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

RFL/RE – Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ruled out holding a referendum on key national issues, a demand made by antiestablishment protesters, activists, and opposition figures. “Where in the world is this done? Is it possible to hold a referendum for various issues of the country?” Khamenei, who has the final say on all important matters of the …

RFL/RE – Award-winning Iranian director Jafar Panahi’s travel ban has been lifted after 14 years, his wife, Tahereh Saeedi, said on Instagram on April 25, adding that she and her husband were going to travel abroad “for a few days.” Panahi, 62, was temporarily released from prison last month after going on a hunger strike to protest “the illegal and inhumane behavior” …

Iranwire – The Iranian judiciary has announced charges against two women journalists who have been incarcerated for seven months for covering the events surrounding Mahsa Amini’s death in police custody. Judiciary spokesman Masoud Setayshi said on April 26 that Niloofar Hamedi and Elahe Mohammadi are accused of “collaborating with the hostile American government, colluding against national security and engaging in …

Iranwire – Iran’s judiciary says an Iranian diplomat imprisoned in Belgium will “soon” be released in a prisoner swap. The announcement was not immediately confirmed by Brussels. “Belgium has requested an exchange and so have we for our diplomat Asadollah Assadi. Following the necessary protocols, such an exchange will be done soon,” spokesperson Masoud Setayeshi, said on April 26, according …

Iranwire – Iran’s Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence of Iranian-German national Jamshid Sharmahd on charges of “corruption on Earth.” The Iranian judiciary’s website Mizan Online made the announcement on April 26. Sharmahd, who also has US residency, was abducted by Iranian officials in the United Arab Emirates in July 2020 and forcibly transferred to Iran. Iranian authorities accuse him of …