Social and Political

Radiofarda – An Iranian parliamentary official said today that the Intelligence Ministry has sued outspoken lawmaker Mahmoud Sadeghi for “disclosing classified information” related to the case of “assassination of nuclear scientists” between 2010 and 2012. Mahmoud Sadeghi, an outspoken member of Iran’s parliament has gotten into a dispute with the Intelligence Ministry. FILE PHOTO “The Intelligence Ministry has sued Mahmoud …

Radiofarda – Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani is finalizing with Japan a visit to Tokyo, officials in Tehran said Monday, in what will be the first such trip in two decades. The trip would likely take place around December 20, after Rouhani visits Malaysia for a Muslim leaders summit in Kuala Lumpur, Japanese and Iranian media reported. “This trip (to Japan) …

Radiofarda – A member of Tehran’s Chamber of Commerce has told local media that a few American drug companies have obtained permission from the U.S. government to export medicines to Iran. ILNA news website in Tehran quotes Alireza Kolahi as saying that the drug companies have also proposed the names of several Iranian banks as payment channels and the U.S. …

Radiofarda – – As the constitutional deadline in Iraq for naming a new prime minister ends on Tuesday, December 17, Iraqi protesters reiterate their demands the nominee should be independent and not accused of corruption. The renewed demonstrations on Saturday, December 14, in Baghdad’s main protest hub on Tahrir (Liberation) Square as well as other center-south cities, mainly Basra and …

Al-Arabia – A Princeton University scholar who was freed from Iran this month after three years in captivity said Monday that his release “is a victory of humanity and diplomacy across nations and political differences.” Xiyue Wang and his wife, Hua Qu, said in a statement to The Associated Press that the family is doing well and overjoyed by the …

Amnesty – As part of a violent and deadly crackdown, Iran’s authorities have been arbitrarily arresting thousands of protesters who are now at risk of torture and other ill-treatment. Act now and call for those arbitrarily arrested to be released. In November 2019, nationwide protests were sparked in Iran after the government announced a huge rise in petrol prices. Security …

 Amnesty – Thousands arrested including children as young as 15 Detainees subjected to enforced disappearance and torture At least 304 people killed in protests according to credible sources Iran’s authorities are carrying out a vicious crackdown following the outbreak of nationwide protests on 15 November, arresting thousands of protesters as well as journalists, human rights defenders and students to stop …

Iran-HRM – According to the latest reports at least 1,500 protesters have been killed during a three-day crackdown against November Iran protests in different provinces. At least 400 have been killed in Tehran, 320 in Kermanshah, 270 in Fars, 240 in Khuzestan, 120 in Isfahan, and 100 in Alborz (Karaj). According to eyewitnesses, hundreds of bodies were taken to Namazi hospital …

Iran-HRM – As more information is trickling out every day about the slaughter of defenseless people in Iran during the November 2019 protests, undeniable evidence sheds light on the crimes committed against humanity. Iranian officials are gradually acknowledging the crimes security forces have committed. On December 11, 2019, Amir Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, member of the Iranian regime’s parliament, confirmed the …

RFL/RE – Heavy smog has caused Tehran officials to order the closure of dozens of schools and suspend outdoor sporting activities in the Iranian capital. The decision to shut schools was announced December 14 by deputy governor Mohammad Taghizadeh, after a meeting of an emergency committee on air pollution. Schools will also close on December 16, Taghizadeh said in an …