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.

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…”

Threats Against Nobel Peace Laureate Shirin Ebadi Must Be Condemned

(25 June 2009) Official Iranian news agencies have published a letter claiming to be from lawyers, university professors, and families of veterans and martyrs, which requests the Justice minister, Gholam-Hussein Elham, to prosecute Iranian Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi for allegedly violating Islamic and constitutional law through her human rights advocacy, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran reported today. Elham is also the spokesman for Ahmadinejad’s government.

The letter, published by Fars News, an outlet close to the Revolutionary Guards, claims that Ms. Ebadi’s advocacy with international authorities in the wake of massive police brutality against peaceful demonstrators violates her obligations as a lawyer.

Human Rights Organization Provides the Names of Prominent Detainees, Calls for Their Release

(23 June 2009) The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran today published lists of Iranian citizens it has confirmed killed and detained since the disputed 12 June presidential elections. The lists are not comprehensive and show the names of only some of the well-known detained citizens and only four of the dead.

The lists name a total of 240 detained persons, including 29 who were detained and then released, as well as 102 political figures, 23 journalists, 79 university students, and 7 university faculty who are still in detention.

Injured Demonstrators Arrested at Hospitals

(20 June 2009) Numerous Iranians beaten and injured by security forces as they tried to stage peaceful demonstrations have been arrested and detained when they sought medical treatment in hospitals, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran reported today.

Heavily armed Iranian police and military units, as well as paramilitaries, confronted thousands of citizens as they tried to assemble. According to information received by the Campaign, police wielding batons and using water cannons and tear gas injured hundreds. There have been unconfirmed reports of several deaths. One witness told the Campaign she saw a female demonstrator get shot in the neck.

An Appeal to Iranian Authorities to End Restrictions on Civil Liberties and Violence against Demonstrators

(14 June 2009) The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran today appealed to Iranian authorities to withdraw security and Special Guards from public places, allow peaceful demonstrations, halt violence against citizens, and to release without charge numerous opposition leaders, journalists, and demonstrators who have been detained in the wake of the disputed presidential election on 12 June.

Letter to the Head of the Judiciary to Release Osanloo

(1 June 2009) We are seriously concerned for Mr. Osanloo’s life. He is held in Rajaiee Shahr prison, in Karaj, along with violent criminals who have threatened his life. He could die as a result of such attacks and ensuing mayhem. He should not be held under such dangerous circumstances. Furthermore, having served more than half of his prison term, the Iranian laws allow for his release, which we urge you to immediately implement.

Court Documents Show Obsession with Alleged US Intelligence Actions Led to Unfair Convictions

(28 May 2009) The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran has obtained copies of court rulings against four individuals prosecuted and sentenced to prison terms because they allegedly worked in cooperation with the United States government to instigate a “soft revolution.”

The four prosecuted individuals are Drs. Arash and Kamiar Alaei, Silva Harotonian, and Mohammad Ehsani. Arash Alaei is serving a six-year sentence and the other three defendants are each serving three-year sentences.