolutionen 1979, men för att få ordern har Telia Sonera fått göra stora uppoffringar. Först betalades en ”licensavgift” ut på 3 miljarder kronor, dessutom har man varit tvungen att blida ett nytt bolag ”Irancell”.
Regimen har krävt att 51 % ägande av det nya företaget, det för ”säkerhetsskäl” enligt regimen för att inget annat land som USA eller Israel ska kunna avlyssna mobiltrafiken.
Handel och investeringar i Iran är helt okej och bör uppmuntras, däremot så är just den här affären förkastlig. Först och främst så betalar Telia Sonera en ”licensavgift” på 3 miljarder kronor, pengar som med all säkerhet gått rakt ner i mullornas fickor. Dessutom så får regimen av ”säkerhetsskäl” 51 % av företaget, vilket gör det lättare för regimen att övervaka och avlyssna Iraniers mobilsamtal, och lättare att förfölja demokratikämpar. För det tredje så förklarar den här affären varför den svenska regeringen varit så tyst om den regimens senaste räder mot oppositionen i landet.
Bland annat då Jens Orback mötte den Iranske ambassadören, en vecka efter demonstrationerna i Khuzestan, utan att med ett ord kritisera regimens behandling av journalister. Som krävde 70 demonstranters liv samt de massarresteringar av journalister och demokratikämpar som följde.
Detta räknas som det största projektet sedan revolutionen 1979, men för att få ordern har Telia Sonera fått göra stora uppoffringar. Först betalades en ”licensavgift” ut på 3 miljarder kronor, dessutom har man varit tvungen att blida ett nytt bolag ”Irancell”.
Regimen har krävt att 51 % ägande av det nya företaget, det för ”säkerhetsskäl” enligt regimen för att inget annat land som USA eller Israel ska kunna avlyssna mobiltrafiken.
Handel och investeringar i Iran är helt okej och bör uppmuntras, däremot så är just den här affären förkastlig. Först och främst så betalar Telia Sonera en ”licensavgift” på 3 miljarder kronor, pengar som med all säkerhet gått rakt ner i mullornas fickor. Dessutom så får regimen av ”säkerhetsskäl” 51 % av företaget, vilket gör det lättare för regimen att övervaka och avlyssna Iraniers mobilsamtal, och lättare att förfölja demokratikämpar. För det tredje så förklarar den här affären varför den svenska regeringen varit så tyst om den regimens senaste räder mot oppositionen i landet.
Bland annat då Jens Orback mötte den Iranske ambassadören, en vecka efter demonstrationerna i Khuzestan, utan att med ett ord kritisera regimens behandling av journalister. Som krävde 70 demonstranters liv samt de massarresteringar av journalister och demokratikämpar som följde.
Help Mojtaba Saminejad: sign the petitions
Reporters Without Borders today called on bloggers throughout the world to post messages in support of Iranian blogger Mojtaba Saminejad, who has been in prison since 12 February and who began a hunger-strike on 14 May.
"The life of this young blogger is in danger as he is being held in a prison where several detainees have died or have been injured in violence between inmates," the press freedom organization said.
"You must talk about him on the Web and in the media in order to put pressure on the Iranian authorities," the organization said, adding, "all bloggers must feel concerned about his fate and that of his two colleagues who are also imprisoned."
According to his family, Mojtaba initially tried to file a complaint about mistreatment but his interrogators replied they were going to put him in a detention centre where he would "regret having complained." He is currently held in Gohar Dashat prison (in a Tehran suburb), which has a reputation for mistreatment of detainees. He shares his cell with non-political prisoners.
Mojtaba's father, Sfar Saminejad, told the student news agency ISNA, "I wrote several letters to the authorities to complain about the unacceptable conditions in which my son is being detained, but no one replied."
Mojtaba's hands and feet were in chains when he appeared in court on 11 May.
A few days ago, Iranian bloggers launched a petition calling on the head of the judicial system, Ayatollah Sharoudi, to grant Mojtaba a pardon and unconditional
release.
An earlier petition was initiated shortly after his arrest
Two other bloggers and cyber-journalists have been detained since February. They are Mohamad Reza Nasab Abdolahi and Mojtaba Lotfi.
"The life of this young blogger is in danger as he is being held in a prison where several detainees have died or have been injured in violence between inmates," the press freedom organization said.
"You must talk about him on the Web and in the media in order to put pressure on the Iranian authorities," the organization said, adding, "all bloggers must feel concerned about his fate and that of his two colleagues who are also imprisoned."
According to his family, Mojtaba initially tried to file a complaint about mistreatment but his interrogators replied they were going to put him in a detention centre where he would "regret having complained." He is currently held in Gohar Dashat prison (in a Tehran suburb), which has a reputation for mistreatment of detainees. He shares his cell with non-political prisoners.
Mojtaba's father, Sfar Saminejad, told the student news agency ISNA, "I wrote several letters to the authorities to complain about the unacceptable conditions in which my son is being detained, but no one replied."
Mojtaba's hands and feet were in chains when he appeared in court on 11 May.
A few days ago, Iranian bloggers launched a petition calling on the head of the judicial system, Ayatollah Sharoudi, to grant Mojtaba a pardon and unconditional
release.
An earlier petition was initiated shortly after his arrest
Two other bloggers and cyber-journalists have been detained since February. They are Mohamad Reza Nasab Abdolahi and Mojtaba Lotfi.
måndag, maj 16, 2005
PBS documentary: Forbidden Iran
Watch this (22 minutes long) documentary about the student movement in Iran and the death of Zahra Kazemi.
The blame game....
Gholamali Haddad Adel, the speaker of Majlis (the parliament), said that the enemies of Iran “have launched an extensive propaganda campaign against Iran to prepare the grounds for their interference in Iran's internal affairs”.
Adel also tried to blame the “countries enemies” for the lack of public interest for the elections, by saying that Iran is under a massive propaganda attack which aims to prevent “a massive turn out in the upcoming presidential elections”. He urged people to “massively take part in the upcoming presidential elections”, to show the nations unity against the enemies.
Adel’s statement is one in a long run of officials who are already now are trying to blame “the countries enemies” (the US) for the public lack of interest and the expected low voter turnout in the presidential elections.
A low voter turn-out could spark a legitimacy crisis for the regime and a big prestige loss for the “supreme leader” who have put a lot of energy trying to boost the public’s interest for the elections and the candidates, with little success.
Adel also tried to blame the “countries enemies” for the lack of public interest for the elections, by saying that Iran is under a massive propaganda attack which aims to prevent “a massive turn out in the upcoming presidential elections”. He urged people to “massively take part in the upcoming presidential elections”, to show the nations unity against the enemies.
Adel’s statement is one in a long run of officials who are already now are trying to blame “the countries enemies” (the US) for the public lack of interest and the expected low voter turnout in the presidential elections.
A low voter turn-out could spark a legitimacy crisis for the regime and a big prestige loss for the “supreme leader” who have put a lot of energy trying to boost the public’s interest for the elections and the candidates, with little success.
Iranian politicians: "elections not fair"
Yesterday over 500 Iranian politicians and intellectuals announced that they will not take part in the election in June. Saying that the elections cannot possible be fair if the “Guardian Council” is allowed to take away peoples right to choose.
The conservative “Guardian Council” screens the candidates before the elections and can block candidates; last election the council only approved 10 of 814 candidates. This year 1010 persons have registered as candidates, a record. 89 of these candidates were women, who are automatically disqualified by the constitution.
The politicians and intellectuals wrote "People are being called to participate while many of the most important circles of power and the appointed people have complete control on all the avenues of executive power."
The conservative “Guardian Council” screens the candidates before the elections and can block candidates; last election the council only approved 10 of 814 candidates. This year 1010 persons have registered as candidates, a record. 89 of these candidates were women, who are automatically disqualified by the constitution.
The politicians and intellectuals wrote "People are being called to participate while many of the most important circles of power and the appointed people have complete control on all the avenues of executive power."
lördag, maj 14, 2005
Suicide bombers rally in Teheran...
The organisation for “Commemorating Martyrs of the Global Islamic Movement” organized a rally in Teheran last Tuesday. Over 200 young men and women were presented as volunteers to carry out terror attacks against US and Israeli targets.
Many of the “volunteers” belonged to the Basij militia, a paramilitary group close to the “supreme leader” Ali Khamenei. The movement’s spokesperson said that the volunteers were preparing for attacks against Israel, Salman Rushdie and against the US in Iraq. During the rally the volunteers also were given metal name plates, for identification after they’ve carried out attacks. But they refused to identify themselves to the reporters.
The Iranian government has previously distanced it self from the organization, but yet some of Khatami’s advisors attended the groups last rally. And some of the hardliners in the regime and some members of the elite revolutionary guards have expressed their support for the organization.
Many of the “volunteers” belonged to the Basij militia, a paramilitary group close to the “supreme leader” Ali Khamenei. The movement’s spokesperson said that the volunteers were preparing for attacks against Israel, Salman Rushdie and against the US in Iraq. During the rally the volunteers also were given metal name plates, for identification after they’ve carried out attacks. But they refused to identify themselves to the reporters.
The Iranian government has previously distanced it self from the organization, but yet some of Khatami’s advisors attended the groups last rally. And some of the hardliners in the regime and some members of the elite revolutionary guards have expressed their support for the organization.
fredag, maj 13, 2005
The Guardian: Iranians hold their noses as they pick new president
Iranians may have to hold their noses when they go to the polls in next month's presidential election. This is only partly the result of a new craze for surgical nose jobs among Tehran's fashionable youth.
Like the British electorate, Iran's 46 million voters are a bit sniffy about the candidates on offer. The favourite, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, 70, conveys a distinct whiff of mothballs. A loyalist of Iran's revolutionary leader, the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, he has been president twice before, from 1989 to 1997.
Mr Rafsanjani is being portrayed by some in the west as the only man (women being ineligible to stand) capable of bridging the gulf between Iran's dominant mullahs and thwarted reformers.
But the real contest may lie elsewhere. The reform movement is in disarray after eight years of lost battles under the discredited outgoing president, Mohammad Khatami.
The more fundamental question, not to be decided at the ballot box, is whether Mr Rafsanjani can reconcile the warring conservative factions of ideologues and pragmatists that collectively control the levers of power.
The touchstone issues are Iran's controversial nuclear programmes, its under-performing centralised economy, and pent-up social discontent. Any one, if mishandled, could trigger a new national convulsion.
"Although Iran's hardline leadership has maintained a remarkable unity of purpose in the face of reformist challengers, it is badly fragmented over foreign policy issues, including the importance of nuclear weapons," said Kenneth Pollack, a former US national security council official, in Foreign Affairs magazine.
"At one end of the spectrum are hardliners who disparage economic and diplomatic considerations and put security concerns ahead of all others. At the opposite end are pragmatists who believe that fixing Iran's failing economy must trump all else if the clerical regime is to retain power over the long term."
Mr Rafsanjani, doyen of the pragmatic tendency, told a radio interviewer recently that western pressure on Iran to permanently freeze its nuclear enrichment activities was unjust and must be rejected.
"The Americans need a tangible enemy they can parade before other countries," he said. "Americans have always done that. And now Britain has joined them. It's nothing new. Britain often acts as America's lap-dog."
Yet unveiling his election manifesto this week, Mr Rafsanjani adopted a more positive tone towards Iranians, half of whom were born after the 1979 revolution, who yearn for normal relations with Europe and the US and a more open, civil society.
He promised to "build international confidence" by fostering links with the west and "meet the challenge of a young society" by addressing unemployment, poverty, gender inequality and greater economic liberalisation.
Whether his balancing act will work this time is doubtful. Hardline clerics are determined to oppose him come what may. Allegations about extra-judicial killings and corruption during his presidency have been resurrected.
His shop-worn brand of ambiguous pragmatism also has scant appeal for impatient younger generations, said Mohsen Sazegara, a former Khomeini official turned government critic. Iran had "undergone a profound post- revolution social transformation" not matched by its political institutions, he said in an online debate hosted by openDemocracy.co.uk.
"There is huge dissatisfaction with the way the country is governed. The overwhelm ing majority of young Iranians are against the regime. This situation is really dangerous." Radical reform, starting with a new constitution, was essential, Mr Sazegara said.
Mr Rafsanjani's strategy, assuming he is victorious, remains a mystery. "He must have made a deal with the supreme leader [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei]," a western diplomat speculated. "I can't believe he wants to be more repressive. They must have agreed on some sort of programme."
Arab newspapers have reported that Mr Rafsanjani will move to repair relations with the US, back the Saudi peace plan for Israel-Palestine, and revive his predecessor's domestic reforms.
But if he really has such plans, he is not letting on. Crossed fingers as well as nose-pegs may be needed on June 17.
Like the British electorate, Iran's 46 million voters are a bit sniffy about the candidates on offer. The favourite, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, 70, conveys a distinct whiff of mothballs. A loyalist of Iran's revolutionary leader, the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, he has been president twice before, from 1989 to 1997.
Mr Rafsanjani is being portrayed by some in the west as the only man (women being ineligible to stand) capable of bridging the gulf between Iran's dominant mullahs and thwarted reformers.
But the real contest may lie elsewhere. The reform movement is in disarray after eight years of lost battles under the discredited outgoing president, Mohammad Khatami.
The more fundamental question, not to be decided at the ballot box, is whether Mr Rafsanjani can reconcile the warring conservative factions of ideologues and pragmatists that collectively control the levers of power.
The touchstone issues are Iran's controversial nuclear programmes, its under-performing centralised economy, and pent-up social discontent. Any one, if mishandled, could trigger a new national convulsion.
"Although Iran's hardline leadership has maintained a remarkable unity of purpose in the face of reformist challengers, it is badly fragmented over foreign policy issues, including the importance of nuclear weapons," said Kenneth Pollack, a former US national security council official, in Foreign Affairs magazine.
"At one end of the spectrum are hardliners who disparage economic and diplomatic considerations and put security concerns ahead of all others. At the opposite end are pragmatists who believe that fixing Iran's failing economy must trump all else if the clerical regime is to retain power over the long term."
Mr Rafsanjani, doyen of the pragmatic tendency, told a radio interviewer recently that western pressure on Iran to permanently freeze its nuclear enrichment activities was unjust and must be rejected.
"The Americans need a tangible enemy they can parade before other countries," he said. "Americans have always done that. And now Britain has joined them. It's nothing new. Britain often acts as America's lap-dog."
Yet unveiling his election manifesto this week, Mr Rafsanjani adopted a more positive tone towards Iranians, half of whom were born after the 1979 revolution, who yearn for normal relations with Europe and the US and a more open, civil society.
He promised to "build international confidence" by fostering links with the west and "meet the challenge of a young society" by addressing unemployment, poverty, gender inequality and greater economic liberalisation.
Whether his balancing act will work this time is doubtful. Hardline clerics are determined to oppose him come what may. Allegations about extra-judicial killings and corruption during his presidency have been resurrected.
His shop-worn brand of ambiguous pragmatism also has scant appeal for impatient younger generations, said Mohsen Sazegara, a former Khomeini official turned government critic. Iran had "undergone a profound post- revolution social transformation" not matched by its political institutions, he said in an online debate hosted by openDemocracy.co.uk.
"There is huge dissatisfaction with the way the country is governed. The overwhelm ing majority of young Iranians are against the regime. This situation is really dangerous." Radical reform, starting with a new constitution, was essential, Mr Sazegara said.
Mr Rafsanjani's strategy, assuming he is victorious, remains a mystery. "He must have made a deal with the supreme leader [Ayatollah Ali Khamenei]," a western diplomat speculated. "I can't believe he wants to be more repressive. They must have agreed on some sort of programme."
Arab newspapers have reported that Mr Rafsanjani will move to repair relations with the US, back the Saudi peace plan for Israel-Palestine, and revive his predecessor's domestic reforms.
But if he really has such plans, he is not letting on. Crossed fingers as well as nose-pegs may be needed on June 17.
Student protests in Teheran...
Students at Amri Kabir University in Teheran staged a sit-in protest on Tuesday to protest against the human rights violations and the imprisonment of political activists. Some 200 students protested peacefully under tight governmental control and security. The Amir Kabir University has evolved to one of the most active centres of political dissent in Iran.
According to a pro-reform group the students "protested against violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the illegal detention of political and student activists, increased pressure on the press (and) limited freedom of expression."
Ebrahim Yazdi who leads the banned Iran Freedom Movement, a former member of the parliament and several family members of political prisoners also took part in the protests. The protesters also demanded the release of journalist Akbar Ganji.
According to a pro-reform group the students "protested against violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the illegal detention of political and student activists, increased pressure on the press (and) limited freedom of expression."
Ebrahim Yazdi who leads the banned Iran Freedom Movement, a former member of the parliament and several family members of political prisoners also took part in the protests. The protesters also demanded the release of journalist Akbar Ganji.
torsdag, maj 12, 2005
A former Iranian diplomat charged with murder of oppositions leader in Rome...
A FORMER Iranian diplomat has been charged in absentia with the murder of an Iranian opposition leader shot dead in Rome 12 years ago. Italian prosecutors said that Amir Mansur Assl Bozorgian was responsible for the killing in 1993 of Mohammed Hossein Naghdi, 42, who had joined the exiled National Council of Resistance of Iran in 1981.
Mr Bozorgian’s whereabouts are not known, but Iranian exiles say that he returned to Tehran after the killing and remains an intelligence official. Mr Naghdi, before his defection the chargé d’affaires at the Iranian Embassy in Rome, was given Italian police protection on joining the opposition. Carlo Taormina, the lawyer for his widow, Ferminia Moroni, said documents proved that Mr Bozorgian acted on orders from Iran’s leadership to eliminate opponents.
By Richard Owen, The Times
Mr Bozorgian’s whereabouts are not known, but Iranian exiles say that he returned to Tehran after the killing and remains an intelligence official. Mr Naghdi, before his defection the chargé d’affaires at the Iranian Embassy in Rome, was given Italian police protection on joining the opposition. Carlo Taormina, the lawyer for his widow, Ferminia Moroni, said documents proved that Mr Bozorgian acted on orders from Iran’s leadership to eliminate opponents.
By Richard Owen, The Times
Om relationerna mellan Sverige och Iran...
Det finns en del länder där första maj i år hade stor betydelse, ett sånt exempel är Iran. I år så trotsade tusentals människor regimen och gick ut på gator och torg och protesterade mot regimen och för demokrati och mänskliga rättigheter. I Teheran skanderade 20 000 demonstranter ”folkomröstning, folkomröstning, folkomröstning, det är vad vårt folk vill ha”, och krävde att det Iranska folket skulle få säga sitt om landets konstitution och mullornas styre. De demonstrerade mot verkliga orättvisor, med sina liv som insats.
Under april månad så pågick det stora demonstrationer i provinsen Khuzestan mot regimen. Enligt rapporter så greps runt 1000 personer, 500 skadades och 70 har dödats av regimen, varav flera avrättades på demonstrationsplatsen av revolutionsgardet. De flesta döda var mellan 18-22 år gamla. Senaste offret var en ung demonstrant som avrättades den andra maj, efter att ha dömts till döden för att ha ”agerat mot staten”.
En vecka efter demonstrationerna och tre dagar efter att Amnesty kommer ut med skarp kritik om att regimen arresterat och torterat 130 demokratikämpar så träffar Jämställdhetsminister Jens Orback Irans ambassadör Hassan Ghasghavi. Istället för att diskutera demokrati och istället för att kritisera regimens brutalitet, handlar samtalet dem i mellan istället om Ghasghavis förslag om att redigera svenska läroböcker för att lyfta fram framstående Iranska politiker och ekonomer. Detta alltså bara några dagar efter att ungdomar och demokratikämpar regelrätt avrättats på Irans gator av de styrkor som Gashghavi representerar. Det finns ingen som helst notering av att varken Laila Freivalds eller Jens Orback ska ha framfört någon form av offentlig kritik mot regimen eller till ambassadören.
Tvärtom så blomstrar just nu relationerna mellan mullorna i Iran och den svenska regeringen. Den Iranske ambassadören reser just nu runt i Sverige för att fika och äta middagar med ministrar, landshövdingar och universitetsrektorer, utan att vara rädd för att behöva möta någon som helst kritik för det förtryck som hans regim står för. I Linköping så bjöds ambassadören på hallonsaft och middag hos landshövding Björn Eriksson. För två veckor sen befann sig Ghashghavi på Borås universitet och återigen ingen kritik, ingen som frågade varför 18-åriga demonstranter som bara önskade demokrati var tvungna att dö.
Det verkar som om Sverige helt har gett upp den kritiska linjen mot regimen i Iran, för att istället gulla med regimen. Det verkar som om den svenska regeringen inte vågar göra det som Iranier gör med sitt liv som insats, att protestera mot regimen. Istället så diskuterar man innehållet i svenska skolböcker istället för de frågor som är viktiga för det Iranska folket, även för dem i exil, nämligen demokrati och frihet.
Under april månad så pågick det stora demonstrationer i provinsen Khuzestan mot regimen. Enligt rapporter så greps runt 1000 personer, 500 skadades och 70 har dödats av regimen, varav flera avrättades på demonstrationsplatsen av revolutionsgardet. De flesta döda var mellan 18-22 år gamla. Senaste offret var en ung demonstrant som avrättades den andra maj, efter att ha dömts till döden för att ha ”agerat mot staten”.
En vecka efter demonstrationerna och tre dagar efter att Amnesty kommer ut med skarp kritik om att regimen arresterat och torterat 130 demokratikämpar så träffar Jämställdhetsminister Jens Orback Irans ambassadör Hassan Ghasghavi. Istället för att diskutera demokrati och istället för att kritisera regimens brutalitet, handlar samtalet dem i mellan istället om Ghasghavis förslag om att redigera svenska läroböcker för att lyfta fram framstående Iranska politiker och ekonomer. Detta alltså bara några dagar efter att ungdomar och demokratikämpar regelrätt avrättats på Irans gator av de styrkor som Gashghavi representerar. Det finns ingen som helst notering av att varken Laila Freivalds eller Jens Orback ska ha framfört någon form av offentlig kritik mot regimen eller till ambassadören.
Tvärtom så blomstrar just nu relationerna mellan mullorna i Iran och den svenska regeringen. Den Iranske ambassadören reser just nu runt i Sverige för att fika och äta middagar med ministrar, landshövdingar och universitetsrektorer, utan att vara rädd för att behöva möta någon som helst kritik för det förtryck som hans regim står för. I Linköping så bjöds ambassadören på hallonsaft och middag hos landshövding Björn Eriksson. För två veckor sen befann sig Ghashghavi på Borås universitet och återigen ingen kritik, ingen som frågade varför 18-åriga demonstranter som bara önskade demokrati var tvungna att dö.
Det verkar som om Sverige helt har gett upp den kritiska linjen mot regimen i Iran, för att istället gulla med regimen. Det verkar som om den svenska regeringen inte vågar göra det som Iranier gör med sitt liv som insats, att protestera mot regimen. Istället så diskuterar man innehållet i svenska skolböcker istället för de frågor som är viktiga för det Iranska folket, även för dem i exil, nämligen demokrati och frihet.
Rafsanjani joins the "elections"....
Yesterday the former president Rafsanjani announced that he will stand for election in June, he is running on an “independent” platform, meaning that he wants to position himself between the conservatives and the reform camp. Rafsanjani is also trying to score points in the west by distancing him self from the current governments decision to withdraw from the nuclear talks with the European Union.
Today Rafsanjani told the press that the best strategy for Iran is to continue the nuclear talks with the European Union. He also said that he hadn’t consulted with the “Supreme Leader” Khamenei about his candidacy, an obvious attempt to distance him self from the conservatives.
Rafsanjani´s main problem is that the people of Iran know what he is capable of. He already has a “track-record” as president from 1989 to 1997. In 2000 parliamentary elections Rafsanjani failed to grab a seat in the Majlis, the elections showed that he had little support among the voters, and he had to rely on the “Guardian Council” to expel candidates from the elections so he would get his seat, which he later left.
But he didn’t step down from the power, instead he invented a new position for himself as the chairman of the “council of Expediency”, whose main function is to “resolve” disagreements between the Majlis (the parliament) and the “Guardian Council”. He has also during his time in power built a huge financial empire through extensive corruption.
A few courageous journalists have tried to investigate Rafsanjanis financial empire, and his role of murders on several human rights activists. Akbar Ganji, who we have reported on earlier, was one of them; as a result he’s now serving a 5 year prison sentence.
During his presidency Rafsanjani was responsible for massive corruption and violations of the human rights, including executions and imprisonments of political opposition. He played a key roll in the 1979 occupation of the US Embassy in Tehran, assassinations of political dissidents outside of Iran and involvement in terrorist actions in Israel.
Today Rafsanjani told the press that the best strategy for Iran is to continue the nuclear talks with the European Union. He also said that he hadn’t consulted with the “Supreme Leader” Khamenei about his candidacy, an obvious attempt to distance him self from the conservatives.
Rafsanjani´s main problem is that the people of Iran know what he is capable of. He already has a “track-record” as president from 1989 to 1997. In 2000 parliamentary elections Rafsanjani failed to grab a seat in the Majlis, the elections showed that he had little support among the voters, and he had to rely on the “Guardian Council” to expel candidates from the elections so he would get his seat, which he later left.
But he didn’t step down from the power, instead he invented a new position for himself as the chairman of the “council of Expediency”, whose main function is to “resolve” disagreements between the Majlis (the parliament) and the “Guardian Council”. He has also during his time in power built a huge financial empire through extensive corruption.
A few courageous journalists have tried to investigate Rafsanjanis financial empire, and his role of murders on several human rights activists. Akbar Ganji, who we have reported on earlier, was one of them; as a result he’s now serving a 5 year prison sentence.
During his presidency Rafsanjani was responsible for massive corruption and violations of the human rights, including executions and imprisonments of political opposition. He played a key roll in the 1979 occupation of the US Embassy in Tehran, assassinations of political dissidents outside of Iran and involvement in terrorist actions in Israel.
A match made in hell...
It seems like two of the worlds worst dictatorships are building a closer cooperation. Tuesday an Iranian delegation landed in the Cuban capital Havana for an official visit. The delegation is lead by the deputy foreign minister Morteza Sarmadi. Yesterday the Iranian delegation met with the Cuban vice president Eumelio Caballero.
They discussed ways to increase the two regimes political, economic and cultural cooperation. The two governments also signed a agreement on political cooperation in areas of foreign policy and international issues.
They discussed ways to increase the two regimes political, economic and cultural cooperation. The two governments also signed a agreement on political cooperation in areas of foreign policy and international issues.
tisdag, maj 10, 2005
105 persons registered as candidates during the first day.
During the next five days the citizens of Iran have a chance to register as candidates for the president elections in June, before the “Guardian Council” decides which of the candidates can stand for election. Peoples frustration with the regime is evident, 105 persons registered as candidates during the first day.
Even though women are not allowed to become president, eight women registered as candidates. An 18-year old female student said: "I know I will not be qualified by the council…… It is for the future so I know what to do when I really run for president."
Most of those who registered as candidates will be stopped from participating in the elections by the 12 men in the “Guardian Council”, appointed by the “supreme leader” Ali Khamenei.
The council will only approve those candidates whom it considers to have the right political and religious beliefs. In 2001 the council only approved 10 out of 814 candidates. The council is also expected to stop the reform camps strongest candidate, Dr. Moin a former minister in the Khatami cabinet.
According to the regimes news agency (Irna), the council will release a final list of candidates able to run for the presidency on the 26: th of may.
Even though women are not allowed to become president, eight women registered as candidates. An 18-year old female student said: "I know I will not be qualified by the council…… It is for the future so I know what to do when I really run for president."
Most of those who registered as candidates will be stopped from participating in the elections by the 12 men in the “Guardian Council”, appointed by the “supreme leader” Ali Khamenei.
The council will only approve those candidates whom it considers to have the right political and religious beliefs. In 2001 the council only approved 10 out of 814 candidates. The council is also expected to stop the reform camps strongest candidate, Dr. Moin a former minister in the Khatami cabinet.
According to the regimes news agency (Irna), the council will release a final list of candidates able to run for the presidency on the 26: th of may.
The Guardian council vetoes abortion bill!
Yesterday the “Guardian Council” vetoed an abortion bill that passed the parliament for about a month ago. The bill would have permitted abortion during the first four months of the pregnancy if the mother’s health was in danger or if the foetus is handicapped. According to some reports over 80 000 illegal abortions takes place in the country every year.
The”Guardian Council”, which consists of 12-men, six clerics and six lawyers, has veto power over all the parliaments’ laws that they deem to be “un-Islamic”. In a letter to the parliament the “Guardian Council” wrote; "Abortion is against Islamic Shari'a law in cases where the child would cause difficulties for his parents after birth due to mental or physical handicap".
The”Guardian Council”, which consists of 12-men, six clerics and six lawyers, has veto power over all the parliaments’ laws that they deem to be “un-Islamic”. In a letter to the parliament the “Guardian Council” wrote; "Abortion is against Islamic Shari'a law in cases where the child would cause difficulties for his parents after birth due to mental or physical handicap".
Dressing up for the mullahs!
Yesterday Emma Nicholson a member of the European Parliament, who represents the liberal democrats from England. Visited president Khatami, and reportedly briefed him about her “international campaign to boost dialogue among civilisations”. Emma Nicholson is reportedly in Teheran to participate in the “International Conference to Preserve Global Environment and Boost Dialogue among Civilisations”.
There are two things with Ms. Nicholson meeting with Khatami that caught my attention: first of all she decides to sit down with the Iranian president and discuss some project about “dialogue among civilisations”. The same day that Khatami’s government said that it would withdraw itself from the negotiations with the European Union, and restart their nuclear project.
Secondly, the way she dressed for the meeting with the president. I’ve searched the web after pictures of Ms. Nicholson, and I haven’t found any where she dresses up in black and covers up her hair. So there is no doubt that she’s dressed in a way that would satisfy Khatami, and the mullah regime. Emma Nicholson visit is big news in Iran; it’s not often that the regime can get a European female politician to obey their will. The Iranian news agency (IRNA) has Ms. Nicholsons visit as the top news of the day, with a picture of Ms. Nicholson sitting next to Khatami, dressed according to the countries “Islamic” law.
It’s a shame and a disgrace that while women in Iran are risking their lives fighting for their rights and freedom, a European politician does her outmost to appease the regimes request and wants.
There are two things with Ms. Nicholson meeting with Khatami that caught my attention: first of all she decides to sit down with the Iranian president and discuss some project about “dialogue among civilisations”. The same day that Khatami’s government said that it would withdraw itself from the negotiations with the European Union, and restart their nuclear project.
Secondly, the way she dressed for the meeting with the president. I’ve searched the web after pictures of Ms. Nicholson, and I haven’t found any where she dresses up in black and covers up her hair. So there is no doubt that she’s dressed in a way that would satisfy Khatami, and the mullah regime. Emma Nicholson visit is big news in Iran; it’s not often that the regime can get a European female politician to obey their will. The Iranian news agency (IRNA) has Ms. Nicholsons visit as the top news of the day, with a picture of Ms. Nicholson sitting next to Khatami, dressed according to the countries “Islamic” law.
It’s a shame and a disgrace that while women in Iran are risking their lives fighting for their rights and freedom, a European politician does her outmost to appease the regimes request and wants.
måndag, maj 09, 2005
Khamenei: western democracy doesn’t work.
During the last couple of days Iran supreme leader Ali Khamenei has been on one of his rare tours around the country. Speaking to students and teachers of universities in the Kerman province he said “both the fundamentalists and the reformers are loyal to the Constitution are working for the progress of the country”.
Meaning that it doesn’t matter who the people vote for in the upcoming election, the regime isn’t going to change. Notice the word he chooses to describe his own side, not conservatives but fundamentalists.
He also said that the western democracy was a failure, “The West has the record of Fascism, Communism and liberalism which have caused enormous crimes to humanity in the past two centuries”. He also said that the meaning of reform was honouring the Islamic values.
And that “the reform we advocate is completely different from the American brand of reform which calls for standing against the Islamic Republic". Again, it doesn’t matter who you vote for, cause freedom of speech and democracy isn’t on the agenda, another sign that the elections this summer will be nothing else but a sham.
Meaning that it doesn’t matter who the people vote for in the upcoming election, the regime isn’t going to change. Notice the word he chooses to describe his own side, not conservatives but fundamentalists.
He also said that the western democracy was a failure, “The West has the record of Fascism, Communism and liberalism which have caused enormous crimes to humanity in the past two centuries”. He also said that the meaning of reform was honouring the Islamic values.
And that “the reform we advocate is completely different from the American brand of reform which calls for standing against the Islamic Republic". Again, it doesn’t matter who you vote for, cause freedom of speech and democracy isn’t on the agenda, another sign that the elections this summer will be nothing else but a sham.
Svenska
Just nu befinner sig Irans “andlige ledare” Ali Khamenei på en av sina sällsynta turnéer runt om i Iran. Igår så talade han för studenter och lärare på universiteten i provinsen Kerman, där kunde man höra honom säga: ”both the fundamentalists and the reformers are loyal to the Constitution are working for the progress of the country”.
Ett effektivt sätt att säga att det inte spelar någon roll vem människor röstar på den 17/6, några förändringar är inte att vänta från regimens sida. Notera ordvalet när han beskriver sin egen sida, han pratar inte om konservativa eller traditionalister, utan fundamentalister.
Vidare så dömde Khamenei också ut den “västliga formen av demokrati”, han menade att den "västliga demokratin" varit ett misslyckande för det internationella samhället, “The West has the record of Fascism, Communism and liberalism which have caused enormous crimes to humanity in the past two centuries”.
Khamenei sa att den enda vägen till utveckling var att följa de ”islamiska principerna” och att de ”reformer” som presidentkandidaterna vill införa är helt andra än de reformer som väst vill. Alltså, det spelar ingen roll vem ni röstar på, ingen kommer att driva kravet på yttrandefrihet och demokrati.
Translating to English!
During the past couple of days this blog has had some visitors from Iran, people who are searching for the information the Iranian media, who is controlled by the regime, doesn’t provide. That’s why we are going to try our best to open up this blogg for people in Iran, by translating as much of our posts and articles into English.
15.6 percent inflation...
Yesterday the CBI (Central Bank of Iran) released yet another report showing the miserable economic situation in Iran under the mullah rule. The CBI calculated that the inflation rate during the last year rose to 15.6 %. The Price index for consumer goods and services rose by 18.5 % comparing to last year. The CBI reported that the prices of fresh fruit rose by 35 %, vegetable 23.7 %, chicken 8.7 % and 2 % price hike for red meat.
CBI recently released a report that showed that the Rial (The Iranian currency) have lost 80 % of its purchasing power during the past five years.
CBI recently released a report that showed that the Rial (The Iranian currency) have lost 80 % of its purchasing power during the past five years.
Swedish:
Trots att det är val om en månad så är det inte många iranier som diskuterar kandidater eller politik, det viktigaste just nu är priserna på matvaror som stigit rejält under det senaste året. Idag kom den Iranska Centralbanken med sin rapport som visade att inflationen under det gångna året beräknades till 15.6 %. Prisnivån för konsumentvaror och tjänster steg till 18.5 %. Främst var det matvaror där priserna steg som mest, priserna på färskfrukt steg med 35 %, grönsaker 23.7 %, kyckling 8.7 % och kött 2 %, enligt den Iranska centralbanken.
Tidigare i veckan kom en rapport ut om att valutan (rial) förlorat 80 % i köpkraft under de senaste fem åren.
söndag, maj 08, 2005
USA vill stödja regimkritiker!
För någon dag sen rapporterade ”Financial Times” om Bush administrationens plan för att bringa demokrati till Iran. En del av strategin är att erbjuda pengar till regimkritiska grupper och individer inom Iran.
Financial Times skriver:
Mullorna har protesterat och sagt att detta är ett olagligt intrång i landet suveränitet. Pengarna ska gå till att sprida demokrati och mänskliga rättigheter i Iran, genom att stärka politiska partier, fackföreningar och det civila samhället, skriver Financial Times.
De första summorna sägs vara tämligen små, men det amerikanska utrikesdepartementet planerar att lägga undan tiotals miljoner dollar för spridandet av demokrati i mellanöstern, vissa senatorer har föreslagit att 50 miljoner dollar ska läggas undan för att sprida demokrati i Iran.
Däremot så är Iranska analytiker tveksamma till att någon organisation inom Iran vågar ta emot pengarna, med tanke på vad regimen skulle göra. Det amerikanska utrikesdepartementet säger dock att detta är ett långsiktigt projekt, som syftar till att stödja de krafter inom landet som vill ha regimskifte.
Financial Times skriver:
”A tender notice posted on the US State Department website is soliciting bids for grants totalling $3m (€2.3m, £1.57m). It notes that the Iranian government may not apply because current US sanctions prohibit funding for official purposes, but these may be waived for non-governmental organisations.”
Mullorna har protesterat och sagt att detta är ett olagligt intrång i landet suveränitet. Pengarna ska gå till att sprida demokrati och mänskliga rättigheter i Iran, genom att stärka politiska partier, fackföreningar och det civila samhället, skriver Financial Times.
De första summorna sägs vara tämligen små, men det amerikanska utrikesdepartementet planerar att lägga undan tiotals miljoner dollar för spridandet av demokrati i mellanöstern, vissa senatorer har föreslagit att 50 miljoner dollar ska läggas undan för att sprida demokrati i Iran.
Däremot så är Iranska analytiker tveksamma till att någon organisation inom Iran vågar ta emot pengarna, med tanke på vad regimen skulle göra. Det amerikanska utrikesdepartementet säger dock att detta är ett långsiktigt projekt, som syftar till att stödja de krafter inom landet som vill ha regimskifte.
lördag, maj 07, 2005
Fler än 250 akademiker och journalister kräver fria val och demokrati!
Fler än 250 akademiker och journalister har i ett öppet brev krävt fria val, avskaffandet av väktarrådet och frisläppandet av över 200 politiska fångar. Bland dem som skrivit under brevet tillhör den förre utrikesministern Ibrahim Yazdi.
De liberala krafterna i landet är rädda för att väktarrådet kommer att stoppa de reformvänliga kandidaterna att ställa upp i valet. I parlamentsvalet så stoppade väktarrådet nästan 70 % av kandidaterna, och banade vägen för en parlament styrd av de konservativa.
Väktarrådet, består av 6 jurister och 6 mullor, som tillsätts av Khamenei och kan blockera lagar stiftade av parlamentet och bestämmer även vilka som får ställa upp i parlamentsval och presidentval.
De liberala krafterna i landet är rädda för att väktarrådet kommer att stoppa de reformvänliga kandidaterna att ställa upp i valet. I parlamentsvalet så stoppade väktarrådet nästan 70 % av kandidaterna, och banade vägen för en parlament styrd av de konservativa.
Väktarrådet, består av 6 jurister och 6 mullor, som tillsätts av Khamenei och kan blockera lagar stiftade av parlamentet och bestämmer även vilka som får ställa upp i parlamentsval och presidentval.
fredag, maj 06, 2005
Protester mot ännu en presidentkandidat!
Igår tvingades presidentkandidaten och den förre talmannen för Majlis (Irans parlament), Mehdi Karroubi, att avbryta sitt ta i mullornas huvudstad Qom. Då en grupp på 30 personer anföll podiet där presidentkandidaten stod. Karroubi blev tvungen att avbryta sitt tal och lämna området.
Detta är andra gången på väldigt kort tid en av regimens presidentkandidat blir utbuad och hånad offentligt. Den första maj, så kunde vi berätta om hur expresidenten Rafsanjani blev tvingad att ställa in ett tal då 20 000 demonstranter skanderade slagord mot regimen.
Detta är andra gången på väldigt kort tid en av regimens presidentkandidat blir utbuad och hånad offentligt. Den första maj, så kunde vi berätta om hur expresidenten Rafsanjani blev tvingad att ställa in ett tal då 20 000 demonstranter skanderade slagord mot regimen.
Regimen erkänner tortyr av politiska fångar!
Domstolschefen Ayatolla Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi erkände idag för första gången att regimen bryter mot de politiska fångarnas mänskliga rättigheter. Shahroudi talade på en konferens för åklagare i de offentliga och revolutions- domstolarna. Shahroudi sa bland annat:
Shahroudi sade sig ha bevis för att utredare ska ha använt våld för att tvinga fångar att skriva på falska erkännanden. För bara någon dag sen krävde 4 fängslade bloggare att deras erkännanden skulle rivas eftersom de kommit till genom tortyr.
"Islam has clearly recommended us to respect human rights and I've got to know that we are currently violating what Islam ordered to us in relation with human rights of the people who for some reason are being led to the detention centers,".
Shahroudi sade sig ha bevis för att utredare ska ha använt våld för att tvinga fångar att skriva på falska erkännanden. För bara någon dag sen krävde 4 fängslade bloggare att deras erkännanden skulle rivas eftersom de kommit till genom tortyr.
torsdag, maj 05, 2005
“Like the Dead in Their Coffins” Torture, Detention, and the Crushing of Dissent in Iran
They have made the students more afraid, but they have also made us more bold. They see that students who have confessed or recanted are interviewed on television, and it is obvious to us that they are trying to send a message directly into the universities. We have seen so much pain that we are not scared anymore. After they beat you enough times, your skin becomes thick. The difference between us and the older generation of political prisoners (who were also active during the revolution) is that they are at the end of their rope. We are just at the beginning of ours. We can tolerate much more pain.
För några dagar sen kom Human Rights Watch (HRW) ut med en rapport om läget för de mänskliga rättigheterna i Iran. I rapporten står det bland annat att ingen vet hur många politiska fångar det finns i Irans fängelser. HRW säger också att tortyren och fängslandet av regimkritiker har ökat markant under de senaste fyra åren.
När de liberala tidningarna stängdes så förvärrades också situationen för regimkritikerna i landet, eftersom det kan regimen ökat utrymme att bryta mot de mänskliga rättigheterna. Regimen har enligt HRW på fyra år lyckats att helt tysta ner den politiska oppositionen inom landet genom systematiskt bryta mot de mänskliga rättigheterna. Oppositionspolitiker, journalister och studentaktivister fängslas och utsätts för systematiskt tortyr enligt HRW. Däremot så har kritiken mot regimen ökat i hemmen och på gatorna, år 2004 rapporterades inte mindre än 1500 protestaktioner mot regimen. Men det är de som går ut med sin kritik offentligt, de som organiserar demonstrationer som tystas ner.
Hela rapporten kan du läsa här!
Khatami: “we have reached a proper level of freedom”.
Den 3/5 var pressfrihetens dag, samma dag startade regimen en ”press festival” i Teheran. Där presidenten Khatami talade sig varm och den Iranska ”demokratin” och sa bland annat “we have reached a proper level of freedom“. Han menade att om man överdriver friheten så kan den förvandlas till ”obsceniteter”.
Här kan du läsa om hur regimen misshandlar, torterar och fängslar journalister!
Här kan du läsa om hur regimen misshandlar, torterar och fängslar journalister!
onsdag, maj 04, 2005
Iran ett av världens farligaste länder för journalister!
Den tredje maj på pressfrihetens dag kom organisationen ”Reportrar utan gränser” ut med sin rapport om pressfriheten runt om i världen. För Iranier runt om i världen är rapporten ingen rolig läsning, 2004 var ett oerhört mörkt år för pressfriheten i Iran. Landet är en av de 10 farligaste platserna för journalister.
Sedan regimen år 2000 började slå stärka sitt grepp om landet har närmare 100 tidningar stängts igen. Journalister hotas eller tas till förhör hos underrättelsetjänsten, ibland sker det regelrätta kidnappningar. Många blir tvingade att köpa tillbaka sin frihet genom att erlägga enorma summor i borgen till regimen, detta innebär ofta att hela familjer skuldsätts. Ett flertal journalister misshandlas och fängslas, enligt ”Reportrar utan gränser” så är Iran mellanösterns största fängelse för journalister.
Det finns en del områden som är extra farliga för journalister att rapportera om, dessa är om regimens relationer med USA, om regimens utveckling av kärnvapen, Islam, religion, moral och även om mullor som själva kritiserat regimen. Regimen startade i slutet av 2004 en kampanj mot en rad journalister i exil, anledningen var för att de ansågs tillhöra en ”Fiende nätverk baserad i Prag” och för samarbete med USA.
Reportrar utan gränser pekar också ut Teherans överåklagare Said Mortazavi som de Iranska journalisternas största fiende. Mortazavi har varnade alla tidningar som spred “osanningar”, han har också hotat alla tidningar som talar om en bojkott mot presidentvalet 17/6 med att de omedelbart kommer att stängas.
Utländska journalister var också tvungna att i förhand berätta om vad de skulle rapportera om och vilka platser de ville besöka för att få inresetillstånd. Därefter har de blivit utsatta för övervakning, Dan DeLuce från den The Guardian slängdes ut ur landet i maj efter att ha åkt till de jordbävningsdrabbade områdena i december 2003, utan att ha rapporterat det till regimen i förväg.
Reportrar utan gränser tar också upp fallet med den kanadensiske fotografen, Zahra Kazemi, som våldtogs och misshandlades till döds i fängelset. Hon arresterades då hon fotograferade familjer utanför Evin fängelset. Regimen försökte under lång tid att dölja orsakerna till Kazemis död, innan man under hård press erkände att hon dött under tortyr. Regimen åtalade den som torterade Kazemi men han friades i juli 2004, efter en rättegång som varade under två dagar.
Nedan följer några av de många journalister som fortfarande sitter i fängelse:
Ensafali Hedayat, arresterades 16/1 och dömdes till 18 månader i fängelse. I slutet av 2004 så hölls han fortfarande fängslad av underrättelsetjänsten trots att familjen betalat borgen för att få honom fri i väntan på han överklagan. Han uppges vara i dålig hälsa.
Siamak Pourzand, 75 år gammal, svårtsjuk och sängliggande har varit fängslad sen 2003. Regimen har vägrat att befria honom trots att han låg i koma tredagar efter sviterna av en hjärtattack. Pourzand har trots sin dåliga hälsa utsatts för tortyr vid flera tillfällen. Han dömdes till åtta års fängelse för att ha ”underminerat statens säkerhet genom att ha kontakter med monarkister och kontra-revolutionära krafter”.
Mohsen Sazgara, dömdes i mars 2004 till ett år i fängelse, men frigavs efter att ha betalat 580 000 euro i väntan på sin överklagan. Bara för att fängslas en vecka efter för att ha ”underminerat den nationella säkerheten”.
Reza Alijani, Hoda Saber, Taghi Rahmani alla medarbetare I tidningen “Omid-e-Zangan” har hållits i fängelse sen juni 2003 utan någon förklarning. Abbas Kakavand, dömdes i juni för att ha “spridit falska nyheter”. Han friades kort därefter efter att ha betalat 11 600 euro i borgen, men väntar fortfarande på sin rättegång.
Fria Iranvänner har tidigare också skrivit om journalisten Akbar Ganji.
Hela rapporten finns att läsa här!
Sedan regimen år 2000 började slå stärka sitt grepp om landet har närmare 100 tidningar stängts igen. Journalister hotas eller tas till förhör hos underrättelsetjänsten, ibland sker det regelrätta kidnappningar. Många blir tvingade att köpa tillbaka sin frihet genom att erlägga enorma summor i borgen till regimen, detta innebär ofta att hela familjer skuldsätts. Ett flertal journalister misshandlas och fängslas, enligt ”Reportrar utan gränser” så är Iran mellanösterns största fängelse för journalister.
Det finns en del områden som är extra farliga för journalister att rapportera om, dessa är om regimens relationer med USA, om regimens utveckling av kärnvapen, Islam, religion, moral och även om mullor som själva kritiserat regimen. Regimen startade i slutet av 2004 en kampanj mot en rad journalister i exil, anledningen var för att de ansågs tillhöra en ”Fiende nätverk baserad i Prag” och för samarbete med USA.
Reportrar utan gränser pekar också ut Teherans överåklagare Said Mortazavi som de Iranska journalisternas största fiende. Mortazavi har varnade alla tidningar som spred “osanningar”, han har också hotat alla tidningar som talar om en bojkott mot presidentvalet 17/6 med att de omedelbart kommer att stängas.
Utländska journalister var också tvungna att i förhand berätta om vad de skulle rapportera om och vilka platser de ville besöka för att få inresetillstånd. Därefter har de blivit utsatta för övervakning, Dan DeLuce från den The Guardian slängdes ut ur landet i maj efter att ha åkt till de jordbävningsdrabbade områdena i december 2003, utan att ha rapporterat det till regimen i förväg.
Reportrar utan gränser tar också upp fallet med den kanadensiske fotografen, Zahra Kazemi, som våldtogs och misshandlades till döds i fängelset. Hon arresterades då hon fotograferade familjer utanför Evin fängelset. Regimen försökte under lång tid att dölja orsakerna till Kazemis död, innan man under hård press erkände att hon dött under tortyr. Regimen åtalade den som torterade Kazemi men han friades i juli 2004, efter en rättegång som varade under två dagar.
Nedan följer några av de många journalister som fortfarande sitter i fängelse:
Ensafali Hedayat, arresterades 16/1 och dömdes till 18 månader i fängelse. I slutet av 2004 så hölls han fortfarande fängslad av underrättelsetjänsten trots att familjen betalat borgen för att få honom fri i väntan på han överklagan. Han uppges vara i dålig hälsa.
Siamak Pourzand, 75 år gammal, svårtsjuk och sängliggande har varit fängslad sen 2003. Regimen har vägrat att befria honom trots att han låg i koma tredagar efter sviterna av en hjärtattack. Pourzand har trots sin dåliga hälsa utsatts för tortyr vid flera tillfällen. Han dömdes till åtta års fängelse för att ha ”underminerat statens säkerhet genom att ha kontakter med monarkister och kontra-revolutionära krafter”.
Mohsen Sazgara, dömdes i mars 2004 till ett år i fängelse, men frigavs efter att ha betalat 580 000 euro i väntan på sin överklagan. Bara för att fängslas en vecka efter för att ha ”underminerat den nationella säkerheten”.
Reza Alijani, Hoda Saber, Taghi Rahmani alla medarbetare I tidningen “Omid-e-Zangan” har hållits i fängelse sen juni 2003 utan någon förklarning. Abbas Kakavand, dömdes i juni för att ha “spridit falska nyheter”. Han friades kort därefter efter att ha betalat 11 600 euro i borgen, men väntar fortfarande på sin rättegång.
Fria Iranvänner har tidigare också skrivit om journalisten Akbar Ganji.
Hela rapporten finns att läsa här!
Oroligheter i den Krudiska staden Mahabad!
En ung man skadades allvarligt när regimens säkerhetsstyrkor i lördags öppnade eld mot ett bostadsområde i den kurdiska staden Mahabad. Rahmat Khakpour en 23-årig universitets student skadades då regimen var på jakt efter demonstranter och regimkritiker.
Detta är efterspelet till de oroligheter som rådde i Mahabad för ungefär en månad sen, då tre dagar långa regimkritiska demonstrationer ägde rum. Tusentals demonstranter skrek slagord mot regimen, säkerhetsstyrkorna attackerade demonstranterna som främst bestod av ungdomar. Efter att säkerhetsstyrkorna misshandlat en 13-årig pojke till döds, så eskalerade protesterna mot regimen och spred sig till flera städer, och flera av regimens byggnader attackerades.
Detta är efterspelet till de oroligheter som rådde i Mahabad för ungefär en månad sen, då tre dagar långa regimkritiska demonstrationer ägde rum. Tusentals demonstranter skrek slagord mot regimen, säkerhetsstyrkorna attackerade demonstranterna som främst bestod av ungdomar. Efter att säkerhetsstyrkorna misshandlat en 13-årig pojke till döds, så eskalerade protesterna mot regimen och spred sig till flera städer, och flera av regimens byggnader attackerades.
tisdag, maj 03, 2005
Efterspelet på de regimkritiska demonstrationerna i Khuzestan!
Igår avrättades Hadi Safdari efter att ha blivit dömd till döden för ”brott mot staten”. Samtidigt så avrättades den 21-årige Yaqoub i staden Ahvaz som var platsen för regimkritiska demonstrationer för två veckor sedan. Meningen med dessa avrättningar är att avskräcka från ytterligare oroligheter.
Nu börjar det också sippra ut en del uppgifter om vad som egentligen hände under demonstrationerna och även dess efterspel. Sedan demonstrationerna för två veckor sen, uppges nu över 1000 gripna, 500 skadade och 70 dödade, de flesta mellan 18-22 år, varav flera avrättades på plats av det revolutionsgardet.
Enligt ögonvittnen så arresterade regimens trupper demonstranter på gatorna för att sedan skjuta dem på plats, för att skrämma och få slut på de regimkritiska demonstrationerna. Även helikoptrar öppnade eld mot demonstranter och en femårig pojke dödades av regimens trupper. Det genomfördes även räder mot de lokala sjukhusen för att gripa misstänkta demonstranter.
Regimen har också arrangerat en egen motdemonstration, där man med stora plakat skyllde oroligheterna i provinsen på USA och Israel.
Nu börjar det också sippra ut en del uppgifter om vad som egentligen hände under demonstrationerna och även dess efterspel. Sedan demonstrationerna för två veckor sen, uppges nu över 1000 gripna, 500 skadade och 70 dödade, de flesta mellan 18-22 år, varav flera avrättades på plats av det revolutionsgardet.
Enligt ögonvittnen så arresterade regimens trupper demonstranter på gatorna för att sedan skjuta dem på plats, för att skrämma och få slut på de regimkritiska demonstrationerna. Även helikoptrar öppnade eld mot demonstranter och en femårig pojke dödades av regimens trupper. Det genomfördes även räder mot de lokala sjukhusen för att gripa misstänkta demonstranter.
Regimen har också arrangerat en egen motdemonstration, där man med stora plakat skyllde oroligheterna i provinsen på USA och Israel.
måndag, maj 02, 2005
1:a maj och regimkritiska demonstrationer!
Idag så hölls det första maj demonstrationer i Teheran. En av dessa var organiserad av regimen, och hölls på national arenan ”Azadi Stadium”, den f.d presidenten och nuvarande president kandidaten Rafsanjani var tänkt som huvudtalare. Dock förvandlades demonstrationen till en arg missnöjes yttring mot regimen och Rafsanjani blev tvingad att ställa in sitt tal. Enligt rapporter ska 20.000 ha deltagit i demonstrationen, med slagord som “parlamentet förråder oss, och ledarna stödjer dem".
Rapporter om att Rafsanjani hade tänkt använda demonstrationen för att starta igång sin presidentkampanj gjorde demonstranterna ännu argare, och demonstranterna buade så fort Rafsanjanis namn nämndes. Demonstranterna skanderade också “folkomröstning, folkomröstning, folkomröstning, det är vad vårt folk vill ha”, om kravet på en folkomröstning om Irans konstitution.
Rafsanjani som är ordförande för det mäktiga “State Expediency Council”, som utses av Khamenei, hånades öppet av demonstranterna som skanderade ”Tjänarnas styre borde lämna oss i fred” och ”avskaffa slaveriet i Iran”. En hård markering mot Rafsanjani som under sin tid som president kallade sin regering för ”tjänarnas styre”, med meningen att hans regering skulle ha bestått utav ministrar som tjänade folket.
Arenan var omringad av regimens säkerhetsstyrkor, som också störde mobiltelefonsignalerna i området runt arenan. Liknande protester hölls runt om i landet, i andra delar av Teheran så drabbade demonstranter och regimens styrkor samman.
Rapporter om att Rafsanjani hade tänkt använda demonstrationen för att starta igång sin presidentkampanj gjorde demonstranterna ännu argare, och demonstranterna buade så fort Rafsanjanis namn nämndes. Demonstranterna skanderade också “folkomröstning, folkomröstning, folkomröstning, det är vad vårt folk vill ha”, om kravet på en folkomröstning om Irans konstitution.
Rafsanjani som är ordförande för det mäktiga “State Expediency Council”, som utses av Khamenei, hånades öppet av demonstranterna som skanderade ”Tjänarnas styre borde lämna oss i fred” och ”avskaffa slaveriet i Iran”. En hård markering mot Rafsanjani som under sin tid som president kallade sin regering för ”tjänarnas styre”, med meningen att hans regering skulle ha bestått utav ministrar som tjänade folket.
Arenan var omringad av regimens säkerhetsstyrkor, som också störde mobiltelefonsignalerna i området runt arenan. Liknande protester hölls runt om i landet, i andra delar av Teheran så drabbade demonstranter och regimens styrkor samman.
Orback möter Hassan Qashqavi
Jämställdhets minister Jens Orback mötte för två veckor sen Irans ambassadör Hassan Qashqavi. Hassan Qashqavi krävde att de svenska läroböckerna skulle redigeras så att de lyfte fram framgångsrika Iranska politiker och ekonomer. Detta ville Qashqavi göra för att bevara den Iranska kulturen bland de iranier som är bosatta I Sverige.
Enligt regimens nyhetsbyrå (Irna), ska Orback ha tackat för förslaget och sagt att han skulle föra vidare ambassadörens önskan om redigering av böcker till utbildningsdepartementet. Dessa två skall också ha diskuterat vikten av ökad en ökad utbyte och gemenskap mellan länderna.
Detta är inte första gången Hassan Qashqavi möter en svensk minister, i januari så träffade han Thomas Bodström, där dem diskuterade ökad ”juridiskt” samarbete mellan länderna.
Enligt regimens nyhetsbyrå (Irna), ska Orback ha tackat för förslaget och sagt att han skulle föra vidare ambassadörens önskan om redigering av böcker till utbildningsdepartementet. Dessa två skall också ha diskuterat vikten av ökad en ökad utbyte och gemenskap mellan länderna.
Detta är inte första gången Hassan Qashqavi möter en svensk minister, i januari så träffade han Thomas Bodström, där dem diskuterade ökad ”juridiskt” samarbete mellan länderna.
söndag, maj 01, 2005
Gulan Avcis tal vid demonstrationen 20/4!
Det är onsdag eftermiddag och solen skiner över oss alla som samlats på Raoul Wallenbergs torg. Det är inte en slump att vi alla står här idag, nej, idag har både iranier, kurder, israeler, libaneser och många andra samlats här av samma syften och mål.
Vi vill ha fred, vi vill ha demokrati och vi vill ha mänskliga rättigheter i hela mellanöstern. Men detta kan aldrig bli möjligt så länge det finns envåldshärskare, diktaturer och mördare som styr i den delen av världen.
För att demokratin ska kunna göra intåg i Iran, Syrien, Libanon, Turkiet och många andra länder så behöver folket i dessa länder hjälp utifrån. De behöver hjälp av oss som fått leva i frihet och demokrati. De behöver hjälp av det internationella samfundet, men inte bara hjälp i form av att tala diktaturerna till rätta. Utan de behöver verktygen som inte finns i dessa länder.
Men det är inte vårt enda syfte med dagens demonstration, nej, vi har även samlats för att visa vår avsky mot mulla regimen i Iran. Situationen för de tusentals iranska studenter som sitter fängslade i Tehrans Evin- fängelse och andra fängelser runt om i landet har blivit sämre.
Irans diktaturiska Ayatollor fortsätter att stärka sina maktpositioner och kväver Irans befolkning. De mest drabbade och utsatta är just Irans studentrörelse som varit de mest livgivande fenomenen i det iranska samhället på senare år.
Solidariteten med den kämpande studentrörelsen i Iran engagerar nu exiliranier och andra människor runt om i västvärlden, därav mig själv, eftersom att min familj 1980 efter en militärkupp var tvungna att fly från en annan förtryckarregim, nämligen TURKIET. Vårt brott var att vi är kurder och att vi krävde våra mänskliga, nationella och kulturella rättigheter.
De iranska studenternas brott är att de är frihetsälskare som kämpar för en framtid karakteriserad av demokrati, respekt för mänskliga rättigheter, minoritetsskydd, yttrandefrihet, demonstrationsfrihet, tryck- och pressfrihet och ett samhälle baserad på pluralism.
Jag fick min frihet för 22 år sedan när Sverige tog emot mig och min familj.
Därför är det viktigt för mig att kampen för demokrati och mänskliga rättigheter förs vidare. Därför är det viktigt för mig att iranska studenter, kurder och andra frihetsälskande människor i Iran men också i andra länder i mellersta östern får sina röster hörda, genom oss som lever i demokratiska länder som Sverige.
Därför är det viktigt för mig och frihetsälskande människor att visa omvärlden vilken brutal och totalitär regim Irans befolkning har att göra med. Vilken regim det är som dag för dag förpestar det iranska samhället och brutalt slår ner frihetsälskande människors hopp och tro om framtiden.
Irans president Mohammad Khatami kom till makten i slutet av nittiotalet. Han blev framburen av en stor majoritet frihetsälskande iranier. Men Khatamis löften om reformer uteblev.
Khatami har sen han kom till makten styrts av det iranska Prästerskapet, som genom det mäktiga Väktarrådet har sista ordet. Ayatollernas Väktarråd har i snart 25 år effektivt satt stopp för förändringar som utmanat den extrema tolkning av islams Sharialag som råder i Iran sedan den islamiska revolutionen 1979.
Oppositionella har gett upp hoppet om Khatami. Iranska frihetsälskare har fattat att Khatami aldrig har varit mannen av folket eller kommer bli mannen för folket. Khatami är i själva verket mannen av väktarrådet. Khatami är mannen som flitigt utnyttjat iranier och fört dem bakom ljuset för att breda ut sin egen maktposition.
Det vilar ett stort ansvar på oss moderata muslimer och icke muslimer som levt i frihet i våra nya hemländer att hjälpa mellanösterns frihetsälskare med nödvändiga verktyg så att de kan bygga upp sina civila och demokratiska samhällen. Men ansvaret vilar också på Sverige och det internationella världssamfundet.
Oppositionen mot mullornas makt är idag inte tillräckligt stark och välorganiserad för att kunna få bort den förtryckande regimen och frigöra parlamentet och andra institutioner från Väktarrådets makt. Just därför är omvärldens stöd så viktigt. Genom att stödja de grupper i Iran som arbetar för frihet och demokrati kan omvärlden lämna ett viktigt bidrag till utvecklingen i Mellanöstern.
Därför har vi samlats här idag på Raul Wallenbergs Torg för att ställa tydliga krav på den svenska staten att inte dalta med den iranska förtryckarregimen eller andra diktaturregimer i mellanöstern.
Men vi frihetsälskare har också samlats här idag för att visa vår solidaritet och ge en handräckning till de demokratiska krafterna i Iran och resten av mellanösterns och arabvärldens befolkning som kämpar för demokrati och mänskliga rättigheter.
Tack för ordet
Gulan Avci
Integrationssamordnare (fp)
Vi vill ha fred, vi vill ha demokrati och vi vill ha mänskliga rättigheter i hela mellanöstern. Men detta kan aldrig bli möjligt så länge det finns envåldshärskare, diktaturer och mördare som styr i den delen av världen.
För att demokratin ska kunna göra intåg i Iran, Syrien, Libanon, Turkiet och många andra länder så behöver folket i dessa länder hjälp utifrån. De behöver hjälp av oss som fått leva i frihet och demokrati. De behöver hjälp av det internationella samfundet, men inte bara hjälp i form av att tala diktaturerna till rätta. Utan de behöver verktygen som inte finns i dessa länder.
Men det är inte vårt enda syfte med dagens demonstration, nej, vi har även samlats för att visa vår avsky mot mulla regimen i Iran. Situationen för de tusentals iranska studenter som sitter fängslade i Tehrans Evin- fängelse och andra fängelser runt om i landet har blivit sämre.
Irans diktaturiska Ayatollor fortsätter att stärka sina maktpositioner och kväver Irans befolkning. De mest drabbade och utsatta är just Irans studentrörelse som varit de mest livgivande fenomenen i det iranska samhället på senare år.
Solidariteten med den kämpande studentrörelsen i Iran engagerar nu exiliranier och andra människor runt om i västvärlden, därav mig själv, eftersom att min familj 1980 efter en militärkupp var tvungna att fly från en annan förtryckarregim, nämligen TURKIET. Vårt brott var att vi är kurder och att vi krävde våra mänskliga, nationella och kulturella rättigheter.
De iranska studenternas brott är att de är frihetsälskare som kämpar för en framtid karakteriserad av demokrati, respekt för mänskliga rättigheter, minoritetsskydd, yttrandefrihet, demonstrationsfrihet, tryck- och pressfrihet och ett samhälle baserad på pluralism.
Jag fick min frihet för 22 år sedan när Sverige tog emot mig och min familj.
Därför är det viktigt för mig att kampen för demokrati och mänskliga rättigheter förs vidare. Därför är det viktigt för mig att iranska studenter, kurder och andra frihetsälskande människor i Iran men också i andra länder i mellersta östern får sina röster hörda, genom oss som lever i demokratiska länder som Sverige.
Därför är det viktigt för mig och frihetsälskande människor att visa omvärlden vilken brutal och totalitär regim Irans befolkning har att göra med. Vilken regim det är som dag för dag förpestar det iranska samhället och brutalt slår ner frihetsälskande människors hopp och tro om framtiden.
Irans president Mohammad Khatami kom till makten i slutet av nittiotalet. Han blev framburen av en stor majoritet frihetsälskande iranier. Men Khatamis löften om reformer uteblev.
Khatami har sen han kom till makten styrts av det iranska Prästerskapet, som genom det mäktiga Väktarrådet har sista ordet. Ayatollernas Väktarråd har i snart 25 år effektivt satt stopp för förändringar som utmanat den extrema tolkning av islams Sharialag som råder i Iran sedan den islamiska revolutionen 1979.
Oppositionella har gett upp hoppet om Khatami. Iranska frihetsälskare har fattat att Khatami aldrig har varit mannen av folket eller kommer bli mannen för folket. Khatami är i själva verket mannen av väktarrådet. Khatami är mannen som flitigt utnyttjat iranier och fört dem bakom ljuset för att breda ut sin egen maktposition.
Det vilar ett stort ansvar på oss moderata muslimer och icke muslimer som levt i frihet i våra nya hemländer att hjälpa mellanösterns frihetsälskare med nödvändiga verktyg så att de kan bygga upp sina civila och demokratiska samhällen. Men ansvaret vilar också på Sverige och det internationella världssamfundet.
Oppositionen mot mullornas makt är idag inte tillräckligt stark och välorganiserad för att kunna få bort den förtryckande regimen och frigöra parlamentet och andra institutioner från Väktarrådets makt. Just därför är omvärldens stöd så viktigt. Genom att stödja de grupper i Iran som arbetar för frihet och demokrati kan omvärlden lämna ett viktigt bidrag till utvecklingen i Mellanöstern.
Därför har vi samlats här idag på Raul Wallenbergs Torg för att ställa tydliga krav på den svenska staten att inte dalta med den iranska förtryckarregimen eller andra diktaturregimer i mellanöstern.
Men vi frihetsälskare har också samlats här idag för att visa vår solidaritet och ge en handräckning till de demokratiska krafterna i Iran och resten av mellanösterns och arabvärldens befolkning som kämpar för demokrati och mänskliga rättigheter.
Tack för ordet
Gulan Avci
Integrationssamordnare (fp)
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