Violations of Law and Due Process Standards in the Conviction of Atefeh Nabavi

(30 November 2009) Judicial authorities should review the arrest, trial and conviction of Atefeh Nabavi, a 28-year-old woman sentenced to four years in prison for her participation in peaceful demonstrations following disputed presidential elections in June, appealed the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran.

“The procedures leading to Atefeh Nabavi’s conviction and sentencing were so riddled with errors and human rights violations that the result is devoid of credibility and should be thrown out,” stated Hadi Ghaemi, a spokesperson for the Campaign.

New Charges of Espionage Filed Against Iranian-American Sociologist

(26 November 2009) The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran expressed serious concerns about new charges introduced by Revolutionary Guards commanders in the prosecution of Kian Tajbakhsh, an Iranian-American sociologist.

“It appears the Revolutionary Guards are seeking to justify their severe repression since the June elections by ratcheting up baseless espionage charges against Tajbakhsh in order to demonstrate foreign involvement and make him a scapegoat,” said Aaron Rhodes, a Campaign spokesperson.

Investigate Suspicious Death of Medical Doctor Witness to Torture at Kahrizak

(November 25, 2009) In a letter to Iranian authorities, human rights organizations expressed serious concerns about the recent suspicious death of Dr. Ramin Pourandarjani, a physician who worked at the Kahrizak detention center, and who reportedly witnessed grave human rights violations there.

Scores of protestors were detained and held at Kahrizak, where they were allegedly tortured and ill treated. At least four detainees died in the facility. Iranian authorities have promised to investigate the ill treatment of detainees at Kahrizak but to date, no public announcements about the prosecution of those responsible have been made.

Crackdown on Students Ahead of National Student Day

(24 November 2009) Scores of Iranian students have been arbitrarily arrested and prosecuted in recent days, as authorities apparently seek to stifle protests expected on 7 December, National Student Day, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran reported today. Detentions of students have occurred throughout Iran. The Campaign has received information of such detentions in Isfahan, Babol, Chaharmahal-o-Bakhtiari, Shiraz, Ilam, Kermanshah, Ghazvin, and in Tehran in Azad University, Tehran University, Amirkabir and Elm-o-Sanaat.

“In order to silence the student movement, a wholesale crackdown on Iranian students is underway, which not only violates their rights, but also disrupts their studies and the lives of their families,” stated Hadi Ghaemi, a spokesperson for the Campaign.

UN Resolution Condemning Iran Human Rights Violations Moves Forward

(20 November 2009) The Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution today strongly condemning Iran for violating the human rights of its citizens. The approval by a vote of 74 for, versus 48 against, paves the way for adoption of the resolution by the General Assembly in December.

“This crucial vote means that, while engaging the Islamic Republic of Iran in discussions about its nuclear development program is important, that goal should not and has not deterred the international community from standing by the Iranian people in their struggle for human rights, and demanding that the IRI adhere to its commitments,” stated Aaron Rhodes, a spokesperson for the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran.

Continuing Persecution of Student Alumni Group

(19 November 2009) Iranian authorities have arbitrarily arrested another member of the leading student alumni group ADVAR, and sentenced its spokesperson to an eight-year prison term, while other detained members are being mistreated, unfairly tried and sentenced to jail terms, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran reported today.

“We deplore the continuing abuse of the human rights of ADVAR members, who are being persecuted in an apparent attempt to prevent a new generation of Iranians from freely thinking and working together,” said Hadi Ghaemi, a spokesperson for the Campaign.

109 Human Rights Groups Ask United Nations to Condemn Human Rights Violations in Iran

(16 November 2009) New York – Over one hundred independent human rights and civil society organizations from around the world have urged delegations to the United Nations to support a resolution in the General Assembly condemning human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI), and urging the IRI to abide by its international human rights obligations.

“Human rights conditions in Iran have deteriorated dramatically since the General Assembly’s 2008 Resolution…”

Letter to Members of the United Nations on Human Rights in Iran – November 2009

10. Association for Human Rights Legal Aid (Egypt) 11. Association for Women’s Rights in Development 12. Bahá’í International Community (Switzerland) 13. Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (India) 14. Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (Egypt) 15. Cambodian Center for Human Rights (Cambodia) 16. Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (Cambodia) 17. Cambodian League for the Promotion [...]

Halt Execution of Ehsan Fatahian, Review Case

(10 November 2009) The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran today appealed to the chief of Iran’s Judiciary, Ayatollah Larijani, to halt the execution of Ehsan Fatahian, whose execution is scheduled for 11 November at Sanandaj prison.

“We consider Mr. Fatahian to be a prisoner of conscience, who has been unjustly charged, sentenced in violation of Iranian law, and been convicted without due process and in the absence of evidence to prove the case against him,” stated Aaron Rhodes, a spokesperson for the Campaign.

Labor Activists Begin Prison Terms

(9 November 2009) Four leaders of the Syndicate of Workers of Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane Company, including Fereydoun Nikoufard, Jalil Ahmadi, Ghorban Alipour and Mohammad Haydari have been summoned by intelligence officials and arrested to begin serving prison terms, and are being held in Dezful prison, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said today. Ali Nejati, the president of the Syndicate, is expecting to be arrested at any time.

“These sentences and arrests are emblematic of the Islamic Republic’s denial of basic workers rights in violation of Iran’s obligations as a member of the International Labor Organization (ILO),” said Hadi Ghaemi, a spokesperson for the Campaign.