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

CHRI – The Iranian Intelligence Ministry has illegally detained or summoned close relatives of at least three activists from northwestern Iran since anti-government protests erupted in the region in late December 2017, the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) has learned.

AL-Monitor – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is facing a backlash over his latest comments about no one being above criticism — including Islamic rulers. Rouhani’s claims that even Prophet Muhammad welcomed criticism by others has raised many objections among Iranian clerics who are now demanding that the president take back his words and not comment on religious matters in the future.

PauvandNews – The number of Chinese tourists visiting Iran in 2017 fell short of expectations as just 80,000 of the total 100,000,000 outbound Chinese passengers traveled to Iran last year.

RFL/RE – Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei met recently with “cyberspace experts” to discuss challenges that the Internet poses to Iran’s leadership, the head of the powerful Guardians Council said.

HRW – This coming Sunday a group of Iranian parliamentarians plan to visit Evin prison in Tehran, where dozens of political prisoners are held, the head of the parliamentary judiciary commission, Allahyar Alishahi, has announced. During recent protests, more than 3,700 people were arrested across Iran, and dozens of these people are held in Evin prison. Parliament requested the visit …