UN Envoy Sparks Controversy on Human Rights Situation in Iran
Alena Douhan, the United Nations Special Rapporteur of unilateral coercive measures, was in Iran last week to examine and report on the impact of U.S. sanctions on the humanitarian situation in Iran. A professor of international law at the Belarusian State University, Douhan was appointed in 2020 and reports to the United Nations Human Rights […]
Food Protests in Iran Met with Deadly Force
Reports of protests over inflation and the rising cost of food in Southwestern Iran’s oil-rich province of Khuzestan began on May 6, after which reports of internet disruptions soon followed. Human rights organizations and activists immediately expressed concern over the safety of protestors, given the disturbing pattern of internet shutdowns and deadly force employed by […]
Internet Shutdown in Khuzestan Protests
In the face of hyperinflation and rising food prices, Iranians in the country’s oil-rich Khuzestan province took to the streets in protest on May 6. Reports emerged on the same day that internet shutdowns were affecting local users, a tactic that has been employed by Iranian authorities to prevent protestors from sharing videos and information […]
Crackdown on Teacher’s Demonstrations in Iran
As we witness labor movements in the U.S. and around the world calling for fair wages and better working conditions, Iran is no exception. In Iran, the combination of mismanagement, corruption, and punishing U.S. sanctions have devastated middle-class and working-class Iranians who struggle to make a living in a battered economy. Adding insult to injury, […]
Two Iranian Students Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison in Iran
Reports broke today that Ali Younesi and Amirhossein Moradi—two honors students at one of Iran’s most prestigious universities, Sharif University—have been sentenced to 16 years in prison by an Iranian court on bogus charges such as “corruption, conspiracy to act against national security and propaganda against the state.” News of these two young and gifted […]
Amnesty Briefing: Death in Iran’s Prisons
An Amnesty International briefing published last week reveals a disturbing pattern of neglect and denial of proper medical treatment for Iranian prisoners. The briefing investigates 96 cases, 92 men and four women, of deaths under the custody of prison authorities in several different provinces across Iran since 2010. More alarming is the fact that these […]
Repressive Internet Bill Remains in Limbo
Along with other areas of public expression, Iranian authorities have long tried to censor and control access to the internet. Despite many obstacles, ordinary Iranians have resourcefully found ways around these controls, such as VPNs that allow them to access restricted sites. However, a parliamentary bill introduced last year, often called the “Protection Bill,” immediately […]
Iranian Activist Narges Mohammadi Criticizes Western Approach on Iran
Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian spoke to prominent Iranian human-rights activist Narges Mohammadi as she faces yet another outrageous prison sentence in Iran. Rezaian is no stranger to the unjust practices of the Iranian judicial system, which imprisoned the journalist on spurious charges for 544 days in 2014-16. In her interview calls with Rezaian, Mohammadi […]
Renowned Activist Narges Mohammadi Faces Eight-Year Prison Sentence
Reports surfaced on Sunday that well-known human rights activist, Narges Mohammadi, has been sentenced yet again by the Iranian judiciary to serve time in prison. According to Mohammadi’s husband, the Paris-based activist Taghi Rahmani, Mohammadi’s “trial” lasted only five minutes, after which she was sentenced to eight years in prison and 70 lashes, a stark […]
Keyvan Samimi’s Health in Danger in Iranian Prison
The life of long-time Iranian journalist, Keyvan Samimi, is in grave danger, as the 73-year-old activist faces serious health issues in prison. In recent days, loved ones and activists shared their concerns on social media for Samimi’s health. Samimi is an iconic figure in Iranian society for his lifelong commitment to journalism and activism, supporting […]
Raisi Meets Putin, Criticizes U.S. and NATO
Iran’s President Raisi has travelled to Russia and met with President Putin. Their discussions focused on expanding Iran-Russia ties. Meanwhile, President Biden said there has been progress in the Vienna talks. Iran has also transferred two political prisoners to other prisons.
Khamenei Voices Support for Negotiations Amid Modest Progress
Khamenei and top decision making bodies voiced support for negotiations this week amid talks of “modest progress” in Vienna. Iranian poet Bektash Abtin’s death has sparked widespread outrage, while the 2nd anniversary of Iran’s downing of a Ukrainian civilian airliner has resurfaced anger and grievances. Parliament has also passed a bill to investigate Rouhani.