RFL/RE – Human rights groups say Iranian authorities have forced the family of one of the victims killed by security forces during protests in the Kurdish city of Mahabad to bury their son’s body in the middle of the night under strict security measures. The France-based Kurdistan Human Rights Network claimed in a report on November 25 that forces from …

Iranwire – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has praised the paramilitary Basij force for its role in suppressing anti-government protests that have rocked Iran for more than two months. The Basij, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), has been at the forefront of a brutal state crackdown on the wave of demonstrations against the clerical regime. Khamenei’s …

Iranwire – What is happening in Iran’s province of Kurdistan has both tragic and proud aspects: Kurdistan remains the flag bearer of the 70-day nationwide uprising against the Islamic Republic, despite a fierce crackdown by security forces in which at least 40 people have been killed in just five days. The ongoing repression is different from the oppression that has …

Iranwire – An investigation by state-owned France 24 TV has found evidence that shotgun cartridges manufactured by a French-Italian manufacturer have been used in the brutal crackdown on nationwide anti-government protests in Iran. In an apparent violation of EU sanctions, shotgun cartridges using Cheddite components have been widely used for hunting purposes in Iran since at least 2011, said France 24 …

Iranwire – Iranian security forces clashed with peaceful protests in the restive eastern city of Zahedan, as anti-government rallies were held across Sistan and Baluchistan province after Friday prayers. According to a Baluch human rights group, scores of people were killed and wounded after live ammunition was fired at people gathered inside Zahedan’s main mosque on November 25. Footage obtained …

VOA – Iran has sent additional units of special forces to fortify its northern border with Iraq and clamp down on what it says is infiltration by Kurdish opposition groups, Iranian state media reported on Friday. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, chief of ground forces of the paramilitary Iranian Revolutionary Guard, said “armored and special forces” units had been deployed to west …

gatestoneinstitute.org – The mullahs are freely expanding their nuclear weapons program, now enriching uranium to nearly weapons-grade level. Iran is also seeking assistance from its ally, Russia, to bolster its nuclear program, according to the US intelligence officials. Iran has been providing attack drones to Russia that are being used in Ukraine and is preparing also to deliver ballistic missiles. …

Shabtabnews – In a twitter statement USCIRF called for justice & accountability for victims & survivors of violence targeted based on their religion or belief around the world.” #IDEVAW2022 USCIRF Chair @nuryturkel: "On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, USCIRF calls for justice & accountability for victims & survivors of violence targeted based on their religion …

Al-Arabia – Iran’s foreign ministry has condemned a United Nations Human Rights Council decision to probe the Islamic republic’s response to unrest following the death of Mahsa Amini. Tehran had opposed holding the urgent council session on Thursday as requested by Germany and Iceland. It “totally rejects” the resolution that was adopted to establish a high-level fact-finding mission, the ministry …

RFL/RE – Iran’s political turmoil cast a shadow over Iran’s second match in the World Cup on November 25, with pro-government fans harassing anti-government fans outside the stadium in Qatar. Unlike in their first match against England, the Iran players sang along to their national anthem before the match against Wales as some fans in the stadium wept. Some Iran …