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

RFL/RE – Russia has continued to show blatant disregard for human rights both in its unprovoked war against Ukraine and in the treatment of its own citizens over the past year, the U.S. State Department has said in its latest annual report on human rights around the globe, which also highlights the abuses committed by Iran’s theocratic regime and the Taliban’s mistreatment …

RFL/RE – Iranian dissident rapper Saman Yasin, who was detained during nationwide protests in 2022, has been sentenced to five years in prison, according to a verdict obtained by RFE/RL’s Radio Farda. In sentencing Yasin, Branch 15 of Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Court said Yasin will serve the punishment at a prison in the city of Kerman, as dictated by a fatwa …

Iranwire – A call made for a government-sponsored rally in support of compulsory hijab in Iran has again met with disdain.  A recent rally was held in Tehran to “protest against non-compliance with hijab,” among numerous other such demonstrations organized in the past few months by various institutions of the Islamic Republic. Despite fervent advertisements, no substantial participation materialized. Media …

Iranwire – Parisa Salehi, a journalist, has stated that she has been summoned to the Karaj Justice Department to begin her 5-month prison term.  In a social media post, she mentioned: “I received a notification yesterday, instructing me to report to the 7th Branch of Karaj Execution of Sentences office within the next five days to commence serving the sentence.” …

Iranwire – Kurdish futsal player Afshin Nejadaziz from Urmia was arrested by Iranian security forces on April 19, according to the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights.  His current location and charges against him are still unknown. Reports indicate Nejadaziz was detained after protesting against racist slogans chanted by a presenter during a futsal match in Urmia.  Details about the reasons …