Shabtabnews In this dark night, I have lost my way – Arise from a corner, oh you the star of guidance.

rferl.org – The National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and Russian state-controlled energy giant Gazprom have signed a memorandum of understanding worth around $40 billion, according to the Iranian Oil Ministry’s news service, SHANA. The deal, agreed on July 19, coincides with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Tehran for a summit with his Iranian and Turkish counterparts. SHANA reported that …

iran-hrm – The state security forces have arrested at least 16 people at protests over the drying up of Lake Urmia which was once the world’s second largest salt lake. Reports say dozens have also been summoned by the authorities. Rahim Jahanbakhsh, the police chief of Iran’s West Azerbaijan Province, said on July 17 that several people had been arrested …

radiozamaneh – A recent HRANA report claims a Dutch citizen is imprisoned in Iran. According to HRANA, the Iranian Human Rights Activists news agency, “Kees Lunenburg” has reportedly been sentenced to five years in prison for the alleged charge of “collusion against national security.” In an email to the Dutch foreign ministry, Zamaneh asked for confirmation of any Dutch nationals …

rferl.org – Relatives of Manuchehr Bakhtiari have warned that the Iranian political prisoner’s health is deteriorating due to him being on a hunger strike and in solitary confinement. In an interview with Radio Farda on July 18, a relative who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals from authorities, said that Bakhtiari, whose 27-year-old son Pouya Bakhtiari was killed in a …

iranhr.net – Hamid Noury was found guilty of “criminal and flagrant violation of international laws and intentional murder.” This is the first time that any Iranian official has been held accountable for the 1988 mass execution. Welcoming the judgement holding an Iranian official accountable, Iran Human Rights calls on the international community to immediately arrest and prosecute any perpetrators that …