Shiro-Khorshid Forever - شيروخورشيد تا ابد

Iranian Canadian Congress Does Not Represent the Iranian Canadian Community

2012-01-24T17:46:00.002-05:00

Last Sunday I attended an event organized by the Iranian Canadian Congress, an organization that claims to represent the Iranian Canadian Community.

The event was about Canadian Policy towards Iran with a panel of speakers which included Ramin Jahanbegloo, Ali Ehsasi, Houshang Hassan Yari, Kaveh Shahrooz and David Mousavi.

The general view of the panelists was: no to war, no to sanctions and no to the hard stand the Canadian Government has taken against the Islamic Regime. In fact one of the panelists went as far as to say the Harper Government was irresponsible in its dealings with the Regime, and criticized the Prime Minister for having stated on numerous occasions that he was “afraid of Iran.”

Some of the speakers also urged the Iranian Canadians to contact their local politicians and voice their “concerns” over the tough stand Canada has taken against the Iranian Regime.

Not surprisingly there was very little talk about the threats posed by the Islamic Regime, including the real possibility of Iran developing nuclear weapons, as well as Iran’s financial support for international terrorism. While the speakers were quick to condemn the Canadian Government for taking a tough stand against the Regime, no such condemnation was forthcoming against the Regime in Iran and no solutions were offered on the issue of helping the Iranian people over throw the Islamic Regime in Iran.

Disturbingly enough the views of the panelists and the interests represented were very much in line with the view points and the interests of the Iranian Regime. There were no speakers on the panel who discussed the views and interests of the Iranian People.

During the question and answer period I made the statement that “while I condemn war or any military intervention in Iran, this was a panel discussion and the only views and interests that were represented were views and interests of the Regime. Where were the panelists speaking out on behalf of Iranian people and their interests? I further stated that the Iranian Canadian Congress does not represent the Iranian Canadian Community and their views, and that we would make sure Canadian Government was aware of this.”

It is important to note one activist was removed from the premises and threatened with arrest for peacefully handing out flyers outside of the venue, while a second activist was threatened with a civil suit for voicing his concerns about the organization and the event itself.

This is a crucial time in history for Iran and Iranians. The Regime is becoming weaker every day, the international community including Canada is finally taking a tougher stand against Iran including the imposition of smart sanctions related to gas and oil. Dissent in Iran is very strong.

As the Iranian Canadian Community we need to become active and vocal and politically involved in Canada, in order to prevent opportunistic organizations such as Iranian Canadian Congress to take advantage of our silence by posing themselves as the representatives of our community.
We need to make sure the Canadian Government is aware of the views and interest of the Iranian people, whether its support for smart oil and gas sanctions or diplomatic isolation in order to weaken the Regime and allow the Iranian people to overthrow the Regime.

I urge the Iranian Canadian Community to get involved, we need to be loud and clear in sending the message that the Iranian Canadian Congress or any other organization whose interests are aligned with the interests of the Islamic Regime do not represent our community.

Special thanks to Faramarz Shiravand for providing the pictures.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom In Iran

By: Sayeh Hassan, Barrister & Solicitor, Pro-democracy activist and blogger

Harper is Wrong in Demonizing Iran- An Apologist article in Support of a Brutal Dictatorship

2012-01-12T10:27:00.001-05:00

Below is my response to the following article from the Hamilton Spectator yesterday (Jan. 11th 2012), I found the article to be nothing but an apology for the Iranian Regime which is known for its brutality and dictatorship. Anyone who is interested can log onto their site and leave a response.

The link to the original article: http://www.thespec.com/opinion/columns/article/652363--harper-is-wrong-in-demonizing-iran

While Mr. Stone seems to have had a great visit in Iran, having been invited by Iranian Government Officials, I wonder if his trip took him to any of the Iranian prisons including Evin, Gohardasht, and Sanandaj, where thousands of political prisoners are being tortured, raped and executed on a daily business.

The Iranian Regime is a Regime that has not mercy or tolerance for its own people, it is a Regime that has used violence, torture and murder for the past 32 years against its own people. It is also a Regime that has been very active in funding international terrorism, and despite Mr. Stone’s assertions it is a Regime that is on its way to developing nuclear weapons. There is no telling what the Regime is capable of doing to those who sees as its enemies once it has acquired nuclear weapons, and we should not sit and wait until it is too late.

The majority of the Iranian people do not support any type of military intervention in Iran, however many of them agree that smart sanctions which include oil sanctions, as well as total isolation of the Iranian Regime from the international community is necessary in order to weaken the Regime, and allow the Iranian people to take advantage of this weakness and overthrow the Government, before it’s too late.

Sayeh Hassan
Barrister & Solicitor
Iranian-Canadian Pro-Democracy Activist

Canada Iran Human Rights and Democracy Committee

2011-12-14T17:06:00.006-05:00

Canada Iran Human Rights and Democracy Committee- Creation of Parliamentary Group On December 12th 2011 I had the pleasure of speaking at the first meeting of the new parliamentary group "Canada Iran Human Rights and Democracy Committee" which took place at the La Promenade Building at 7:00pm.

This Committee was created with the initiative of James Bezan Member of Parliament for Selkirk-interlake, in the Conservative Party.

This Committee will seek to "bring to light human rights violations being committed by Iran, both domestically and internationally and to make it abundantly clear to the Government of Iran, as well as the international community that Canadian Parliamentarians are serious about promoting Canadian values of peace, democracy, the rule of law, security and human rights."

Throughout the year this Committee will focus on issues relating to human rights and democracy within Iran, Iran's illegal nuclear weapons program and Iranian support for militancy throughout the Middle East and terrorism abroad. The Committee will also focus on elements affiliated with the Islamic Regime in Canada.

If anyone is interested in further information please feel free to contact me.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Commemorating 16 Azar- National Student Day in Iran

2011-12-07T14:27:00.002-05:00

December 7th marks the National Student Day in Iran. The student movement is a power to be reckoned with and has been for many years. Students in Iran have been actively and consistently fighting against the Islamic Regime for many years.

We all remember the pro-democracy student demonstrations in July of 1999 which shook the Islamic Regime to the core, as well as countless anti-regime protests and demonstrations we have witnessed since 1999. The students have been very active and very involved in asking for a secular/ non religious, free and democratic government in Iran. As a result the number of arrests, imprisonment, torture and rape of students has increased over the years.

Today I am commemorating 16 Azar, the National Student Day in Iran, and am dedicating this post to all brave Iranian students who are relentlessly fighting for a secular and democratic Iran, and specifically to Akbar Mohammadi and Behrouz Javid Tehrani, two symbols of strength and resistance against the Regime in Iran.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Frightened Iran Attacks the British Embassy

2011-11-30T11:31:00.001-05:00

It is no secret that whenever the Islamic Regime feels threatened it resorts to brutal violence. We have seen the Regime step up its systematic arrests, torture and rape of Iranian activists; we have seen mass public executions in order to instill fear in the heart of people. While this has been going on for 32 years it usually increases whenever the Regime feels threatened and endangered by the people’s movement.

However it seems like the Regime is no longer satisfied with only attacking the Iranian people. The most recent example is the attack of the British Embassy by Iranian Basiji Militia, which is a group closely linked to the so called Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. No doubt the recent international sanctions have played a serious role in this recent attack.

In the past few weeks we have seen the international community take a very stern stand against the Regime. In particular countries like Canada, Britain and even France have been pushing for oil sanctions, arguably one of the only ways to break this Regime’s back. No doubt the Regime has started to feel the pressure and as usual has once again resorted to violence, namely the attack on the British Embassy.

I think it is important to note two things, which the Western media seems to have missed.

1. The attack was not carried out by “protestors” or ordinary Iranian citizens. This was clearly an attack by Basiji Militia which is directly linked to the Regime. It is important to distinguish peace loving Iranians from these brutal thugs, and their attack on the Embassy.
2. While I strongly condemn the attack on the British Embassy, I think the attack is a clear sign that strong oil sanctions against Iran are working! There is no way Iran would have resorted to this act, if it didn’t feel cornered and helpless.

This is why it is crucial for the International Community to keep the pressure on Iran, with smart Oil Sanctions in order to weaken the Regime and allow the Iranian People to use this weakness to overthrow the Regime.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

SECOND MAN LINKED TO IRANIAN BANK SCANDAL HAS MOVED TO MONTREAL

2011-11-17T12:36:00.004-05:00

SECOND MAN LINKED TO IRANIAN BANK SCANDAL HAS MOVED TO MONTREAL

by Rhonda Spivak, November 16, 2011

A couple of weeks ago, I reported on the fact that an Iranian terror financier from a large bank in Iran involved in funding terror groups in the Middle East , Mahmoud Reza Khavari, has immigrated to Canada and is now living in Toronto.
http://www.winnipegjewishreview.com/article_detail.cfm?id=1556&sec=2&title=WHAT_SHOULD_CANADA_DO_ABOUT_TH_IRANIAN_TERROR_FINANCIER_IN_CANADA_LOTS .

It now turns out that a second man linked to the Iranian bank scandal has moved to Montreal, as reported in the Globe and Mail.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/second-man-linked-to-iranian-bank-scandal-has-moved-to-montreal/article2219406/ .

Is this just a co-incidence or is Canada is putting out a welcome mat for financiers with links to the Iranian Regime?

Sayah Hassan, an Iranian Canadian lawyer and pro-democracy advocate told the Winnipeg Jewish Review that: "Mehregan Amirkhosravi is the second individual linked to the 2.6 billion dollar embezzlement scandal in Iran that is living in Canada. This shows a clear pattern that individuals who have links to the Islamic Regime in Iran or individuals who have been involved with financial organizations that fund [non-peaceful] nuclear programs and terrorist groups are increasingly finding a safe haven in Canada.

"There is great concern that there are other individuals from high ranking officials to interrogators and torturers who have found their way to Canada and have brought along a great amount of money for investment. I think that this is happening potentially at the expense of legitimate refugees who have escaped from Iran in order to save their lives, people who would truly have respect for Canadian values such as freedom and democracy.

"Canada is a nation of immigrants and many of us have come here to get away from tyrants and oppressors. We need to make sure Canada does not become a safe haven for those very oppressors that many of us have escaped from."

James Bezan Canadian Member of Parliament condemns the Iranian government

2011-11-16T10:37:00.002-05:00

Thank you Mr. Bezan for your consistent support of the pro-democracy movement in Iran

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2011

James Bezan condemns the Iranian government

Ottawa, ON - James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake has been working diligently to expose the leadership in Iran fand reveal those in Canada associated with the government of Iran. “Iran continues to support terrorism, defiantly pursues nuclear weapons, calls for the end of the state of Israel and systematically tramples the rights of innocent Iranians,” said Bezan.
Mr. Bezan has also been consistent in denouncing the actions and ambitions of the President of Iran and has repeatedly called for the protection of Iranian refugees in Camp Ashraf in Iraq.

Recently Mr. Bezan has pointed out the disturbing circumstances of Iranians Mahmoud Reza Khavari and Mehregan Amirkhsoravi. Mr. Khavari was the previous head of Iran’s state owned bank (Bank Melli), and the Mr. Amirkhsoravi was linked to Bank Melli. This bank is connected to funding terrorism and nuclear proliferation, and both of these men are reported to be living in Canada.

“These men must not be allowed to brazenly defy and abuse our generous immigration system, and action must be taken,” said Bezan. “I implore the government to pursue all legal grounds to revoke Khavari’s reported citizenship.” MP Bezan is calling on the government to investigate Mr. Khavari.

Mr. Bezan has a long standing relationship with Iranian Pro-Democracy activists here in Canada, and they have been working together to examine the actions of the Iranian Embassy.

Last year the National Archives of Canada announced the screening of Iraniumand the Iranian Embassy attempted to prevent the viewing of this film, intimidated public servants and stifled free speech. Bezan continues to unequivocally denounce the Embassy of Iran for these undiplomatic acts.

Mr. Bezan will be screening the documentary, Iranium to parliamentarians in December.

For further information please contact:
Dana Seymour
Office of James Bezan, MP
Phone: 613-992-2032
media@jamesbezan.com

Iranian banker could be in Canada illegally

2011-10-27T12:34:00.003-05:00

Iranian banker could be in Canada illegally
By Daniel Proussalidis, Parliamentary Bureau

OTTAWA -
Sayeh Hassan says it's great authorities are examining how the ex-head of Iran's state-owned Bank Melli, Mahmoud Reza Khavari, obtained Canadian citizenship in 2005.
"I think it's a really good sign and it's going to send a strong message to people like Mr. Khavari that they can't just come to Canada and use Canada as a safe haven," said Hassan.

Bank Melli has long been suspected of ties to Iran's notorious Islamic Revolutionary Guard and funding Tehran's nuclear ambitions and terrorist activities.
Khavari abruptly resigned from Bank Melli in late September and is wanted in connection to an Iranian financial scandal.

Earlier this month he flew to Toronto where a $3-million mansion is listed in his name.

But Khavari may just be the tip of the iceberg.

"There is concern that there are a lot more like him in Canada," said Hassan. "Unfortunately it's a lot more difficult to identify who they are."

The investigation involving Khavari follows a federal effort launched in July to revoke the citizenships of 1,800 people believed to be guilty of fraud.

There's no indication that effort has targeted other members of the Iranian regime.

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2011/10/21/18860136.html

WHY IS THERE AN IRANIAN TERROR FINANCIER IN CANADA?

2011-10-20T10:37:00.002-05:00

WHY IS THERE AN IRANIAN TERROR FINANCIER IN CANADA?

by Rhonda spivak, October 19, 2011

The Canadian-Iranian blogger “Winston,” who writes at The Spirit of Man website, drew attention to this important story.

About three weeks ago, the news broke in the Iranian press of an embezzlement scandal. Three billion dollars went missing from an Iranian bank, the largest single instance of embezzlement in a regime where graft is commonplace.

Mahmoud Reza Khavari, the managing director of Bank Melli, has fled to Canada. The Washington Post provides further context regarding the scope of the embezzlement, those involved, and how they link into other Iranian political scandals.

As Michal Rubin, writing in Commentary Magazine has said, what the Washington Post does not mention is that Bank Melli has been involved in the transfer of funds to Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah through the Qods Force, as well as Iran’s nuclear program. Bank Melli was among the Iranian financial institutions which the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned in 2007.

The Globe and Mail, reported that Khavari, who resigned amid this "massive embezzlement scandal, one that has soured the political fortunes of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is reported to be in the Toronto area – where a $3-million home is owned in his name."

"The scandal is described as the biggest fraud in that country’s history. The amounts of money involved exceed even the $2-billion loss the Swiss bank UBS recently sustained due to a rogue trader."

The article in the Globe and Mail gives a lot of background and is worth a read http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/banker-in-iran-scandal-said-to-be-in-toronto/article2187315/.

The question that pro-democracy Canadian Iranians, and many others, have been asking is why it is that Khavari has been allowed to live in Canada when it is very clear that he has been linked ot the Iranian teroro machine.

As Sayeh Hassan, a Canadian Iranian lawyer told the Winnipeg Jewis Review on October 18, 2011

"Basically he [Khavari] was the head of Melli Bank in Iran which is the largest bank in Iran and has been sanctioned by US as well as UN for funding nuclear programs and funding terrorist organizations like Hamas. Obviously since he was the head of the bank, one can only suspect his involvement...It's been all over the news lately and the Canadian Gov. refuses to make any comment. As concerned Canadians we musturge theCanadian Government to re-open Khavari's immigration file, revoke his [Canadian] citizenship and freeze all his assets in Canada.

Hassan adds, "High ranking individuals within the dictatorship's regime should not be allowed to use Canada as a safe haven."

Hassan has made a video report in front of Khavari's home in Toronto. To go to the English section, start the video at the 5 minute http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYK2BWg_hFs

Canadian Citizenship of Mahmoud Reza Khavari Must be Revoked

2011-10-17T11:28:00.004-05:00

Until recently Mahmoud Reza Khavari was the chairman of the board of directors of Melli Bank, the largest bank in Iran.

In the midst of a large embezzlement scandal he resigned and left Iran legally. Currently he is believed to be residing in Toronto, Ontario.

According to various media reports not only does Reza Khavari own property worth millions of dollars in Canada, he has also been able to obtain Canadian Citizenship.

The Melli Bank in Iran has been sanctioned by the US for its involvement in funding nuclear and missile programs as well as funding terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Palestine Islamic Jihad. As the head of this bank, Reza Khavari has been directly involved in these activities.

It must be noted that as the head of the largest bank in Iran Reza Khavari was a key figure within the Islamic Regime in Iran until very recently. Islamic Regime in Iran is a regime that not only systematically arrests, tortures, rapes and executes its own citizens, but is also very actively involved in funding terrorism worldwide.

It is cause for concern that such an individual has been able to obtain a Canadian Citizenship and is using Canada as a safe haven.

So far the Canadian Government has been silent on this issue, however as concerned Canadians we must urge the Canadian Government to re-open Reza Khavari’s immigration file, revoke his citizenship and freeze all his assets in Canada.

High ranking individuals within dictatorship regime’s should not be allowed to use Canada as their safe haven!

Video report in front of Reza Khavari’s home- Toronto- The English Section starts at minute 5.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Iranian Revolutionary Guards Attack Kurdish Opposition Group in Iraq

2011-07-20T13:51:00.003-05:00

Over the weekend thousands of Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) Troops crossed into Iraq and attacked Iraqi Kurdish villages.

According to an article by Kenneth Timmerman in Newsmax, the Revolutionary Guards are targeting basis for Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK), a Kurdish/Iranian opposition group currently operating in Iran.

According to this news article PJAK guerilla fighters confirmed the death of 108 Revolutionary Guards while 200 more were injured during the attacks. Seven PJAK fighters also lost their lives.

While the Revolutionary Guards were busy invading Iraq and attacking Kurdish activists, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and the Prime Minister of the Kurdish Regional Government Dr. Barham Salih left for China to encourage Chinese investment in Iraq.

It is not surprising that the Iraqi Government has remained silent in the face of these attacks, what is surprising is the silence of Iranian opposition. If there was ever a time to be outraged and to speak out this is it.

Once again the Islamic Regime has taken it upon itself to cross borders and attack an opposition group in a desperate attempt to defeat and silence them.

If we as Iranian opposition and activists remain silent today there is no telling what the Regime will do tomorrow and who it will attack next!

I urge all opposition groups and independent activists to take a strong stand against these attacks, in order to prevent the Regime from carrying out such attacks in the future.

Just a reminder:

“First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Down with Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

The Iranian Embassy in Canada Should be Shut Down!

2011-07-13T09:10:00.001-05:00

On July 8th 2011 Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird announced that Canada together with the United Kingdom and the United States is increasing restrictions on the Iranian authorities to hold them accountable for their international human rights obligations.

While this is a step in the right direction, it will not be enough to prevent the Regime in Tehran from systematically violating the rights of its citizens or enriching uranium and moving closer to acquiring nuclear weapons. While these factors alone should encourage Canada to take a stronger stand against the Regime in Iran, there is also the Iranian Regime’s attempt to penetrate and influence Canadian government and non-government institutions.

In October 2010, the problem-plagued RCMP Community Outreach program promoted a so-called “peace conference” organized by well-known regime apologist Akbar Manoussi. Apparently shaken that the RCMP could place a person of such sympathies on one of their advisory boards, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews scrambled to announce that the RCMP must keep clear of this and other hate fests. Other troubling RCMP outreach has occurred but, despite pleas from moderate Muslims and others, Mr. Toews has been helpless to force the issue.

In January, Library and Archives Canada, our federal library, capitulated to Iranian pressure and cancelled a showing of the film Iranium. Protests by the sponsor, the Free Thinking Film Society, spurred the Canadian government to re-schedule the event.
Despite these red flags, Tehran still enjoys the credibility and influence that comes with having an embassy in Ottawa. In fact, to the disgust of pro-democracy activists, National Arts Centre officials recently invoked Canada’s relations with Iran as justification for allowing the mullah regime to host – via an Iranian “cultural” organization – a lavish event at the Canadian taxpayer-funded NAC.  

It must be said that, especially since Iran’s 2003 killing of Iranian-Canadian journalist Zahra Kazemi, our government has shown itself willing to limit the scope of its diplomatic relationship with Iran. Nonetheless, its embassy continues to allow Iran a formidable base of operations in our midst.

Many Iranian-Canadians and others familiar with Iranian Regime refer to Iran’s embassy  as “The House of Terror.” The embassy serves as an operational headquarters for attempts  to spy on Canadians and manipulate policy and public opinion. It identifies and intimidates  pro-democracy activists, with particular regard to Iranian-Canadian dissidents whose families in Iran may be vulnerable. Along with front organizations, embassy personnel penetrate our universities, and some “students”, boasting embassy connections, warn campus democracy activists not to get out of line.

Meanwhile, Iranian immigrants complain that expatriate Iranian “volunteers” are joining immigrant-settlement organizations in order to spy on newcomers from Iran, rather than to help integrate Iranian immigrants into Canadian life, values and loyalty.

The crisis is building; with a terror-linked Iranian brigadier general’s recent boast that Western countries are infiltrated by Tehran’s armed forces – and general recognition that Iranian Revolutionary Guard elements operate from many of Regime’s embassies. The embassy of Iran, like so many of its “cultural” and other offices, is a threat to the sovereignty and security of Canadians.

It is time to shut it down.

Sayeh Hassan is a Toronto-based criminal defence lawyer and a bloggeradvocating for human rights and democracy in Iran.

Commemorating 18 Tir- July 9th 1999 Pro-Democracy Demonstrations

2011-07-06T13:07:00.001-05:00

The twelfth anniversary of 18 Tir (July 9th 1999) the Iranian pro-democracy uprising that shook the Islamic Regime for six days is fast approaching and once again activists in Iran and abroad are getting ready to mark this day with worldwide protests.

While 18 Tir protests were trigged by the banning of a reformist newspaper “Salam’, the protests quickly escalated into a six day anti-government demonstrations which sought to overthrow the Islamic Regime in its entirety. While the students had started the protests, soon Iranians from all walks of life joined in the fight against the government and shook the Regime to the core.

What is most significant about 18 Tir is the fact that this was the first time in 20 years where Iranian people came out in overwhelming numbers to fight against the government and for democracy in Iran. While the pro-democracy movement in Iran had been active from the very beginning of the revolution, this was the first time ever people came out in such significant numbers and attacked the Regime publicly and in the streets.

Regime was shocked and scared and handled the situation in the only way it knew how, by arresting and torturing thousands of students and activists, and sentencing them to long imprisonment terms. At least one student Ezzat Ebrahim Nejad was shot to death by Regime agents while protesting, but the number may be much higher.

Among those arrested and falsely charged with “risking national security” was Akbar Mohammadi a student who was arrested and sentenced to death for his involvement in the peaceful demonstrations. Due to overwhelming international pressure his sentence was eventually reduced to 15 years of imprisonment. Unfortunately Akbar Mohammadi died under very suspicious circumstances in August 2nd 2006, in the notorious Evin Prison while he was on a hunger strike. Many believe that he was murdered in prison because he would not give up his fight against the Islamic Regime under any circumstances.

Another note worthy activist who was arrested during 18 Tir was Behrouz Javid Tehrani, a student activist and the only remaining political prisoner from July 9th 1999 pro-democracy demonstrations. Mr. Tehrani has spent most of the past 12 years in Islamic Regime prisons because he also refused to stop his fight for democracy and freedom in Iran.

On 18 Tir we remember Ezzat Ebrahim Nejad, Akbar Mohammadi, Behrouz Javid Tehrani and thousands of other activists who have lost their lives in the fight for a free and democratic Iran, or who have spent the best years of their lives in Islamic Regime dungeons to create a better Iran.

The pro-democracy movement in Iran which showed its teeth during the six day 18 Tir Protests continues today and is arguably stronger than it has ever been. While twelve years ago we did not hear the slogan of “down with the Islamic Regime,” we hear it today in Iranian streets on a regular basis.

It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to remember and to continue on this path until the Islamic Regime is overthrown and we have a free and democratic Iran.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Happy Canada Day!

2011-07-01T17:01:00.002-05:00

Wishing everyone a very happy Canada Day!

Mennonite Scholars from CMU Face Criticism for Meeting with Iranian Clerics from Institution Led By Ahmadinejad’s Spiritual Leader

2011-06-27T06:46:00.001-05:00

Mennonite Scholars from CMU Face Criticism for Meeting with Iranian Clerics from Institution Led By Ahmadinejad’s Spiritual Leader

By Rhonda Spivak, June 23, 2011

Seven Iranian Muslin clerics met at Canadian Mennonite University in Tuxedo in June, for three day of close-door discussions with seven Mennonite theologians from Canada and the United States, the Winnipeg Free Press reported. (See: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/fyi/mennonite-theologians-meet-with-iranian-muslim-clerics-123678754.html)

According to the Free Press report the Iranian scholars, consisting of Fanaei Eshkevari and six colleagues from the Imam Khomeini Education & Research Institute, insisted on closed meetings in order to prevent protests by pro-democracy Iranian Canadians against the Iranian regime.

A CMU professor told the Free Press that although these discussions were intended to be theological, not political, the Iranian scholars asked for closed meetings to prevent a repeat of protests by Iranian Canadians that shut down a public forum at a previous 2007 dialogue in Waterloo.

"It was they (the Iranians) who said we will not come if any of your events are for the public," explained Gordon Zerbe of CMU.
Pro-democracy Iranian Canadians and human rights advocates have criticized the decision of the Canadian Mennonite University for acceding to this request by the Iranian scholars, arguing that the actions by the CMU strengthen the dictatorship of Iran, and undermine the need for regime change.

Sayeh Hassan, an Iranian Canadian lawyer, and human rights activist in Toronto told the Winnipeg Jewish Review that even if the discussions were “theological” in nature, (and not political) “these clerics certainly have a very pro-regime stand.” She pointed out, for example that in 2010 one of these clerics, Mohammad Fanaei Eshkevari in an interview with a Italian Magazine Vademecun stated “ Iran is the only democratic country in the middle east… Iran is the most popular state in the world… those who demonstrate against the government are a small minority. Western Medias do not show the reality.” (http://eshkevari.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/an-interview-with-italian-magazine-vademecum-about-iran/#more-26 emphasis added.)

After noting that the Iranian cleric insisted on a “behind closed doors” discussion to prevent demonstrations by “pro-democracy activists who support the overthrow of the Islamic Regime and creation of a secular and democratic government in Iran,” she criticized a Canadian University for agreeing to “such an un-democratic demand.”

As she said: “We live in Canada, not Iran, and while it is the norm in Iran to conduct many things including trials, torture, rape and executions behind closed doors, there is no reason for those anti-democratic practices to be carried into Canada by supporters or lobbyists of the Regime. I condemn any dialogue with supporters of the Islamic Regime who has for the past 32 years tortured, raped and executed hundreds of thousands of Iranians and who continue to do so. If this Canadian University was adamant on having these discussions they should at the very least have adhered to democratic Canadian values and made sure the discussions were open to public and transparent.”

A Google search done by the Winnipeg Jewish Review found that the institute from which these seven Muslim clerics come from is headed by Ayatollah Mohammad-Taqi Mesbah-Yazdi who is considered one of Iran’s most radical clerics and is the spiritual mentor of Iran’s President Ahmadinejad. In fact, Mesbah-Yazdi asked and received a budget for the establishment of the Imam Khomeini Education and Research Institute, which he currently heads. ( http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/html/iran_e048.htm )

When asked for his reaction to this, David Matas, an international human rights lawyer, and Senior Honourary Counsel for B’nai Brith Canada, said “This sort of meeting is problematic because it can be used by the regime for propaganda purposes to give it legitimacy. Anything that helps keep the regime in power is, because of the very nature of the regime, something to be avoided.”

However, Rev. James Christie, Professor of Dialogue Theology and Director of the Ridd Institute for Religion & Global Policy at the University of Winnipeg, defended the actions of the Canadian Mennonite University. He wrote to the Winnipeg Jewish Review: "Given that the meetings are closed, I can hardly speculate on what or what might not be discussed. But talks between and among scholars, theologians and any other religious leaders hardly legitimate any given political regime. If there is no talk, there is no progress. I agree with the late Mr. Rabin: 'You don't make peace with your friends.' To refuse to engage may satisfy a certain need to be or to be seen to be politically correct; little else.

“It is difficult to imagine Mennonites not addressing human rights concerns.

“As to outrageous statements by Iranian political leaders, I know that nothing I say influences Mr. Harper's positions. How should I expect something other in a country with a regime such as Iran's.?"

There is nothing in the Winnipeg Free Press report which says specifically that the Mennonite scholars addressed human rights concerns.

Further, when asked by the Winnipeg Jewish Review to respond to Rev. Christie’s comments above, Matas replied: “In my view, the expression of human rights concerns, to be effective, should be public and persistent, at the highest level possible. The expression of human rights concerns behind closed doors dissipates the impact of those concerns.”

When asked whether he thought that the CMU ought to have met the Iranian clerics behind closed doors, former Liberal MP and human rights activist David Kilgour activist said, “Definitely not. I'm surprised the University would do so. They should know better the nature of the regime by now.”

Kilgour, who spoke at the recent Iran 180 Coalition in New York, told the Winnipeg Jewish Review that “We Americans/Canadians generally and the entire world have a responsibility to stand in robust solidarity with the struggle for dignity for all in Iran.”

The dialogue marked the fifth formal meeting between Shia Muslim scholars form Iran and Mennonite scholars, and the first time the dialogue took place in Winnipeg. These dialogues began after Iranian religious leaders wanted to learn more about the Mennonites who offered aid and relief supplies through the Mennonite Central Committee after the devastation of the 1990 earthquake in Iran.

Editor’s comment: The dialogue with the Iranian Muslim Clerics which took place in our city for the first time so happens to have occurred in the constituency which has the largest Jewish population in Manitoba and very near by, the Asper Jewish Community Campus. Next time the Mennonite scholars choose to invite pro-regime Iranian scholars we ought to suggest that both the Iranian and Mennonite scholars come join us for a screening of the movie “Iranian” about the dangers of a nuclear Iran. It is rather ironic that the screening of the film at an event sponsored by the B’nai Brith Prairie Region and Magen David Adom Canada, also took place at the beginning of June, right around the time when the clerics and Mennonite scholars were dialoguing down the road.

Readers may wish to remember that Robert J. Suderman, general secretary of Mennonite Church Canada, was among several Canadians who attended a dialogue with Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2008 in New York. One of the sponsoring organizations was the Mennonite Central Committee. They discussed the role of religion in responding to global challenges and building peace and understanding between societies. (http://www.mcc.org/stories/news/religious-and-political-leaders-hold-peacemaking-dialogue)

Readers may also wish to note the recent reports that Iran was the mastermind behind the Syrian government's backing of Palestinian refugees storming Israel's borders on "Nakba Day" and has been backing Bashar Assad's repressive actions to quell the ongoing protests in his country.They have aslo been delivering longer range weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, to be used, sooner or later, against Israel.

Toronto Event in Honor of Fatehi Brothers

2011-06-11T22:06:00.002-05:00

Tonight I attended an event in honor and memory of Abdollah and Mohammad Fatehi two brave brothers who were recently executed by the Islamic Regime in Iran.

The event had been organized by family members and friends of Fatehi brothers. There were a number of speakers including the Uncle of Fatehi brothers and his wife. Both mother and father of Fatehi brothers also joined us via telephone conference and thanked everyone worldwide who had stood by their family during this tragic time.

While it was an emotionally difficult night for me, I also left the event with a renewed sense of strength and motivation.

I am still in awe of Fatehi brothers mother who after losing two of her sons is still able to stand strong and encourage people to come together to get rid of the Islamic Regime in Iran.

A theme that seemed to be running through the night was that we need to stop crying, we need to stand strong and united against this brutal Regime. Only with strength, unity and determination will we be able to defeat this Regime.

This takes me back to a few years ago when I wrote a post titled "Never let the enemy see you sad or defeated" I wrote that post
in honor of Akbar Mohammadi who fought against the Regime until his death in the Evin Prison and Majid Kavousifar who went to his execution with a smile on his face.

It took me a while to understand the meaning behind that smile, but I realized that there is nothing more important than standing strong, united and proud against the Regime.

Tonight I am writing this post in Honor of Fatehi brothers and their very brave mother who reminded me once again the importance of standing strong and continuing in the path of Fatehi brothers and all other freedom fighters who have gone to their death holding their heads up, with a smile on their face and with the knowladge that thousands of others would follow in their footsteps until the Islamic Regime is overthrown.

The execution of Fatehi brothers has been a unifying force among Iranians and hopefully this tragic loss will be the beginning of the end for the Islamic Regime in Iran.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Rememberance for Fatehi Brothers- This Saturday June 11th in Toronto

2011-06-07T11:31:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

A rememberence event is being organized by the family and friends of Abdollah and Mohammad Fatehi in Toronto for this coming Saturday (June 11th from 5pm to 8pm)

Please below find all necessary details below:

Date: Saturday June 11th
Time: 5pm-8pm
Place: Thornhill Community Centre: 7755 Bayview Ave. Thornhill

یادمانی به نام عشق و انسانیت

هرشب ستاره ای به زمین می کشند
و
باز این آسمان غمزده غرق ستاره هاست

در سحرگاه سه شنبه ۱۷ مه ۲۰۱۱ دو جوان، دو برادر عاشق انسانیت و زندگی، عبدالهن و محمد فتحی، توسط جمهوری اسلامی ایران اعدام گردیدند.

یادمان محمد و عبدالله مجلس سوگواری نیست، هر چند سوگواریم.
یادمان این عزیزان زانوی غم بغل گرفتن نیست، گر چه غمزده ایم.
این یادمان اما صدائیست علیه بی عدالتی، علیه شکنجه، علیه اعدام و جنایات رژیم اسلامی.

با حضور و همراهی تان این صدای اعتراض را هر چه رساتر کنیم.

مراسم شامل شعرخوانی، نمایش ویدئو و پیام از خانواده محمد و عبدالله

زمان: ساعت 5 تا 8 بعد از ظهر، روز شنبه 11 جون 2011

مکان: Thornhill Community Centre: 7755 Bayview Ave. Thornhill
(واقع در شمال شرقی تقاطع خیابانهای بی ویو و جان)
تماس: 416 407 7922

از طرف خانواده های فتحی و علاسوندی، رفقا و بستگان

Why is the National Art Centre hosting an event organized by the Islamic Regime Embassy?

2011-05-31T11:54:00.002-05:00

As many of us are aware the Islamic Regime Embassy in Ottawa is organizing a “cultural event” called Iran the Land of Glory, which is to take place at the National Art Centre, in Ottawa on June 4th.

Given that the National Art Centre is a partially government funded entity it is extremely concerning that the National Art Centre has agreed to host an event organized by the Islamic Regime Embassy.

Due to the limited diplomatic relations between Canada and Iran there is nothing prohibiting the Regime from having this event, but the fact that it is taking place at a government funded entity gives the illusion that both the National Art Centre and the Canadian Government are supporting this event.

I would urge Canadians to not only not attend this event, which is being organized by one of the worst dictatorship regime’s in the world, but also to perhaps consider not attending any future events held at the National Art Centre to show dissatisfaction with any entity that will cater to the Islamic Regime, especially on Canadian soil.

The Islamic Regime is no longer a danger which only concerns the Iranian people. A Regime that supports international terrorism, has denied the Holocaust, has threatened the existence of Israel and is in pursuit of nuclear weapons is a danger to the International Community as a whole.

The Regime has also tried on numerous occasions to infiltrate and influence Canadian entities by threatening the National Archives, to prevent them from showing the film Iranium, or by attempting to infiltrate the RCMP Outreach Program. The Canadian Government however has always taken a strong stand against the Regime both internationally and in Canada.

I urge the Canadian Government to once again show its support for the Iranian people by preventing the Regime from having events in Government funded entities. I also urge all Canadians to voice their concern both to the National Art Centre and the Canadian Government in regards to any events being organized by a dictatorship regime which has no respect for life, liberty and culture.

Please view the following video which was created by an Iranian/Canadian activist in protest to this event. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYy1ru23txo

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Islamic Regime is Organizing a "Cultural Event" at the National Art Centre in Ottawa

2011-05-25T21:20:00.001-05:00

The Islamic Regime of Iran is at it again, attempting to organize a "cultural event" at the National Art Centre in Ottawa on June 4th 2011. The Regime has been known to organize so called culltural events every so often in order to mask its true nature, and hide behind culture. This is an attempt to move the focus of Canadians and the Canadian Government away from the human rights violations, recent waive of mass executions, rape and torture in prisons and the general illegitimacy of the Regime in Iran.

This event is being organized by the Cultural Centre of Iran which is affiliated with the Islamic Regime Embassy in Ottawa. It is concerning to see that once again the Regime is attempting to show its influence and power in Canada.

I urge all freedom loving activists to write to the National Art Centre and voice your concerns over this "cultural event" organized by the Regime.

Rosemary Thompson, Director of Communications and Public Affairs of NAC (613) 947-7000

Peter Herrndorf, CEO and President of NAC (613) 947-7000

Email: info@nac-cna.ca

Or you can send an email from this page: http://www.nac-cna.ca/en/contact/index.cfm

We may have to organize a protest but I am hoping it won't come to that and the National Art Centre will cancel the event. Please call and send emails as soon as you can, and circulate this as wide as possible, especially to our friends in Ottawa.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Execution of Two Brothers in Iran-Habibollah Latifi may be Next!

2011-05-17T14:31:00.003-05:00

Last night two young brothers Abdollah (29) and Mohammad (27) were executed by the Islamic Regime in the city of Isfehan. Two brothers had been arrested in March of 2010 and “convicted” after mock trials without defence lawyers on charges of “involvement with anti revolutionary groups”, “armed opposition” and being a “mohareb” (enemy of God).

Last night thousands of activists awaited by their phones, TV’s and computers waiting to see whether the executions would be carried out. Thousands of activists had come together on facebook and twitter, circulating news about the brothers, writing to the authorities and hoping that the executions would be halted.

Around 7am Isfehan time the Fatehi brother's mother went inside the prison and was able to visit them one last time, although the prison guards refused to take the handcuffs off of Abdollah and Mohammad so that they could hug their mother one last time before executions. Moments after she came out of the prison two ambulances were seen going inside the prison, and the family was told to collect the bodies of the two brothers from the morgue.

While many of us are grieving the murder of two young political activists we are also faced with the immanent possibility of more executions, starting with the possible execution of Habibollah Latifi which may be carried out as early as tomorrow.

For those who may not remember Mr. Latifi is a 29 year old Kurdish activist who was “convicted” of being a “Mohareb” and “membership in the Kurdish opposition group PJAK” after being subjected to severe torture and going through the usual three minute mock trial.

Mr. Latifi’s execution had been scheduled for last December, however thanks to worldwide international campaign, as well the a major protest in front of the prison in Sanandaj, the authorities did not carry out the execution and sent it back to court for “confirmation”

According to various reports the death sentence against Mr. Latifi has once again been confirmed and has been sent to the branch carrying out sentences to be executed. There have been a number of reports suggesting the execution may be carried out tomorrow (May 18th 2011). In any event it is clear that the risk of execution of Mr. Latifi is imminent and I call on all activists and organizations who took part in the campaign of Fatehi brothers to also do what they can to stop the execution of Mr. Latifi.

Mass executions by the Regime have always signaled Regime’s fear and despair from the people. We have seen this in 1981, summer of 1988 and most recently after the June 2009 [s]elections. When the Regime feels threatened and weak it kills, it kills in order to bring fear and terror to the heart of the people. In order to make sure people are too afraid to rise up. In the past few months once again we have seen a similar pattern of almost daily executions in Iran, which can only signal the terror of the Regime from the people.

One can only hope that people of Iran will come to realize their strength, and the Regime’s fear from them. People of Iran are strong, and the Regime has gotten extremely weak, especially in the past two years, making the overthrow of the Islamic Regime a real possibility. I hope that through this tragedy and perhaps others to come we do not lose sight of this reality.

I certainly hope the recent executions by the Regime have opened the eyes of many who choose to only focus on human rights issues, ignoring the broader and the more real issue which is regime change in Iran.

In the hopes of a day when the Islamic Regime will be overthrown by the Iranian people and we will see a free, secular and democratic Iran.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Mohammad and Abdollah Fatehi on the brink of Execution in Iran

2011-05-16T18:41:00.004-05:00

According to news reports from Committee of Human Rights Reporters two brothers Mohammad (27) and Abdollah (29) who are currently being held in the intelligence service section of the Isfehan Prison are scheduled to be executed tomorow morning.

These brothers are political prisoners and were subjected to brutal physical and psychological torture in order to force confessions from them. According to a statement from their father, their lawyer was not allowed to be present during the" trial", after which they were "convicted" of communicating with opposition groups, armed opposition and being a "mohareb" (enemy of God).

The family of the Fatehi brothers have urged all human rights organizations and activists to do what ever in their power to stop the execution of Mohammad and Abdullah.

I am hopeful that people of Isfehan will rise up and stop the execution of these two brothers the same way people of Sanandaj stopped the execution of Habibollah Latifi in December of 2010.

Please circulate and do what you can to get the word out as much as possible. We only have a few hours, so let's do what we can.

Link to original article in Farsi
Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

In Memory of Farzad Kamangar, Ali Heydariyan, Farhad Vakili, Shirin Alamhooli and Mehdi Eslamiyan

2011-05-09T11:45:00.002-05:00

Today we mark the one year anniversary of Farzad Kamangar’s execution by the Islamic Regime. On that dark day the Islamic Regime executed Mr. Kamangar who was a peace loving teacher and activist as well as four other Ali Heydariyan, Farhad Vakili, Shirin Alamhool and Mehdi Eslamiyan.

While a year has passed we have not forgotten Mr. Kamangar and what he stood for, and we continue to move on the same path for a free, secular and democratic Iran.

While a year later I am still deeply saddened by this tragedy I am also hopeful and encouraged to see that the fight against the Islamic Regime is becoming bigger and stronger every day.

My thoughts and condolences are with the families and loved ones of Mr. Kamangar, Heydariyan, Vakili, Eslamiyan and Ms. Alamhooli.

In hopes of a free Iran where innocent young people will not be executed for “political crimes”

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Trita Parsi NOT Attending the “Iran in Context Conference” in Ottawa

2011-05-04T09:10:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

As many of you may have already heard Trita Parsi had been invited to speak at the “Iran in Context Conference” in Ottawa which is organized by Canada International Council and scheduled for May 5th. Upon hearing this news a campaign was started by prominent Iranian activists in Canada and the United States to expose Mr. Parsi and his agenda for lobbying for the Islamic Regime.

Following an eloquently written open letter by Dr. Arash Irandoost, which was signed by a number of prominent Iranian and non Iranian activists, and an op-ed in the National Post co-authored by Kenneth Timmerman and myself, Canada International Council announced that Mr. Parsi would not be speaking at the conference due to “family and health reasons.”

This is another clear example of how coming together and working in a unified fashion towards a common goal can be very effective. We have managed to keep Mr. Parsi from coming to Canada and lobbying for the Islamic Regime, at least for the time being. We need to keep vigilant and continue to work together in order to keep the voice of the real Iranian opposition strong.

I want to send my sincere thanks to everyone who was involved in this campaign, Dr. Irandoost for being the pioneer in this campaign and writing the letter, everyone who signed and helped circulate it, Mr. Timmerman for co-authoring the op-ed and everyone behind the scenes who helped with editing and publication, as well as other activists and organizations who wrote to the Canada International Council about their concerns in regards to the conference.

Congratulations on job well done.

Sayeh Hassan
Barrister & Solicitor

Conference on Iran to feature Tehran apologist

2011-04-22T11:39:00.002-05:00

Conference on Iran to feature Tehran apologist

By Kenneth R. Timmerman and Sayeh Hassan

So we welcome the initiative of the Canadian International Council and the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa in holding a May 5 conference on Iran. But we question why the organizers would even contemplate inviting as a keynote speaker Trita Parsi, a pro-Tehran lobbyist who has become so infamous among Iranian-Americans that they show up for his events just to heckle him.

Until the widely disputed June 2009 “election” of Iranian strongman Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Parsi and his group, the National Iranian American Council (NIAC ) rarely mentioned the words “human rights.” Instead, they lobbied the U.S. Congress hard against U.S. sanctions on Iran and promoted U.S. trade with Iran, despite the regime’s human rights record, its nuclear weapons ambitions, and its support for international terrorism and vows to wipe Israel off the map.

http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2011/04/22/conference-on-iran-to-feature-tehran-apologist/#comments

Canada Promotes "The Mullahs' Voice"

2011-04-18T18:05:00.002-05:00

Canada Promotes "The Mullahs' Voice"

While the Canadian International Council is set to sponsor an Ottawa event on May 5th, entitled, "Iran in Context: Global and Regional Implications" ostensibly to focus on "political and security issues," the event has drawn a strong protest letter that includes signatories from a broad multicultural spectrum of the Iranian community in Canada who request cancelling the event.

The petition expresses concern about several speakers on the conference panel, deeming them to be Iranian regime apologists who would present the Iranian government as a "pragmatic and rational entity," in which diplomacy and dialogue could offer solutions. One of those speakers is Trita Parsi, founder of the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), a lobby that advocates the lifting of trade and economic sanctions against Iran. Kenneth R. Timmerman -- Executive Director for the Foundation of Democracy in Iran, and nominated for the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize along with John Bolton for his work on Iran -- once described Parsi as "The Mullahs' Voice" and the "unofficial spokesman in Washington who can talk circles around their official ambassadors."

Parsi's lobby, the NIAC was also featured unfavorably in the Washington Times as violating Federal lobbying rules in its quest for Iranian advocacy. Before he founded the NIAC, Parsi had launched another group: "Iranians for International Cooperation"(IIC). Although Parsi is publicly critical of the Iranian regime, his group listed as top priorities the "safeguard Iran's and Iranian interests, the removal of U.S. economic and political sanctions against Iran, and the commencement of an Iran-U.S. dialogue."

With the Western predilection for dialogue as an effective tool for mediation and change, the history of such endeavours with Iran should cast doubt on the viability of such efforts. Talks between Iran, Britain, Germany and France, for example, began in 2003 and ended in failure. They were intended to ensure that Iran would not develop nuclear weapons. In 2004, an agreement was finally signed between Iran, France, Germany, the U.K. — with support from the European Union — in which Iran agreed to suspend its uranium enrichment activities. Yet Iran reneged on the agreement, asserting its "sovereign right to enrich uranium." Further negotiations and warnings from Western allies that Iran was in violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty proved futile, as did ambiguous threats from European nations about punitive action from the UN Security Council.

Although sponsors of the conference are the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service; and the declared aim of the conference is to try better to understand the decision-making process of the Iranian regime in the hope of facilitating reform through policy options; and that it has drawn together a panel of "experts on Iran" from Canada, the U.S., Europe and the Middle East, a Wall Street Journal Report has asserted, about dialogue with Iran, that "public opinion throughout the region will conclude that the United States has at last surrendered to the reality of Iranian rule. The damage to America's regional, if not global influence, could prove irreversible."

Had Iran cooperated with the world community, it would have begun its journey toward a semblance of reform, but instead it remains a rogue nation with a regime that upholds its proxies Hamas and Hizbullah by financial support and training, and with the goal of obliterating Israel.

Recently Reza Cyrus Pahlavi — the older son of the late Shah of Iran, Mohammead Reza Pahlavi — called on 'foreign' countries to stop dialoguing with Iran and instead support those who try to effect change in leadership. Pahlavi even suggested that given the brutality of the Iranian Regime, that some members of the Iranian military may not stand with the regime to the end, beckoning that now was the time for the people of Iran to be emboldened for change as seen in Tunisia and Egypt. Not far from Canada's collective memory looms the story of Canadian-Iranian photojournalist Zahra Kazemi who was detained and arrested by Iranian officials in 2003 for taking pictures of a student protest outside a prison in Tehran. While in custody, she was brutally beaten, tortured and raped. She died from her injuries, a savagery the Iranian authorities initially tried to cover up.

The Canadian International Council conference's intention to engage Iran bears serious implications. In the absence of strict mandates -- which Iran has already rebuffed with its unbending resolve in the face of sanctions — promoting dialogue with Iran amounts to a legitimization of this brutal regime, along with its accomplices, Hizbullah and Hamas.

There is also the lunacy of the mystical menace Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to contend with; in 2005 he gave $17 million to the shrine of the 12th Imam who he apparently believes will appear before the next U.S. Presidential election.

Ahmadinejad has also stated that the main mission of the Islamic revolution is to pave the way for the coming of the 12th Imam, a messianic event that according to Shi'a Islam is to be preceded by apocalyptic conditions; a sobering thought given his uranium enrichment program and his outspoken wish to "wipe" Israel off the face of the map.

The letter of petition opposing the Canadian conference stated wisely: "You should refrain from appeasing the Islamic government by all means possible, and certainly should not host those who seek to facilitate and buy time for the regime to develop its nuclear weapons' program using the rhetoric and guise of democracy and hiding behind the flag of human rights."

Violent Attacks on MEK in Camp Ashraf

2011-04-08T08:52:00.000-05:00

According to many news sources including The Guardian, Iraqi forces have attacked Camp Ashraf in Iraq and have killed at least 3 people and injured 13. According to MEK the death toll maybe as high as 23.

While many of us may not agree with the MEK ideology we cannot remain silent while fellow Iranians are being massacred. This is not so much political issue as it is a “human issue” and I would urge everyone to break the silence and to condemn this brutal act by the Iraqi forces.

First They came... - Pastor Martin Niemoller
First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Open Letter-Iranian Community Expresses Grave Concern Regarding CIC’s “Iran in Context Event”

2011-04-05T22:06:00.005-05:00

The Honorable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defense
Jennifer Jeffs, Canadian International Council President
Richard B. Fadden, Canadian Security Intelligence Director
Jim Balsillie, Co-CEO, Research In Motion
Perrin Beatty, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
André Desmarais, President & CEO- Power Corporation of Canada

Re: Iranian Community Expresses Grave Concern Regarding CIC’s “Iran in Context Event”

We, the undersigned, are extremely concerned about the National Branch of CIC and the University of Ottawa’s upcoming conference “Iran in Context - Regional and Global Implications."

For over three decades, various governments have used dialogue and diplomacy with the regime in Iran to no avail, starting with the administration of President Jimmy Carter, who did everything possible to assure the new regime of American friendship and failed miserably. Since that time, the more world governments have tried to engage the regime’s leaders, the more belligerent, emboldened and abusive they have become. Countries such as Canada, which is well aware of the brutality of the Iranian regime, through the death of the Iranian-Canadian photojournalist Zahra Kazemi, and institutions such as yours and the University of Ottawa should support pro-democracy opposition groups. You should refrain from appeasing the Islamic government by all means possible and certainly should not host those who seek to facilitate and buy time for the regime to develop its nuclear weapon’s program using the rhetoric and guise of democracy and hiding behind the flag of human rights.

These apologists, and regime supporters intentionally portray the Islamic government in Iran as a pragmatic and rational entity. They suggest that dialogue and diplomacy are the best way to deal with Iran. They falsely claim that sanctions are not effective and hurt ordinary Iranian people. Recently, primarily due to opposition leaders Mousavi's and Karrubi’s arrests, these apologists are attempting to shift the focus from Iran’s weapons program to what they have decided is more acceptable human rights issues. They have falsely blamed regime’s blatant human rights violations, only second to China's, on U.S. pressure and ridiculously claimed that recognition of the IRI would improve the human rights violations in Iran. The Iranian American community considers Dr. Ramin Jahanbegloo and Trita Parsi of the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) such intellectually dishonest regime apologists. They contribute to regime’s agenda and serve the interests of those in power in the Islamic republic. Ramin Jahanbegloo is a known apologist who seeks reform but not systemic change for Iran, knowing fully well that reform is not possible under the IRI Constitution.

Trita Parsi falsely purports to represent Iranian-American interests in the United States. The Center for Security Policy cites NIAC as a lobby organization for the government of Iran. As a result of a lawsuit, numerous NIAC documents have been brought to light that show NIAC lobbies for policies favorable to the regime in Iran. Law enforcement experts, who have reviewed some of NIAC’s emails, memos and board minutes, believe that NIAC has operated as an undeclared lobby and may be guilty of violating tax laws, the Foreign Agents Registration Act and lobbying disclosure laws. NIAC has less than 3,000 members, according to Parsi, yet NIAC asserts that it represents the majority of the nearly 1 million Iranian-Americans in the USA. In our view, NIAC and Parsi will eventually be subjected to criminal prosecution and organizations and individuals that collaborate with NIAC will come to regret their affiliations with them.

Currently, the Middle East is in crisis. Pro-democracy forces are springing up daily to demand basic human rights and better living conditions. It is about time that countries such as Canada publicly align themselves with the people who have suffered brutally at the hands of dictators and tyrants. It is time to give honor, dignity, moral imperatives and ethical values precedence over lucrative financial contracts that often occur, wrongly, at the expense of ordinary citizens' lives.

We respectfully request the cancellation of this conference, or the inclusion of representative experts, who can provide a more honest and accurate picture of the current situation and opposition forces inside and outside Iran. Furthermore, Canada must have an enduring commitment to encourage democracy and human rights throughout the world and cannot ignore the fact that the current regime in Iran is a major threat to world’s economic stability and world peace. Canada must encourage and support every group that truly advocates freedom and the rule of law and oppose any regime that denies such progress. At this time, Iran is dominated by a vicious dictator who has proven his lack of concern for his own people on countless occasions. There should be no question that Canada must have every ethical, moral and strategic reason to encourage Iranian democratic movements.

The Iranian opposition groups hope to establish a co-operative relationship with the Canadian people and seek their support in establishing a secular and democratic government in Iran.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

Cina Dabestani, Chairman of Constitutionalist Party of Iran, Washington DC Chapter

The Honorable H. Hakimi, Retired Ambassador

Dr. Arash Irandoost, Pro-Democracy Movement of Iran (PDMI)

Walton K. Martin III, Director, The Iran Information Project, USA

Dr. Gill Gillespie, Director, The Iran Information Project, UK

Sayeh Hassan, Barrister & Solicitor, pro-democracy activist, Canada

Mehdi Zolfaghari

Parvin Irandoost, Human Rights Advocate

Sohrab, Shabnameh.org

Dr. A. Samadani

Debora M. Andress

Dr. Mansur Rastani

Saied Shemirani, Political Activist: United Persian Organization (Iranbozorg)

Sheri Alvadin, Human Rights Activist and Publisher

Firouzeh Ghaffarpour, Political Activist

Dr. Bijan Eftekhari, Professor of Economics

Caspian Makan, Writer & Film Maker, Human Rights Activist

Tarek Fatah, Founder, Muslim Canadian Congress

Frank Salvato, Executive Director BasicsProject.org

Zohre Mizrahi, Attorney, Human Rights Advocate

Yasamine Morteza Gaeini, Khashm, Toronto Branch

Morteza Gaeini, Khashm, Toronto Branch

Rabbi Dr. Daniel M. Zuckerman, D.D., Chairman, American for Democracy in the Middle-East

Jay Ewasiuk, Edmonton, AB

Behnaz Shariari, Member Stop Child Execution and Human Rights Activist

Hassan Darashti

Ally Bolour, Esq.

Happy Nowruz

2011-03-20T17:18:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

I wish you all a Happy Nowruz and a wonderful year filled with happiness, health and prosperity. This is a joyous time to spend with family, friends and loved ones. During this joyous time of the year I ask you to remember all political prisoners who are spending Nowruz in Islamic Regime prisons under torture, rape and solitary confinement. Let’s remember the families of political prisoners who are not able to spend Nowruz with their loved ones.

I am dedicating this message to all freedom fighters who have been murdered in one way or another by the Islamic Regime in the past 31 years and to their families.
I sincerely hope that this will be the year we will be able to overthrow the Islamic Regime and create a secular and democratic Iran.

I urge everyone to put their difference aside wether inside or outside of Iran, because we all need each other’s help to be able to achieve this goal. In hopes of being able to celebrate Nowruz in a free, democratic and secular Iran next year.

Happy Nowruz
Sayeh Hassan

Fire Festival (Charshanbeh Soori) Celebrations in Iran Despite Threats from the Regime

2011-03-16T12:33:00.002-05:00

Every year Iranians celebrate the last Tuesday of the year by gathering in the streets and jumping over bonfires. In the recent years the Fire Festival has also been used as an excuse to gather and protests against the Regime. This year was no different and despite severe threats by the Islamic Regime Iranians came out and celebrated the fire festival and protested against the Regime.

In Tehran people burned the pictures of Khamenei (the Supreme Leader and Ahmadinejad) and chanted “Mobarak, Ben Ali, its turn of Seyed Ali.” People also jumped over bonfires, sang and danced celebrating the coming of a new year.

Iranians also came out and celebrated the fire festival in Ahvaz, Kermanshah, Rasht and Esfehan combining celebrations with protests against the Islamic Regime.

In Toronto as well Iranians gathered at the Mel-Lastman Square and also combined anti-Regime protests with the fire festival celebrations which included music and dancing. Iranians were able to bring together two things the Regime hates the most, the Lion and Sun Flag with joy and celebration.

Here is hoping that the combination of anti-regime protests and the celebrations will continue into the Persian new year.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Robert Oliphant, a Liberal Member of Parliament at Iranian Rally

2011-02-20T20:15:00.002-05:00

Today Robert Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West attended a pro-democracy rally organized by Iranian activists in Toronto. The rally was organized in solidarity with the February 20th (1 Esfand) anti-government protests in Iran.

Mr. Oliphant addressed the crowd briefly stating that it was not enough for seats to be shuffled (referring to Ahmadinejad and Mousavi) within the Islamic Regime and that he supported Iranian people’s demand for regime change in Iran.

Iranian pro-democracy activists chanted slogans of “Regime Change for Iran and Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran” showing solidarity with the nationwide protests that shook Iran today, and sharing the demands of protestors in Iran for complete Regime change in Iran.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

News Reports on General Strike in Kurdistan of Iran

2011-02-20T13:47:00.002-05:00

Kurdistan and Kurd News: There was a general strike in most areas of the Kurdistan in Iran today.
In the city of Saqez about 70% of all stores and Bazar was closed as the city joined the general strike in a protest against the Islamic Regime.

There were major protests in the city of Mahabad with young protestors coming together at the Esteghlal square and chanting anti-Regime slogans. While the security forces were present and attacking the protestors, the protestors were not backing down and were busy defending themselves using rocks and sticks and were not backing down. The protestors were able to force the security forces to back down in Esteghlal Square. In an attempt to win back control the security forces fired at the protestors killing and injuring at least 4 people.

The city of Bukan also joined the general strike and about 90% of all stores and Bazaar was closed today, even though the presence of security forces was significant and they were trying hard to prevent people from joining the general strike.

In the city of Sanandaj protests took place in various parts of the city, 100’s of security forces were present throughout the city trying to prevent people from closing shop and joining the general strike, however the security forces were not successful and many store owners joined the general strike in Kurdistan by closing shop.

In the city of Marivan as well. Two security forces had been killed by armed opposition groups last night. There were protests in the city with protestors chanting anti-regime slogans. Number of protestors have been arrested by security forces.

In the city of Kermanshah as well protestors gathered in the main square of the city.

In the city of Kamyaran there was a heavy presence of security forces who would not allow for more than a few people to gather at the same time. Also the home of Farzad Kamangar’s father who was executed last May be the Islamic Regime has been surrounded by security forces.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

http://www.iranpressnews.net/source/093138.htm

News Reports from February 20th (1Esfand) Protests in Iran

2011-02-20T10:05:00.002-05:00

Protests in Kurdish Cities:

Mahabad: Large number of protestors have gathered in and around Esteghlal Square and essentially have taken control of this area. Protestors are chanting slogans, throwing rocks at security forces and are attacking them.

Saghz: City of Saqz has joined the general strike in Kurdistan

Sanandaj: The city Sanandaj is under general strike, all stores and business areas are closed.

Protests in Tehran:•

Very large number of protestors have gathered from Enghelab to Azadi square to Felestin square to Vali Asr square to Hafte Tir Square, Imam Hossein Square and Arya Shahr. Protestors are chanting death to Khamenei and their numbers are increasing by the minute.

• Protestors have completely taken over Vali-asr Square and parts of Azadi street. While the Basij and other security forces are attacking the protestors, protestors are not taking this lying down and are fighting back!

• Slogan of Death to Dictator in Sahrurdi street:
Tens of protestors gathered on this street were chanting death to dictator around 3pm Tehran time.

• Clashes in Amir Abad between protestors and security forces, while the security forces are trying to create an atmosphere of fear and terror, protestors are fighting back and are not backing down.

Protests in the City of Shiraz

•There are also protest in the city of Shiraz
• Video

City of Mashad

Strong presence of security forces in Ahmad Abad Street and Rahnamayi street in the city of Mashad. Security forces are preventing people from stopping in any one area and are pushing them to move forward.

Video

According to Daneshjoo News: At least one protestor has been killed by security forces during the protests in Tehran.

Solidarity with General Strike in Kurdistan-Iran

2011-02-19T20:25:00.001-05:00

Following the February 14th pro-democracy protests in Iran, where at least two protestors Mohammad Mokhtari and Saneh Jale were shot and murdered by the Islamic Regime, Iranians have called a nationwide pro-democracy protests on Sunday February 20th 2011.

Along with the nationwide protests a general strike has been declared in the Kurdistan of Iran on the same day. The strike is in solidarity with the nationwide pro-democracy protests and a sign of protest against the murder of the Kurdish student Saneh Jale by Regime agents.

It should be noted that worldwide protests have been organized on February 20th to show solidarity with the nationwide protests and the general strike in Kurdistan.
Activists in Toronto have organized a protest at the Mel-Lastman Square between 4-6pm in solidarity with the pro-democracy protests in Iran.

I announce my solidarity with the nationwide protests in Iran and the general strike in the Iranian Kurdistan.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Sayeh Hassan: While Egyptians celebrated, Tehran’s mullahs lost face

2011-02-16T09:37:00.000-05:00

February 11 marked the 32nd anniversary of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Due to the world’s focus on Egypt, the event went unnoticed by most, but it was not forgotten. Every February 11th sees anti-government demonstrations in Iran and worldwide, at which pro-democracy activists chant anti-government slogans against the entirety of the Islamic Regime, including not only the leadership, but the reformers. It’s not enough to reform the theocratic regime, say the protesters. It has to be torn down.

Read more:

22 Bahman Protests in Toronto- Against the 32 Years of Islamic Regime Dictatorship in Iran

2011-02-11T23:20:00.000-05:00

Tens of activists gathered in Mel-Lastman square today to protest against the Islamic Regime in Iran, which has been in power for 32 years. Today marked 32 years since the Islamic Regime’s highjack of the 1979 Revolution.

Every year activists in Iran and abroad mark this day with anti-Regime protests. This year too Iranians in Toronto came together in freezing cold weather and chanted slogans such as “Regime Change for Iran, Democracy for Iran and Secularism for Iran”.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

James Bezan, a Canadian Member of Parliament Speaks out against the Islamic Regime in Iran

2011-02-04T20:52:00.003-05:00

James Bezan a Conservative Member of Parliament speaks out against the Islamic Regime, the recent atrocities and executions in Iran and the effectiveness of oil sanctions as a way for the international community to help the Iranian people bring down the Islamic Regime.

I thank Mr. Bezan for his constant support of the pro-democracy movement in Iran, as well as his tireless efforts to bring awareness about the human rights situation in Iran.

Down With the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

International Day in Support of all Political Prisoners in Iran

2011-01-29T20:33:00.002-05:00

Today more than 23 cities worldwide held protests in support of all political prisoners in Iran, and in protest against the recent mass executions carried out by the Islamic Regime. Tens of activists gathered today in Toronto to show their support and solidarity with political prisoners in Iran, and demanding Regime change in Iran. In light of the rise of number of executions in the past two months there is great concern that we might be moving toward another mass murder of thousands of political prisoners, similar to the mass murder of 10,000 political prisoners in Iran in the summer of 1988 (when Hossein Mousavi was the Prime Minister of Iran.)
We must continue putting pressure on the Islamic Regime in every way that we can, while showing our solidarity with political prisoners and all activists in Iran.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Correction to my Article Dated March 27th 2010

2011-01-28T23:11:00.003-05:00

In March of 27th 2010 I wrote an article titled “Iranian Student Association at York University Displaying Clear Signs of Support for the Islamic Regime?” questioning the use of the Islamic Regimes flag by the Iranian Student Association at York University. My source for the information and the pictures in that article was Sara Akrami, an activist and a student who attended York University.

It was brought to my attention tonight that Ms. Akrami may have misled me, whether intentionally or not, and while I stand by everything I wrote in my article I must make the following additions and corrections.

There are other student associations besides Iranian Student Association at York University who clearly have displayed the Islamic Regime flag.

The names of 3 male individuals in the picture are as follows:

Pouya Alagheband: According to Mr. Alagheband’s website he in fact attends university of Toronto and is a member of Iranian Association of University of Toronto, not York University. Mr. Alagheband appears in both pictures with the Islamic Regime’s flag.

It has been also brought to my attention that Mr. Tayaz Fakhri and Mr. Mehdi Takafoli, two other males in the picture do not attend York University either, however once again they are clearly holding the Islamic Regime flag and smiling.

It is unfortunate that on this occasion Ms. Akrami did not provide me with the correct information.

As I stated in my original article “I am not suggesting that these particular students or the student association is involved or will be involved in activities which support the Islamic Regime", what I am suggesting however is perhaps their open support for sustaining the elements of the Islamic Regime (the Islamic Regime flag), in Canada, should not go unnoticed.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

کنفرانس "گذار به دموکراسی در ایران"

2011-01-27T16:24:00.001-05:00

در پایان هفته ای که گذشت، من در کنفرانس "گذار به دموکراسی در ایران" که در دانشگاه جرج واشنگتن برگزار شد حضور یافتم. این کنفرانس با همکاری کنفدراسیون دانشجویان ایرانی و انستیتوی سیاست گذاری های جهانی برگزار شد.

جضور من در این کنفرانس به عنوان یک عنصر فعال و مستقل صورت پذیرفت با این باور که اگر ما میخواهیم دموکراسی خواهی را رواج دهیم باید از هم اکنون آنرا تمرین کنیم. باوجود اینکه برخی از فعالان سیاسی بمن توصیه کرده بودند که در این کنفرانس حضور نیابم و با وجود اینکه این کنفرانس بحث بسیار بر انگیخته بود، من تصمیم گرفتم که با رفتن به آنجا ارزیابی خودم را در این مورد داشته باشم.
در حالیکه امید میرفت این کنفرانس کاری مثبت و سودبخش بانجام برساند، شوربختانه چنین نشد. رویهمرفته چنین بنظر میرسید که هدف کنفرانس بیشتر تبلیغ برای "کنفدراسیون دانشجویان آیران" همراه با نیم نگاهی به دیدگاههای اصلاح طلبانه بود. آنچه در زیر میآید بازتاب دیدهها و اندیشههای من در مورد پانلها و سخنرانان این کنفرانس است:

روز نخست:
پانل 1 : نسل جدید : در خواست برای، توانمندی ها و چشم انداز سیاسی
.،یکی از سخنرانان در این پانل آقای امیر قلیپور[[گلپری پور]] دبیر کل سابق انجمن اسلامی دانشجویان در دانشگاه تهران و عضو ستاد مرکزی موسوی بود.در حالیکه آقای قلیپور[[گلپری پور]] آشکارا از آقای موسوی حمایت نمیکرد چنین گفت که "مردم ایران رهبری میکنند و آقای موسوی بدنبال آنهاست". او همچنین گفت که بیشتر جوانان تنها به فکر ازادیهای شخصی و فردی خود از قبیل حق ازادی پوشش و آزادی تماس با دوستان جنس مخالف بدون ترس از سرکوب و گرفتاری هستند. به این شیوه ایشان در خواستهای سیاسی نسل جوان را کوچک جلوه داد و آنها را بیشتر محدود به خواستهای شخصی دانست.
،افراد دیگر در پانل شامل: جین کوکان و ناهید کلهری و امین کریمیان بود.

پانل 2 - رهبری مخالفان : در تبعید و یا از درون؟
سخنرانان در این پانل شامل امیر شجره از تلویزیون بین المللی پارس بود که، یکی از معدود سخنرانانی بود که بروشنی مواضعی ضد رژیم اسلامی داشت.
یکی دیگر از سخنرانان علیرضا نوری زاده بود که به عنوان یک اصلاح طلب به خوبی شناخته شده است و بیشتر از سخنان خود را صرف تلاش برای متقاعد کردن مخاطبین نمود تا از گذشته موسوی و اینکه هزاران زندانی در زمان نخست وزیری او اعدام شده اند حرفی بمیان نیاورند زیرا از وحدت و یگانگی و نیز از پیشر فت مبارزه جلوگیری میکند. آیشان همچنین به واژه "سکولاریزم" حمله کرد و چنین اظهار داشت که 60% از مردم ایران از این واژه وحشت دارند و چنین میاندیشند که معنی آن اینست که کسی خواهد آمد و دامن دخترانشان را بر تن آنها میدراند. آقای نوریزاده اشاره ای به منبع آمار خود نکرد.

پانل 3 - گذر به دموکراسی : چالش ها و فرصتها
سخنرانان در این پانل شامل ایوان مارویچ یکی از بنیانگذاران آتپور، جنبش دانشجویی سیاسی صربی، جیمی ترونس، معاون مدیر موسسه بین المللی جمهوریخواهان برای آفریقا،و بنجامین، رابرت، مدیر انستیتو ملی حزب دموکرات از اروپا مرکزی و شرقی بود.
پانل 4 - جدید قانون اساسی- اصلاحات یا تغییر رژیم؟
من یکی از سخنرانان در این پانل بودم و متن سخنرانی من در یک پست جداگانه به همراه تصاویر خواهد آمد.
یکی دیگر از سخنرانان امیر فخرآور بود، که در باره ضرورت قانون اساسی جدید سخنانی گفت(که با یاری همکارانشان نوشته شده بود)..

روز دوم
پانل 5 - سکولاریسم : معانی جایگزین
یکی از سخنرانان در این پانل آقای افشین ایلیان، استاد حقوق و فلسفه از هلند بود. آقای ایلیان یکی دیگر از سخنرانانی بود که اظهار داشت گذشته موسوی هیچ اهمیتی ندارد و اینکه او در حال حاضر خوب کار میکند و مردم هم او را به عنوان رهبر خود انتخاب کرده اند بنا بر این ما نباید میان خودمان جدائی بیاندازیم و باید در کنار هم بمانیم.
پذیرفتن سخنان آقای ایلیان برای من دشوار بود و بهمین جهت در زمان پرسش و پاسخ از او پرسشهائی کردم که در زیر میآید:

پرسش: "بعنوان یک استاد در رشته قانون شما میدانید که اگر کسی در کشورهای غربی دیگری را سیلی بزند بطور قانونی قابل تعقیب است و اگر در دادگاه قانون محکوم شود تنبیه خواهد شد. چگونه شما انتظار دارید که ما گذشته موسوی و اعدام هزاران زندانی سیاسی در زمان نخست وزیری ایشان را نادیده بگیریم؟ پاسخ شما به خانوادههای آن زندانیان چیست و آیا شما با این سخن که اهمیتی ندارد چه اتفاقی در گذشته رخ داده، به سرکوبگران فعلی مانند بسیجیها، پاسدارها و سردمداران دولتی چراغ سبز نمیدهید؟

آقای ایلیان مستقیما به پرسش من پاسخی نداد و بجای آن سخن از این گفت که پیگیری این افراد بسیار دشوار خواهد بود زیرا آنان باحتمال بسیار زیاد همه شواهد بزهکاریهای خود را نابود خواهند کرد و در نتیجه انجام این پیگیری هزینه مالی هنگفتی خواهد داشت.آقای ایلیان همچنین انکار کرد که گفته است گذشته موسوی را باید فراموش کرد.
این موضوع مرا ناچار کرد که به آقای ایلیان یاد آور شوم که ایشان چنین مطلبی را گفتند و پاسخ قابل پذیرشی هم به پرسش من دادند.

پانل 6 - رسانه های جدید : انقلاب اینترنتی و فردگرایی
من در این پانل شرکت نداشتم اما سخنرانان این پانل شامل روزبه میر ابراهیمی، مهدی سحرخیز و بهنام ناطقی بود(بر اساس برنامه کنفرانس)
پانل 7 - تحریم : تغییر رفتار یا تغییر رژیم؟
یکی از سخنرانان در این پانل ابوالفضل اسلامی، کنسول پیشین جمهوری اسلامی در ژاپن بود. آقای اسلامی که سالها برای جمهوری اسلامی کار کرده در سال 2009 و پس از خیزش مردم ایران در جریان انتخابات رئیس جمهوری استعفا داد. آقای اسلامی ادعا میکند که خشونت دولت در مقابل مردم دلیل استعفای او بود. پرسش اینست که آیا آقای اسلامی در سالهای پیش از انتخابات 2009 از خشونت دولت بر ضد مردم آگاه نبود؟
واقعیت این است که میلیون ها ایرانی به خیابان ها ریختند و اعتراض کردند،و جنبش هر چه بیشتر رادیکال تر و بنیانی میشد بطوری که پایان عمر رژیم نزدیک بنظر میآمد. چه راهی بهتر از این برای یک دیپلمات جمهوری اسلامی وجود داشت که در این شرایط استعفا دهد و بدینوسیله در صورت بر افتادن رژیم از پیگرد مصون بماند و امنیت خود را تضمین کند؟ این نوع از استعفاها در بهترین حالت خدمت بخود و فرصت طلبی است. با این حال به نظر می رسید که من تنها کسی بودم در این کنفرانس که چنین احساسی داشتم. آقای فخر آور در هر فرصتی مشغول ستایش از آقای مهندس اسلامی و حضار در هر موقعیتی مشغول کف زدن برای او بودند و با او بمانند قهرمانی برخورد میشد نه یک فرضت طلب که تا آخرین لحظه ها در مقام دولتی خود باقی مانده بود.
یکی دیگر از کسانی که در همایش حضور یافت اما سخنی نگفت آقای موسوی خوئینی بود که در گذشته از نمایندگان اصلاح طلب در مجلس بوده و اکنون در واشنگتن زندگی میکند. آقای فخر آور از آقای خوئینی هم بخاطر پیگیری درخواستهای دانشجویان در مجلس ستایش کرد که یکبار دیگر با کف زدن حضار همراه شد.

برای من نگران کننده ترین بخش این همایش تنها حضور این مقامات سابق رژیم اسلامی نبود بلکه برخوردی بود که آنها را بصورت قهرمانان ملی در آورده بود .این واقعیت که برخی از مقامات رژیم اسلامی استعفا داددند بدون شک برای جنبش مردم چیز مفید و مثبتی است اما بهتر است که ما در این مورد توهمی نداشته باشیم.اگر مردمی، که سالیان متمادی برای رژیم بدون هیچ گونه نگرانی برای حقوق مردم کار کرده اند، امروز استعفا میدهند، به این دلیل است که این بیش از هرچیز و پیشتر از همه، بسود خود آنهاست. این موضوع آینده آنها را تضمین و به آنها اجازه میدهد در یک کشور سوم با آسودگی زندگی کنند.

به طور کلی ،مرکز توجه کنفرانس بیشتر بر کنفدراسیون دانشجویان ایرانی با رنگ اصلاح طلبی بود. برای من به عنوان یک فرد روز، سوم با وجود اشخاصی مانند آقای اسلامی یا آقای خوئینی قابل هضم نبود و بهمین جهت در روز پایانی حضور در آنجا نداشتم.
امیدوارم در آینده بتوانیم همایشی در باره دگرگونی رژیم بدون هیچگونه بحث اصلاح طلبانه داشیم بدون.

سرنگون باد جمهوری اسلامی
زنده باد آزادی در ایران

Sayeh Hassan Speech At Iran Democratic Transition Conference-Washington DC

2011-01-26T19:38:00.003-05:00

Please find below the text of my speech at the Iran Democratic Transition Conference in Washington DC as well as the video of my speech.

The Islamic Regime Constitution: Reform v. Regime Change

Hello Everyone. It is a great pleasure to be here today and to speak to you about a topic that is very important to me, Regime Change in Iran.

The theme of this conference is a democratic transition in Iran and a hot topic, not only in this conference, but generally in the Iranian Diaspora is the question of reform versus Regime change.

I have been major advocate of complete and total Regime change in Iran, because I don’t believe a dictatorship regime that has been involved in the systematic oppression of its people for the past 31 years is worthy or capable of reform.

When discussing the issue of reform versus Regime change the most important piece of law we have to look at is the Islamic Regime’s constitution. Is there any possibility of reforming the current constitution in order to make it compatible with fundamental concepts such as human rights, democracy and secularism?

The permeable of the Islamic Regime Constitution states: “The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran sets forth the cultural, social, political and economic institutions of the people of Iran, based on Islamic principles and rules and reflecting the fundamental desires of the Islamic people.”

From the onset the Constitution defines itself as “Islamic” as it relates to the “Islamic People.” When the very basic root of the constitution is based on Islam it leaves no room for the concept of secularism, and the separation of religion from state. An Islamic constitution, even with reforms can never become secular, because the root of it is based in religion. The constitution also does not take into consideration the “non-Islamic” people, the Jews, Christians, Zorostarians, Bahai’s, Agnostic and Atheists who also live in the Iranian society and must be given the same rights and consideration regardless of their religious beliefs.

Women in the Constitution:

Women who make up about 50% of the Iranian population are given one dominant role in the constitution: Motherhood. The goal of the Islamic Regime for the past 31 years has been segregating women in the work force, schools and universities, public transportation, sports arenas and even at the beach, trying very hard to remove them from the society and put them back in the home as mothers and homemakers.

Fortunately the Regime has not been successful because Iranian women have fought back, tooth and nail, often risking their freedom and even their lives in order to claim the rights which are rightfully theirs. More than 50% of university students in Iran are women; women are active in the work force, sports, cinema, literature, art and even politics.

Today women are in the front lines of the protests against the Regime, fighting side by side with men, fighting with everything they have for a society where they can enjoy the same rights, freedoms and responsibilities as men in the society. In order for that to happen we need a constitution that is based on rule of law rather than on religion.

There is also the judiciary and the mass communication which are also based in Islam, which I will not get into today.

Leaving the constitution aside for a moment the past 13 years in Iran has been a clear indicator that the Islamic Regime is not capable of reform. This became especially clear during the presidency of Mohammad Khatami, the so called reformist president whose biggest accomplishment was adding another 8 years to the life of the Islamic Regime, which had weakened significantly in the mid to late 90’s. Iran has experienced a reformist president for two terms, two bloody terms where student dissidents were arrested, tortured, executed or murdered in prisons. The presidency of the so called reformist Khatami also marks some of the worst human rights violations committed by the Islamic Regime in the past 31 years.

Fast forwarding to the 2009 [s]elections (I call it a selection not because Ahmadinejad won, but because of the selection process of the candidates and the way they are handpicked by the Supreme Leader and the Guardian Council). Mousavi and Karoubi the so called reformist candidates were handpicked by the “Supreme Leader” and the guardian council from among 400+ candidates. They were picked not because they were in anyway a threat, but because they were an integrated part of the Islamic Regime, and still are.

Most recently when brave Iranians took to the streets with the slogan of “independence, freedom, Iranian Republic” Mr. Mousavi came out and said the peoples slogan must be “Islamic Republic, not one word more and not one word less”. Mousavi is a supporter of the Islamic Regime and all the atrocities committed by the Regime. He has shown over and over in the past year and a half that he stands with the Regime and against the people.

The important question now is how do we achieve Regime Change in Iran? One thing is for certain, human rights is not enough. Human rights work can only take us so far, while we may be able to save one person from execution the Regime will go ahead and kill two more just to make a point. There are thousands of nameless and faceless political prisoners in Iran whom we will never be able to help, because we don’t know who they are. If we want to create real change and help protect the rights of all political prisoners, all ethnic and religious minorities and the Iranian people as a whole we must also focus on Regime change.

It is not a secret that even the Regime itself has created human rights activists and organizations for the sole purpose of instilling terror and fear in the heart of the Iranian people. These organizations receive very detailed information about torture, rape and execution of political prisoners from mysterious sources, they “smuggle out” videos of torture and rape from prisons for the sole purpose of making people afraid, to show them what will happen if they dare oppose the Regime.

These groups make contacts with activists in Iran and expose these activists to the Regime, so that they are arrested, tortured and thought a lesson not to oppose the Regime.

While it is important to be the voice of the voiceless the best and the most effective way to do it is by focusing on Regime change rather than solely on human rights.

We also need the help of the international community, not by way of military intervention, but by open support for the pro-democracy movement and by pushing for smart sanctions, in particular oil sanctions against the Islamic Regime.
Being an Iranian/Canadian I need to point out that the current Canadian Government has been extremely supportive of the Iranian people’s pro-democracy movement in Iran, by condemning human rights violations committed by the Islamic Regime on a regular basis, and by being one of the only governments that is pushing and supporting smart sanctions, especially oil and gas sanctions against the Regime.

I urge other governments to follow in the same path.

The video of my speech. Unfortunately the quality is not very good.

Iran Democratic Transition Conference-Thoughts Observations

2011-01-25T23:01:00.003-05:00

This weekend I attended and spoke at The Iran Democratic Transition Conference in George Washington University. The conference was organized by The Institute of World Politics and The Confederation of Iranian Students.

I attended as an independent activist and with an open mind; because I believe that if we want to promote democracy we have to start practicing it today! Although this was a very controversial conference, and I had received numerous calls from various political activists urging me not to attend, I decided to attend and judge for myself.

While this conference had the potential of accomplishing something very useful and positive, unfortunately it fell very short of that goal. Overall the goal of the conference seemed to be the self promotion of “The Confederation of Iranian Students” as well as an undertone of reformist propaganda.

The following are my observations and thoughts on various panels and speakers:

Day 1:

Panel 1: New Generation: Demands, Abilities and Political Vision

One of the speakers on this panel was Mr. Amir Golparipour, a former secretary general of Islamic Student Association in Tehran University, and a member of Mousavi’s central campaign. While Mr. Golparipour did not openly support Mousavi, he stated that “the people in Iran are leading and Mousavi is following.” He also stated that young people were interested mostly in their own individual rights such as the right to dress the way they want, or be able to see their boyfriend/girlfriend without the fear of repercussions. He minimized the political demands of the younger generation and tried to reduce it to simple individual demands.

Others on the panel included Jane Kokan, Nahid Kalhori and Amin Karimian.

Panel 2-Oppositions Leadership: In Exile or from Within?

The speakers on this panel included Amir Shajareh from Pars International Television, who was one of the few speakers at this conference who took a clear stand against the Islamic Regime.

Another speaker was the well know reformist Alireza Nourizadeh who spent most of his speech trying to convince the audience “not to bring up Mousavi’s past, not to say that thousands of political prisoners were executed during Mousavi’s time as the prime minister, because this would prevent unity and would not allow the movement to move forward. He also attacked the term “secularism” by stating that 60% of the Iranians were afraid of the term, and perceived it to mean “someone would come and rip of their daughter’s skirt.” Mr. Nourizadeh did not indicate where he had gotten his statistics from...

Panel 3-Transition to Democracy: Challenges and Opportunities

Speakers in this panel included Ivan Marovic, one of the founders of Otpor, the Serbian political student movement, Jamie Tronnes, International Republican Institute’s Deputy Director for Africa and Robert Benjamin, National Democratic Institute’s Director of Central and Eastern Europe.

Panel 4-New Constitution- Reform or Regime Change?

I was one of the speakers on this panel and I will be posting the text of my speech on a separate post along with pictures.

Another speaker was Amir Fakhravar, who discussed the necessity of a new constitution (which he along with his colleagues have conveniently written.)

Day 2

Panel 5-Secularism: Alternative Meanings

One of the speakers on this panel was Mr. Afshin Ellian, a professor of law and philosophy from Netherlands. Mr. Ellian was another speaker who stated that it did not matter what Mousavi had done in the past, that he was currently doing a good job and that people had “chosen” him as a leader, therefore we should not create division and we should stand together.

Mr. Ellians speech was difficult to swallow and I asked him the following during the question/answer period:

“As a law professor you know that in Western countries even if someone slaps someone in the face they are criminally charged, have a trial and if found guilty punished. How can you suggest that we should forget about Mousavi’s past and the execution of thousands of political prisoners while he was the prime minister? How do you answer to the families of those political prisoners, and aren’t you giving a free pass to those who are currently involved in the oppression of people, like the Basij, Revolutionary Guards and Government officials, by saying it doesn’t matter what they have done?”

Mr. Ellian did not answer my questions directly, instead he talked about how difficult it would be to prosecute these people, how most likely they would destroy all the evidence and how it would cost millions of dollars... Mr. Ellian also denied having said that we should forget about Mousavi’s past.

I was forced to get up once again and remind Mr. Ellian that in fact he had said that very thing, and that he had not in any way answered my questions.

Panel 6-New Media: Cyber Revolution and Individualism

I did not attend this panel, but the speakers included Roozbeh Mir Ebrahimi, Mehdi Saharkhiz and Behnam Nateghi. (According to the conference program)

Panel 7-Sanctions: Behaviour Change or Regime Change?

One of the speakers on this panel was Abolfazl Eslami a “former” Counsellor of the Islamic Regime in Tokyo Japan. Mr. Eslami who had worked for the Regime for many years “resigned” after the protests and uprising of people after the June 2009 presidential [s]elections. Mr. Eslami claims that it was the violence used by the Regime that caused him to resign. The question that comes to mind is “was Mr. Eslami not aware of the violence and brutality used by the Regime prior to June 2009?”

The reality is that millions of Iranians were pouring into the streets and protesting, the movement was becoming more and more radical and the end of the Islamic Regime was and still is in sight. What better way or time for an Islamic Regime diplomat to “resign” in order to guarantee his safety, and to protect himself from any possible future prosecution after the Regime is overthrown? These types of resignations are at best self serving and opportunist, however it seemed like I was the only one at this conference who felt this way... Mr. Fakhravar was busy praising Mr. Eslami at every opportunity and the audience were clapping for him at every opportunity, treating him like a hero, rather than a self serving opportunist who had quit his post, at a very convenient time.

Another person who attended the conference, but did not speak was Mousavi Khoeini, a former reformist member of parliament who currently lives in Washington DC. Mr. Fakhravar was also quick to praise Mr. Khoeini for following up with the demands of the students, while he was the Member of Parliament, and once again applause followed.

For me the most alarming part of this conference was not only the presence of these former Islamic Regime officials, but the way they were constantly praised and treated like heroes. The fact that some Islamic Regime officials are resigning is no doubt something useful and positive for the peoples movement, but let us not have any illusions. If people, who have been working for the Regime for so many years, without any cause for concern for the rights of people, are resigning today, it is because it benefits them first and foremost. It takes their future into guarantee and allows them to live in a safe third country, which they would not be allowed to do, if they were still working for the Regime when the Regime is overthrown. These individuals are not hero’s and should not be treated as such; at best they are opportunists who should help the people’s movement and beg for forgiveness, rather then being treated like heroes.

Overall, the focus of the conference was more on the Confederation of Iranian Students with a reformist undertone. I for one was not able to stomach a third day among individuals such as Mr. Eslami or Mr. Khoeini and did not participate in the last day of the conference.

I hope in the future we can have conferences with a focus on Regime Change without a reformist agenda.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Protest against Execution of Kurdish Political Prisoners by the Islamic Regime-Soleymaniye Iraq

2011-01-20T11:17:00.006-05:00

Hundreds of activists came together today (January 20th 2011) in the city of Soleymaniye in Iraq, to protest against the execution of Kurdish political activist Hossein Khezri who was executed, without notice on Saturday January 15th 2011, as well as about the possible imminent execution of other Kurdish activists including Zeynab Jalaliyan, Habibollah Latifi and Habibollah Golparipour.

Please find below pictures from this protest.

Facebook Album

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live freedom in Iran

The “Controversial” Film Iranium will be screened at the Library and Archives Canada

2011-01-19T14:56:00.001-05:00

Today I read a very disturbing article in the National Post “Achieves Canada cancels screening of Iranian Film.” According to this article, The Free Thinking Film Society’s screening of “Iranium” (which criticizes Iran’s nuclear weapon program), scheduled for last night had been cancelled by the National Achieves of Canada.

Achieves decided to cancel the screening after receiving threats from the Islamic Regime Embassy and “the public.”

For years many of us in the Iranian community have been voicing our concern over the presence of the Islamic Regime Embassy (The House of Terror), the Regime lobbyists disguised as “bursary students,” business men/women and more obviously Islamic Regime diplomats in Canada.

Up to this point the target of these entities were the activists in the community who are fighting for Regime change in Iran. Activists receive threatening letters and emails on a regular basis, pro Regime events and conferences are organized by Regime lobbyists and bursary students whose education is being paid for by the Regime spy on activist students and intimidate them in every way possible.

Today however it seems as though the target of the Regime has changed and broadened to include not only Iranians but Canadians as well. It is obvious that the Regime and its supporters in Canada felt secure and comfortable enough to threaten the National Archives to the point where they felt unsafe to screen the film.

Fortunately both the Haritage Minister James Moore and the Immigration Minister Jason Kenny took action quickly and instructed the Library and Achieves to Honour their commitment to showing the film.

The lesson we can all take away from this is that the Islamic Regime Embassy and lobbyists in Canada are no longer the problem of Iranians alone, this is a problem that effects us all as a country and we must all come together to fight against it.

Sources

Archives Canada cancels screening of Iranian film

Heritage Minister orders showing of controversial film Iranium

A Gathering in Honour of Shahpour Alireza Pahlavi in Toronto- January 16th 2011

2011-01-16T22:57:00.003-05:00

Tonight I had the pleasure of attending an event in honour of Shahpour Alireza Pahlavi, which was organized by the “Movement to Support Freedom in Iran.” This event set itself apart from other events that have been organized in honour of Alireza Pahlavi in Toronto, because it was announced from the very beginning that this was a “political” event. This was a welcome change, it was honest and upfront; how can the death of a young man, who loved Iran and spent years of his life studying its history and civilization be anything but political?

Tonight we heard from a number of Toronto activist who shared their love for Iran and sympathies for the Pahlavi. The key speaker tonight was the renowned Dr. Massoud Ansari who is well known for his opposition to the Islamic Regime, and Islamism which he stated was the root to the current troubles we are having in Iran.

One of the most important things Dr. Ansari said tonight was that the Mullah’s are the “waste” the “vomit” that has come out of Islam. If we remove the Mullah’s they can be replaced by the Sheikh, and if the Sheikh is removed it can be replaced by another Islamic “persona.” It is necessary for the root of the problem to be removed from the Iranian society; the minds of the Iranian people must be free from superstition and the Islamic mentality before we can have a free Iran.

This was the first event I have attended in Toronto in a long time where speakers took such a clear stand against the Islamic Regime and the Islamic ideology, and it was truly a welcome change from the general “non-political” events.

My sympathies are with the Pahlavi family who have lost a loved one, as well as with the families of all activists who have been executed or lost their lives in one way or another at the hands of the Islamic Regime including Hossein Khezri a Kurdish activist who was executed on Saturday morning.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Hossein Khezri an Iranian/Kurdish Political Prisoner may have been Executed this Morning-Iran

2011-01-15T11:47:00.004-05:00

According to various reliable news sources, a prisoner was executed in the Orumiye Prison this morning. Although the name of this prisoner has not yet been confirmed various websites have reported that the person executed may very well be a Kurdish political activist and prisoner Mr. Hossein Khezri.

There is still a question mark, as numerous news sources have reported in the past few weeks that Mr. Khezri had been removed from Orumiye Prison and taken to an "unknown" location. Mr. Khezri's brother has denied any knowledge of his execution this morning, and has stated that there is no news from his brother to confirm whether he is alive or has been executed.

This is yet another tragic news coming out of Iran , and although the identity of the individual is yet to be determined, it is confirmed that someone was executed this morning.

I urge everyone to be cautious when reporting on today's execution and hold off on announcing that Hossein Khezri' has been executed until the news is actually confirmed by a reliable source such as Mr. Khezri's family or lawyer.

I certainly hope that it is not true and will be keeping Mr. Khezri and his family in my thoughts today.

I will post any new developments as I receive them.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

News sources:

http://rawanews.com/detailsf.aspx?=News&ID=3660&Babat=5
http://www.iranhr.net/spip.php?article1951

http://rawanews.com/detailsf.aspx?=News&ID=3659&Babat=5

Report from Shahpour Alireza Pahlavi’s Memorial Service-Toronto, Canada

2011-01-07T21:40:00.001-05:00

Tonight hundreds of Iranians gathered in the Westin Prince Hotel in Toronto to commemorate the passing of Shahpour Alireza Pahlavi, the second son of the former Shah of Iran. It was a wonderful event, where people from clearly different political and ideological fractions came together to mark this very tragic event.

Shahpour Alireza Pahlavi, was highly educated, and loved Iran very much, these are two things that can never be disputed. It is still difficult to believe that Mr. Pahlavi took his own life and I am truly saddened by this tragic event.

As always I want to remember all of the brave young men and women who in one way or another have lost their lives in the past 31 years at the hands of the Islamic Regime. Let us also remember that together we are strong, and a united front is the best way to free Iran from the hands of the tyrannical Islamic Regime.

My sincere condolence and sympathies go out to the Pahlavi family and the Iranian nation.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Memorial Service For Shahpour Alireza Pahlavi-Toronto

2011-01-05T23:38:00.002-05:00

The news of the death of Shahpour Alireza Pahlavi, the younger son of the late Shah of Iran came as a great surprise and disappointment. I am still having a difficult time believing that he committed suicide, and feel truly sad for the loss of a young man who truly loved Iran.

My condolence to Alireza Pahlavi’s family, friends and loved ones.

A memorial service has been organized in honour of Mr. Pahlavi in Toronto on Friday January 7th from 6-8pm in the Westin Prince Toronto Hotel, for anyone who might want to attend and honour his memory.

Long live his memory
Down with the Islamic Regime
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Protest in front of the Islamic Regime Embassy in Ottawa-pictures and video

2011-01-04T21:55:00.002-05:00

As promised I am posting pictures of yesterday's protest in front of the Islamic Regime Embassy in Ottawa,in support of Habibollah Latifi and other political prisoners facing imminent executions.

Pictures

Vidoe of my speech in support of Habibollah Latifi and other political prisoners facing imminent execution.

Report from Protest in front of the Islamic Regime Embassy in Support of Habibollah Latifi-Ottawa, Canada

2011-01-03T22:51:00.001-05:00

Today (January 3rd 2010) I attended a protest which had been organized by leftists activists in front of the Islamic Regime Embassy in Ottawa. The protest lasted an hour from 1-2pm and despite the bitter cold tens of activists, many of whom including myself had travelled from Toronto gathered in front of the Embassy to show solidarity with Habibollah Latifi a Kurdish student activist who is facing imminent execution.

I had the opportunity to speak briefly at the protest and I started with saying that even though we were there with different political stands and may not agree on many things, we defiantly agreed on one thing, and that was that the Islamic Regime is not capable of reform and that it must be overthrown by the people, Regime Change is the only viable option for the Iranian people.

I also spoke about Habibollah Latifi and other Kurdish activists including Hossein Khezri, Zeynab Jalaliyan, Shirkoh Moarefi, Habib Golparipour and all other activists who are facing imminent execution. I also urged everyone to remember and condemn the recent wave of arrests in Sanandaj. (will post the video soon).

A big thanks for everyone who took part in the protest and in hopes of a free, secular and democratic Iran in the very near future.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Protest in Front of the Islamic Regime Embassy-Ottawa, Canada, Monday January 3rd 1pm-3pm

2011-01-02T20:27:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

There will be a protest tomorrow in front of the Islamic Regime Embassy (245 Metcalf street) in Ottawa, Canada from 1pm-3pm in support of Habibollah Latifi a Kurdish student activist who is facing imminent execution as well as other Kurdish activists such as Hossein Khezri who may be in danger of execution.

In light of recent political executions in Iran including the execution of Mr. Ali Saremi a long time political activist who had spent more than 20 years in Islamic Regime prisons, as well as in light of recent wave of arrests in Iranian Kurdistan, I urge all freedom loving people Iranian and non-Iranian to please join us and show your solidarity with the Iranian people and especially with those activists who are facing imminent exectution.

Location: Islamic Regime Embassy Ottawa-245 Metcalfe Street

Date: Monday January 3rd 2010

Time: 1pm-3pm

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Hossein Khazri, a Kurdish Iranian Activist Sentenced to Death has been transferred to an unknown location-Orumiyeh,Iran

2011-01-02T13:53:00.001-05:00

According to reliable news from activists in Iran Mr. Hossein Khazri, a Kurdish Iranian political prisoner was transferred to an “unknown location” in the Orumiyeh Prison. Mr. Khezri was transferred to the Orumiye Prison about a month and a half ago from Mahabad Prison.

On July 11th 2009 Mr. Khezri was “convicted” of being a Mohareb,(enemy of God) and was sentenced to death and “endangering state security.” He was subjected to severe torture while in prison to the point where his eye sight was severely affected.

Given the recent political executions in Iran along with wide spread arrests in Kurdistan of Iran, activists are gravely concerned that Mr. Khazri may have been taken to an “unknown” location in order for the execution to be carried out.

I urge all human rights organizations and activists to circulate this news and to take immediate action to stop the possible immenent execution of Mr. Hossein Khazri.

Down With the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Happy New Year!!

2010-12-31T17:12:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

I wish you all a very happy new year, full of health, happiness and success. I hope this will the year for the overthrow of the Islamic Regime by the Iranian people, and that we will celebrate 2012 in a free and democratic Iran.

While we are celebrating the New Year with our family, friends and loved ones let’s remember those who are no longer with us to celebrate the new year including Ali Saremi, Farzad Kamangar, Shirin Alamhooli, Akbar Siadat, Farhad Vakili, Hassan Hekmat Demir, Ehsan Fatahiyan, Fasih Yasamini, Ali Heydariyan and hundreds of other freedom fighters who were murdered by the Islamic Regime in the past year.

Also let’s take a moment to remember their families, all political prisoners in Iran and elsewhere in the world, and their families who must enter the new year away from their loved ones.

In hopes of a wonderful new year for all.

Happy 2011

Regime Change in Iran-Nothing Less is Acceptable

2010-12-31T10:13:00.003-05:00

On Saturday December 25th 2010 I attended a protest in Toronto which was organized by the Committee for Defence of Political Prisoners in Iran, to protest against the death sentence of a Kurdish student activist Habibollah Latifi who was scheduled to be executed on Sunday December 26th by the Islamic Regime in Iran.

After about 10 minutes of listening to slogans that were being chanted by a woman who had taken upon herself to lead the slogan chanting, I left the protest in disgust. Given that we are dealing with a Regime that has systematically arrested, tortured, raped and executed its opponents for the past 31 years it seemed absurd to use such slogans as “We ask the Islamic Regime to free political prisoners, or to stop the execution of Habibollah Latifi.” There were no slogans what so ever advocating a change of government or change of system, it almost seemed like they were staying away from these types of slogans on purpose.

This protest got me thinking about an important issue, what should our slogans be during demonstrations against the Islamic Regime?

On December 10th 2010 a number of activists gathered in front of the Islamic Regime Embassy in Germany and protested against the violations of the human rights committed by the Islamic Regime. The protestors carried many banners with various slogans, including the slogan “ Sarnegun bad Jomhuriye Islami” roughly translated to “Islamic Regime must be overthrown”. Embassy workers complained to the police about this specific slogan which they had found offensive and asked the police to force the protestors to remove this slogans. The police intervened and tried to forcefully remove the banner, and a struggle ensued between the protestors and the police which can be seen in this video. What was most interesting about this was the fact that the ONLY slogan the Regime agents were concerned about and afraid of was the one related to the overthrow of the Islamic Regime!

After the June 2009 [s]election millions of Iranians took to the streets and the most prominent and wide spread slogan used by the Iranians became “Independence, freedom, IRANIAN Republic.” This was a clear message to the Regime that Iranians no longer wanted an Islamic Regime and an Islamic Republic. The Regime felt so threatened by this slogan that even the so called opposition leader Mousavi came out and said people’s slogan must be “Islamic Republic, not one word more and not one word less.”

These are just two examples of effectiveness of clear anti-Regime slogans. Most of us have experienced at one time or another Regime lobbyists and reformists, disguised as activists trying to prevent activists from chanting anti-regime slogans during protests and instead encouraging either “silent protests” or protests with neutral slogans which do not attack the Regime directly.

On Tuesday morning Ali Saremi, an Iranian activist was executed by the Regime. Mr. Saremi was a long term activist who had spent more than 20 years of his life in Islamic Regime prisons before being executed. He was not fighting for reform, he was not fighting for human rights alone, he was fighting to change the Regime.

Habibollah Latifi, the young Kurdish student activist has been in prison for three years, way before the 2009 [s]elections and way before the concept of Mousavi’s reform became an issue in Iran. Again these are only two examples among thousands in Iran.

Is it not our job and duty as activists living in free countries, to at the very least follow in the path of these individuals and promote and demand total and absolute change of government, which is the only way to help stop arbitrary arrests, torture, rape and executions in Iran? What is the point of organizing a protest in honour of Mr. Saberi for example, but not shouting the slogans he lived and died for?

In the past year we’ve seen the increase in arrests, torture and execution of activists in Iran. This is the time of rape, torture and execution in Iran. This is NOT the time to be politically correct or a time to appease Regime lobbyists and reformists disguised as activists.

This is the time to be firm, to know where we have to stand in order to be effective and make a difference, and to stand firm on that path. This is the time for slogans that demand total and complete change of government. Nothing less is acceptable.

Down with the Islamic Regime
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Wave of Arrests in Iranian-Kurdistan Continues

2010-12-28T12:33:00.003-05:00

According to news report from Abdullah Mohtadi the secretary general of the Komale Party OF Iranain Kurdistan the arrests in Kurdistan continues and at least 31 activists have been arrested.

The lives of these individuals may very well be in danger and it is believed that the Regime is preparing for a wave of false televised confessions obtained under torture, long prison terms and execution for Kurdish activists.

According to other news from Sne News a Kurdish student activit Dalir Eskandari who was summoned to the Ministry of Intelligence in Kurdistan this morning has not been heard of since.

Furthermore three members of Mr. Habibollah Latifi’s family his father and two sisters have been released from custody.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Sources:
Abdullah Mohtadi

Sne News

Two More Political Executions in Iran

2010-12-28T10:17:00.001-05:00

According to news reports from “Human Rights and Democracy Activists in Iran” Mr. Ali Saremi (63) a political prisoner was executed this morning (Tehran time) in the notorious Evin Prison.

Mr. Saremi had spent more than 20 years in Islamic Regime prisons, subjected to brutal torture and solitary confinement for months after each arrest after which he was sentenced to long prison terms. Throughout the arrests, torture, solitary confinement and imprisonment he never gave up on his ideals and beliefs and continued to fight against the Regime.

He was last arrested in 2007 for participating and giving a speech in the 19th memorial of the mass execution of political prisoners in 1988. After three years of pre-trial custody he was sentenced to death.

According to further news from “Human Rights and Democracy Activists in Iran” the family of Mr. Saremi including his wife and daughter along with tens of activists had gathered n front of the Evin Prison from the night before demanding to see him, however they were not given permission. After the execution was carried out Mr. Saremi’s family and activists started protesting against the Regime, which resulted in the arrest of large number of the protestors including: Ms. Mahin Saremi and Ms. Pouya Saremi (Mr. Saremi’s wife and daughter) Ms. Mahbube Mansour, Mr. Hadi Mansouri and Mr. Akbar Sanjari as well as many unidentified protestors.

Despite the arrests and threats by the security forces there is still a large number of people who have gathered in front of the Evin Prison.

Another political prisoner Mr. Akbar Siadat who had been charged with “spying for Israel” was also executed at the Evin Prison yesterday.

My condolences go out to the families and friends of Mr. Saremi and Mr. Siadat as well as to the Iranian nation who has lost two brave men at the hands of the Islamic Regime.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Source: Human Rights and Democracy Activists in Iran

At least 20 Kurdish Activists have been arrested in Sanandaj-Iran

2010-12-27T10:19:00.002-05:00

At least 20 Kurdish activists including Habibollah Latifi’s family members have been arrested in the last day by security forces in Sanandaj.

Last Night 20 Kurdish activists were arrested in the city of Sanandaj and were taken to unknown locations. Those arrested include: Mr. Pedram Nasrollahi, Mr. Hashem Rostami, Mr. Zahed Mradiyan, Mr. Mahmood Mahmoodi, Mr. Saeed Saedi, Mr. Hamid Malek Alklami, Ms. Simin Chayichi, Mr. Vahed Majidi, Mr. Jian Zafari, Mr. Abbas Latifi, father of Habibollah Latifi, Three of Habibollah's brothers, Three of Habibollah's sisters, the wife of Habib’s brother and five other activists, at least one of them a woman. Also there is news that Mr. Mokhtar Zarei a student activist has also disappeared.

According to reliable news coming from Iran close to 50 security forces attacked the residence of Habibollah Latifi’s family and by using force and pepper spray arrested Mr. Latifi’s family members and other activists who were present in their home at the time. The only family member that was not arrested was Mr. Latifi’s 10 year old sister Bahareh.

Further according to Sene News, Afshin Sheykhol-Eslami, Yahya Ghavami two former political prisoners and Hiva Masoudi have “disappeared.”

According to news from Campaign in Support of Political and Social Prisoners the internet in the city of Sanandaj and surrounding cities has slowed down to the point where it is impossible so send any files through email. Security forces can be seen all around the city of Sanandaj in order to stop any further protests, however activists have still gathered in front of the Court and the Sanandaj Prison demanding to obtain information about those recently arrested.

It is clear from this recent wave of arrests in Sanandaj that the Regime is once again trying create an atmosphere of fear and terror among Kurdish activists in response to the large protest in support of Habibollah Latifi in front of the Sanandaj Prison Saturday night.

Habibollah Latifi a 29 year old Kurdish student and activist was scheduled to be executed early Sunday morning because of his political views and activities. Along with wide spread international campaigns, the brave people of Sanandaj were able to prevent the Regime from carrying out the execution by gathering in large numbers in front of the Central Sanandaj Prison and protesting.

It must be noted that although the execution of Habibollah Latifi was not carried out Sunday morning, the death sentence is still in effect and can be carried out at any moment.

Now there is further concern for the safety and well being of Mr. Latifi’s family and all other activists who have been arrested in the past day.

I urge all human rights organizations, activists and international organizations to continue the campaign to save Mr. Latifi and support his family and other Kurdish activists who have been recently arrested.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Sources:

http://www.snanews4.blogfa.com/
http://parsdailynews.com/76470.htm
http://kampain89.blogfa.com/post-71.aspx

Family of Death Row Political Prisoner Habibollah Latifi Arrested

2010-12-26T22:47:00.002-05:00

Last night, the security forces raided the house of death row Kurdish political prisoner Habibollah Latifi and detained 8 of his family members On Sunday night, the security forces raided the house of Habibollah Latifi and detained his family after searching the house. His 3 sisters, 3 brothers, father and sister in law are among the detainees.

There has been no information as to the reason for the arrests but there are concerns since the arrests have taken place after the execution was halted.

The execution which was opposed by many activists was not carried out yesterday after the sit-in of his family and a group of people next to prison.

The head of the prison had told his family that they would be able to visit him upon the resume of office hours.

Habibollah Latifi was arrested on October 21, 2007 and was tortured for four months in solitary confinement. On June 30, 2008, has was sentenced to death during a short court session which was held at the first branch of the Sanandaj Revolutionary Court presided by Judje Hasan Babai in the absence of any family members.

He was convicted of crimes against national security and Moharebeh (waging war against God) based on Verse 33 of Maedeh (Quaran), first, third, and fifth chapter of the Imam Khomeini’s book (Tahrirol masael) as well as codes 183, 186, 190 and 191of Islamic penal code.

Following his objection to the unlawful verdict, on January 29, 2009, the sentence was upheld by the appeals court. After the transfer of this case to the Supreme Court, the sentence was once again upheld on April 5, 2009 and he is currently being held at Sanandaj prison.

Source: RAHANA

Brave People of Sanandaj were Successful in Stopping the Execution of Habibollah Latifi

2010-12-26T01:12:00.002-05:00

Three days of national and international campaign ended with a great victory tonight when we all received the news that the execution of Habibollah Latifi, a young Kurdish Iranian activist was not carried out as scheduled by the Islamic Regime.

According to news from various human rights activists in Iran, hundreds of activists, and families of political prisoners joined the Latifi family in front of the central Sanandaj Prison, and protested against the execution of Mr. Latifi.

While there was also a strong international campaign in support of Mr. Latifi, I strongly believe that it was the presence of brave people of Sanandaj in front of the prison that forced the Regime to back down and not carry out the execution.

This has been a great victory for us all, and although we should all take a moment to enjoy and celebrate our victory, let us not forget the fact that the death sentence for Mr. Latifi is still in effect and can be carried out at any time. Let us also remember that at least 16 other Kurdish activists are currently awaiting execution, and so the campaigns need to continue.

Let us also remember that while the execution of Mr. Latifi has been temporarily halted, there is only one way to make sure Habib’s are not executed for their political beliefs, the only way is total and complete Regime change. Tonight people of Sanandaj gave a clear example that they have the power to force the Regime to back down, this is a great sign of hope for all of us. I hope this movement that started tonight in Sanandaj will continue and spread to other cities in Iran. That is the only way to permanently stop the Regime from committing its atrocities.

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and encourage everyone to take a moment to celebrate our victory, then we can go back to working hard and making sure there are many more victories such as this one.

My thoughts are with Habib and his family tonight.

Down With the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Save Habibollah Latifi from Execution-Toronto Protest Pictures

2010-12-25T18:57:00.001-05:00

Today a number of activists in Toronto gathered at the Mel Lastman Square in solidarity with Habibollah Laitif, a Kurdish Iranian activist who is set to be executed Sunday morning Iran time, in the central Sanandaj Prison. Habibollah is a 29 year old activist who was sentenced to death after an unfair "trial" and after being subjected to brutal torture for months, in order to force a false confession from him.

According to news from Iran currently activists have gathered in front of the Central Sanandaj Prison in Iran, protesting against the execution of Mr. Latifi.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran

Long Live Freedom in Iran

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

2010-12-25T12:02:00.001-05:00

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays. While we are celebrating this joyous time of the year with our family, friends and loved ones, please let’s remember those who are less fortunate both in Canada and other countries.

Let’s keep Habibollah Latifi, a young Kurdish activist who is set to be executed Sunday morning Iran time for his political beliefs and activities in our hearts and minds. Perhaps we may not be able to stop the execution, but we must try. In the face of this injustice we must try to become part of the solution rather than staying silent and remaining part of the problem.

Today I keep in my mind and heart all political prisoners and their families, families of those who have lost their loved ones at the hands of the Islamic Regime and of course Habibollah Latifi.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Down with the Islamic Regime
Long Live Freedom in Iran

URGENT: Habbillah Latifi a Kurdish Iranian Activist Set to be Executed on Sunday, by the Islamic Regime in Iran!

2010-12-23T14:55:00.002-05:00

According to news received from Habbibolah Latifi’s lawyer Mr. Nikbakht, Mr. Latifi is set to be executed on Sunday December 26th 2010 in Sanandaj Prison, in Iran.

Habibollah Latifi is a 29 years old Kurdish activist who was majoring in engineering in Eylam University when he was arrested on October 23rd 2007 in the city of Sanandaj. Mr. Latifi was charged with “endangering state security” and was brutally tortured in order to force a confession from him. Eight months after his arrest he was sentenced to death by the “Revolutionary Court” in the city of Sanandaj and the death sentence was upheld by the “Court of Appeal” in Sanandaj in February of 2009. Mr. Latifi’s full biography can be found here.

The Islamic Regime in Iran has shown in the past year that it will not hesitate in executing political activist and has in fact, since November of 2009, executed at least 7 Kurdish political activists, including Ehsan Fatahiyan, Fasih Yasamini, Farzad Kamangar, Farhad Vakili, Hassan Hekmat Demir, Ali Heydariyan and Ms. Shirin Alamhooli.

The Danger to Mr. Latifi’s life is imminent and we may only have a few days to raise our voice against yet another atrocity which will be committed by the Islamic Regime. I am urging all human rights activist, human rights organizations and the governments of democratic countries to raise their voice against this injustice and help save the life of Mr. Latifi whose crime is standing up and fighting against injustice.

Being Christmas season I appreciate that disseminating this news and taking action will be more difficult however I urge everyone to please help save the life of this young man.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

IRAN: TIME FOR REGIME CHANGE

2010-12-15T13:32:00.000-05:00

IRAN: TIME FOR REGIME CHANGE
For the world and the Iranians themselves, it is the only solution

The world has known for some time that Iran is committed to acquiring nuclear weapons, despite the fact that this is an illegal pursuit according to international law. This combined with Ali Akbar Salehi, the regime’s atomic chief’s recent announcement that Iran has produced a first batch of yellowcake uranium and is self sufficient in the entire nuclear field cycle, should be of great concern to the international community.

The Islamic Regime in Iran has been a threat to the stability of the Middle East for years, in particular with its financial support for terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas. This threat has been further expanded by Ahmadinejads’ denial of the Holocaust, his statement that” Israel should be wiped off the world map” as well as the regime’s strong influence in certain parts of Iraq. One can only imagine how a nuclear Iran would pose a serious threat not only to an already unstable Middle East, but also to Europe and the West, including Canada.

The recent revelations by WikiLeaks have confirmed what many of us suspected: Iran's very own neighbors, the Arab States, have pointed the finger at Iran - not Israel, contrary to what so many so-called experts have been telling us - as their main threat and worry. They are right to do so.

While the international community should be seriously concerned about and focus on the nuclear issue, this should not be at the expense of the grave human rights violations in Iran.

For the past 31 years the regime has silenced the voices of opposition by using brutal force, by arbitrarily arresting dissidents, torturing, raping and executing them. The systematic human rights violations in Iran are not only geared towards dissidents, but also towards all religious and ethnic minorities, women, students, workers, journalists, lawyers and teachers to name a few groups.

Another group of individuals who are targeted are homosexual. Persecution of homosexuals in Iran came to light in July of 2005 when two young men aged 16 and 18 were executed in the city of Mashad on charges of homosexuality, and that persecution continues today.

The medieval practice of stoning is still being practiced by the Islamic Regime and there are currently tens of women who are facing execution by stoning in Iran. Sakineh Ashtiani is one of these women, who became well known after an international campaign to halt her execution received worldwide attention.

The human rights violations committed by the Regime have also reached Iranian/Canadians who choose to visit Iran. In 2003 Zahra Kazemi, a freelance photographer was arrested in front of the notorious Evin Prison while taking pictures of the families of political prisoners who had gathered in front of the prison. Ms. Kazemi was tortured and raped in prison, and died in custody as a result of injuries she had sustained during torture.

Most recently Saeed Malekpour an Iranian born Canadian resident was sentenced to death on charges of taking action against national security by designing and moderating adult content websites," as well as "agitation against the regime" and "insulting the sanctity of Islam." In an open letter to prison officials Mr. Malekpour stated that he had been tortured in order to make false confessions. This is not out of ordinary as prisoners in Iran are systematically tortured to make false confessions or/and to create an atmosphere of fear and terror to prevent further dissent against the government.

While the regime has been committing gross human rights violations against the Iranian people for the past 31 years, the international community was finally able to see the extent of these violations and the brutality of the regime in the aftermath of the June 2009 [s]elections.

The dissent against the regime is growing on the home front as is the concern of the international community over the nuclear issues. There is only one viable solution to the danger posed by the regime in Iran, the overthrow of the Islamic Regime by the Iranian people and the implementation of a secular and democratic government elected by the people.

Canada has already shown a leadership role when it comes to both the human rights and the nuclear issue in Iran, and can continue to be a great force in helping the Iranian people achieve their goal for a free, secular and democratic Iran. Canada has condemned human rights violations committed by the regime on an international level, as well as actively promoting and supporting smart sanctions against the regime including oil sanctions.

Canada needs to continue to symbolically support the pro-democracy movement in Iran by condemning all human right violations committed by the regime on the international level. It also should push and petition for smart sanctions, particularly oil sanctions which will have a crippling effect on the Regime.

Oil sanctions imposed by the international community will serve to cut off approximately 85% of the regime’s revenue; this along with the growing dissent at home can be a realistic and viable way for the removal of the threat of the Islamic Regime from the Middle East.

Iran is a great country, heir to a great civilization. It has so much to offer to Iranians themselves and to the world. Close to 70% of Iran’s population is under the age of 30, smart, educated, worldly, open and forward-looking - everything their Islamist leaders are not. Iranians deserve better than the ayatollahs repressing them now. As Canadians, it is our duty to help them in any way we can.

Down with Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Sayeh Hassan
Barrister & Solicitor

The Lion and Sun Flag: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

2010-11-23T21:49:00.003-05:00

When I started my blog almost four years ago I decided to call it “Shiro-Khorshid Forever” (Lion and Sun Forever), because of the unifying aspect of the Lion and Sun Flag. One of the first things the Islamic Regime did after coming to power was to change the symbols of our national flag (Lion and Sun) and replace it with Arabic Symbols in an attempt to strip us of our history and nationality.

The Regime was not successful in its quest, and 31 years later Iranians from almost all political fractions including monarchists to modern leftist groups to those who support a republic to armed opposition groups such as the MKO all unite under this flag. All these groups and organizations may have different beliefs and ideologies which divide them, but the Lion and Sun, this unifying symbol always brings them together under one umbrella.

It is exactly this unifying aspect of the Lion and Sun which has instilled great fear in the heart of the Regime. It is this unifying aspect which has caused former Regime Agents turned “activists” to attack our flag, our history and to try to cause a division within the real opposition.

Today I had the pleasure of listening to a short speech by Roozbeh Farahanipour, the founder and the Executive Director of the Marzeporgohar Party (Glorious Frontiers Party) which sums up my sentiments on the Lion and Sun Flag very well. I invite everyone to listen and hopefully enjoy it as much as I did.

Lion and Sun Flag, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran

Long Live Freedom in Iran

Remembering Kurdish Political Prisoner Awaiting Execution in Iran

2010-11-18T21:24:00.002-05:00

While there are hundreds of political prisoners and non-political prisoners in Iran who are awaiting execution, these days the focus has been shifted on only one person, leaving everyone else, especially political prisoners far behind.

While it may be easier and more politically correct to jump on a single popular band wagon, I think it is crucial for us to keep in mind the fact that these hundreds (if not more) prisoners and in particular political prisoners are at risk of imminent execution. This is especially so because while all eyes are on the campaign for Ms. Sakineh Ashtinani, it is much easier for the Regime to execute other political prisoners without having to worry about a negative reaction from the international community.

As a pro-democracy activist I see it as my duty to remind everyone that there are many political prisoners who could use the help of the international campaigns, and if we remain silent today, tomorrow might be too late. In the past year alone at least 6 Kurdish political prisoners Ehsan Fatahiyan, Farzad Kamangar, Shirin Alam Holi, Fasih Yasamini, Ali Heydariyan and Farhad Vakili have been executed by the Islamic Regime.

Currently there are at least 19 Kurdish prisoners who are currently awaiting execution. Let’s remember them.

1. Ms. Zeynab Jalaliyan

2. Habibollah Latifi

3. Habibollah Golparipour

4. Shirkuh Moarefi

5. Ramezan Ahmad

6. Farha Chalesh

7. Rostam Arkiya

8. Rashid Akhkandi

9. Ali Heydar

10. Hossein Khazari

11. Aziz Mohammadzadeh

12. Sami Hosseini

13. Jamal Mohammadi

14. Hassan Talei

15. Ahmad Pouladkhani

16. Mostafa Salimi

17. Iraj Mohammadi

18. Anvar Rostami

19. Mohammad Amin Aghooshi

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Islamic Regime is Warning against Canada Travel-What’s next?

2010-11-17T21:11:00.002-05:00

I came across a very amusing news article titled “Iran Warns Against Canada Travel” in Press TV website today. As many of my readers may be aware Press TV is closely linked to the Islamic Regime and follows and carries out the Regime propaganda.

I found the article amusing because a government like Islamic Regime which is a government of fear, terror, imprisonment, rape, torture and murder is criticizing Canada and the Canadian Government. The article among other things states “Many Muslims, particularly Iranians, are deprived of their social and political rights and Canadian police have proved to be incapable of following the cases filed by Iranians residing in Canada, the statement added.”

As a lawyer I have the opportunity to witness democracy and Justice in the Canadian courtrooms everyday and feel fortunate to be living in a country with due process, right to legal counsel, right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure, right to remain silent and so many other rights which does not exist within the Islamic Regime’s so called “judicial system.”

The irony of this article is that if the Canadian Embassy in Tehran decided to give out visa’s to ordinary Iranians they would be flocking to the Embassy, as many Iranians are eager to get out of Iran which has become a big prison for most Iranians.

This article is not to be taken seriously because it is SERIOUSLY OBSURD, I wonder what will be next, Saudi Arabia criticizing women’s rights in Canada?

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Ehsan Fatahiyan-Let us Remember

2010-11-11T11:18:00.001-05:00

Last year on this day Ehsan Fatahiyan a Kurdish political activist in Iran was executed by Islamic Regime officials. Ehsan spent 18 months in prison before his execution and was subjected to torture for many months in order to force a false confession from him, however he never confessed. He had originally been sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment on the charges of being a “mohareb” (enemy of god) however; on appeal the death sentence was imposed.

Days before his execution a global campaign was started to stop his execution, thousands of signatures were gathered only in a few days, and people from all walks of life came together in an attempt to stop his execution. Unfortunately the campaign was not successful and on November 11, 2009 the execution was carried out in the central Sanandaj Prison.

Today I honour Ehsan’s memory as well as the memory of all Iranian freedom fighters that in one way or another have stood up against the Islamic Regime and have fought for an Iran where all Iranians regardless of their ethnicity, religion, sex or sexual orientation can live in peace and harmony.

Today I stand in solidarity with the families of all Iranian freedom fighters who have suffered a great loss but have not been defeated.

In memory of Ehsan, long live his memory,

Down with the Islamic Regime
Long Live Freedom in Iran

By: Sayeh Hassan

Behrouz Javid Tehrani Lashed by Islamic Regime Officials-Gohardasht Prison-Iran

2010-11-10T22:28:00.003-05:00

According to news reports from Human Rights and Democracy Activists in Iran this morning at 10:00am Behrouz Javid Tehrani, a long time political prisoner and pro-democracy activist was sentenced to 74 lashes, and the sentence was immediately carried out by Hassan Akhriyan a notorious prison official.

Behrouz Javid Tehrani is a pro-democracy activist who has spent most of his adult life in the notorious Islamic Regime prisons. Behrouz was first arrested in 1999 during the pro-democracy student protests. He was released in 2004 and immediately resumed his pro-democracy activities and was arrested again in 2005 and has been in the Gohardasht Prison in Karaj since his arrest.

Gohardasht Prison is known for its brutal conditions and for housing extremely dangerous convicts. Behrouz has been subjected to systematic torture and has spent extensive time in solitary confinement over the past five years.

Although the Islamic Regime agents have tried very hard to break Behrouz’s spirit, they have not been successful. Behrouz has continued his pro-democracy activities from prison in spite of great risk to his safety and well being.

I stand in solidarity with Behrouz and thousands of men and women like him who have managed to remain strong and fight for what they believe in the face of great injustice.

ORIGINAL LINK

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Stopping Iran

2010-11-10T10:14:00.003-05:00

Following is my letter which was published in the National Post in response to the Article titled: Re: Only Military Threat Can Stop Iran: Netanyahu, Nov. 8.

I disagree with the assertion that the only way to stop the Islamic regime in Iran is the threat of military intervention. Such a threat will be counterproductive; as much as the Iranian people are unhappy with the Islamic regime, they will stand behind it against any foreign military intervention. This will set back the pro-democracy movement in Iran which has been stronger and more alive than ever in the past year-and-a-half.

A more productive way of stopping Iran is oil sanctions. Oil exports make up almost 85% of Iran's current annual income, and without that money to pay government workers, and the Revolutionary Guard, the regime will collapse within months.

Tough oil sanctions and international support for the pro-democracy movement inside Iran is the only way to stop the Islamic regime from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Sayeh Hassan, Toronto.

Click here for the original letter

WHY WAS CANADA'S RCMP PROMOTING AN EXTREMIST PRO-IRANIAN CONFERENCE ?

2010-11-03T20:30:00.001-05:00

WHY WAS CANADA'S RCMP PROMOTING AN EXTREMIST PRO-IRANIAN CONFERENCE ?

Sayeh Hassan, a Toronto criminal lawyer and activist for the Iranian democratic movement told the Winnipeg Jewish Review that “The Iranian professors that were scheduled to speak at the conference“are closely linked to the Iranian regime and are not dissidents.”

She said that the Iranian NGO the Islamic World Peace , which Amari leads, is “an extremely anti-West and anti-Semitic organization, and “as can be seen from their website this organization is a mouthpiece for the Islamic Regime.”

Click here to read the article

RCMP linked to controversial conference

2010-10-27T18:20:00.002-05:00

RCMP linked to controversial conference
By BRIAN LILLEY, Parliamentary Bureau

OTTAWA - A Muslim imam deemed too controversial to speak at National Defence headquarters in Ottawa will speak on Thursday at another event promoted by the RCMP.

This event will be held at the Government Conference Centre across from Parliament Hill.

Zijad Delic, the president of the Canadian Islamic Congress, had his speech at military HQ cancelled earlier this month by Defence Minister Peter MacKay. MacKay’s office said Delic and his organization were too controversial.

On Thursday, Delic will moderate a panel on the topic, “Just and Sustainable Peace – A Global Challenge.”

The conference is organized by a group called the Ottawa Group of Four and is scheduled to include Bloc MP Richard Nadeau among its speakers.

The main speakers, however, come from Iran’s Tehran University. Sayeh Hassan, a Toronto criminal lawyer and activist for the Iranian democratic movement, told QMI Agency these professors are not dissidents in the regime of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

“These are all professors that are closely linked to the regime, they are not dissidents,” Hassan said.

“People like myself that have escaped the regime and the propaganda are concerned that now they’re bringing these professors promoting the regime to Ottawa.”

Another one of the speakers is Dr. Davood Ameri of the Islamic World Peace Forum. The website for that organization features graphic anti-Semitic cartoons including one showing an Israeli soldier shooting a baby next to a sign that reads Gaza. The website’s front page focuses on what it deems human rights abuses in America and labels the U.S. a terrorist state.

The conference has been promoted within the RCMP by the federal police force’s “ethnic liaison officer.”

http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/10/26/15840736.html

UPDATE:

RCMP told to drop extreme event

BRIAN LILLEY, Parliamentary Bureau

OTTAWA - The RCMP have been told to drop any participation in a "peace" conference scheduled for Thursday night in Ottawa.

The RCMP's "ethnic liaison office" was promoting the event to members of the national force and one of the participants is a member of the Mounties' cultural diversity committee. On Wednesday, Public Safety Minister Vic Toews told the Mounties to have nothing to do with events promoting hatred.

"As soon as I learned about this event I asked the RCMP to explain its involvement. I have asked it to immediately cease any participation," Toews told the Commons.

"Let me be clear. Canada's national police force must have no involvement in any event organized by those who promote extremism and hatred."

Davood Ameri of the Islamic World Peace Forum is listed as a speaker for the event called, "Just and Sustainable Peace – A Global Challenge." Ameri's group runs a website that features graphic anti-Semitic cartoons and a series of articles that call the U.S. a terrorist state and document what it deems human rights abuses in the U.S.

The event is being held at the Government Conference Centre across from Parliament Hill and also features several professors from the University of Tehran. Sayeh Hassan, an Iranian-Canadian lawyer and activist in the pro-democracy movement, told QMI Agency that the professors coming are closely linked to the oppressive regime of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The event is to be moderated by Imam Zijad Delic, the president of the Canadian Islamic Congress. Delic had a speaking engagement at National Defence headquarters cancelled earlier this month after Defence Minister Peter MacKay deemed him and his organization "too controversial."

Delic told QMI that he is taking part in the event as a moderator and only agreed to take part because it is a conference on peace.

"If these people propose anything that goes against Canadian values, I will oppose," Delic said.

Calls to the organizers of the conference for comment were not returned.

http://m.torontosun.com/News/15853896.1?fullscreen#news

Toronto has spoken-Rob Ford is the New Toronto Mayor

2010-10-25T20:47:00.002-05:00

Tonight 50% of Torontonians came out and voted for their mayoral candidate, a higher voter turnout than we had seen in the past two municipal elections. Tonight Toronto voted for change and elected Rob Ford by 47% of the votes (as of the time I am writing this article) as its 64th Mayor.

Following the campaign over the past few months and especially the weeks leading up to the elections has been exciting and thrilling for me. It is no secret that I have supported Rob Ford all along, and I couldn’t be more thrilled by Toronto’s decision tonight.

However I think an even bigger victory tonight has been the large voter turnout, as well as the civility between Rob Ford, George Smitherman and Joe Pantalone tonight. I watched the concession speech of both Smitherman and Pantalone and I was quite impressed with both candidates. In particular George Smitherman was very gracious and all class, for the very first time since he announced his candidacy for Mayor of Toronto I was impressed with him.

In my opinion the best man won tonight, however watching the democratic process in action over the past few months has been a reward in itself. I feel lucky and privileged to be living in Canada and able to participate in free and fair elections.

Long Live Freedom and Democracy

Democracy in Action-Toronto

2010-10-17T19:02:00.002-05:00

With the Toronto mayoral election approaching, the political tension in the city is high. Two major candidates in this race are Rob Ford and George Smitherman, and our city is buzzing with the names of these candidates.

This afternoon I was driving down Warden street when I noticed numerous lawn signs both for Mr. Ford and Mr. Smitherman. Seeing these signs really got me thinking about how fortunate we are to be living in Canada. There are so many countries in the world where the political system is dictatorial, and it does not allow for fair and free elections. People are not allowed to choose the candidates they want, to openly support them and the election process is really a [s]election.

We Canadians are so fortunate to be living in a country where we are free to choose who we want to vote for, we can campaign for that individual and promote them in many different ways, including lawn and car signs. As I was driving by I saw one house had put up Mr. Ford’s sign and the house right next to it Mr. Smitherman’s sign. It is so wonderful to live in a society where neighbours can disagree about political views and candidates, promote their own political views openly, and yet remain neighbours and perhaps even friends.

A few days ago I was involved in a discussion on facebook with an individual in Toronto who is a human rights activist and a university student, yet she was full of personal attacks and insults for Mr.Ford and was involved in insulting and name calling Mr.Ford’s potential supporters. I was quite disturbed to see this, although it is perfectly natural for people to disagree on political views, it is very un-Canadian to throw insults, and personally attack either the candidates or the voters. That discussion left a terrible taste in my mouth, but today seeing all these different signs side by side gave me new hope and reminded me once again about how fortunate I am to be living in Canada.

Although I have already voted I am eagerly waiting for October 25th when I hope the best man will win. ROB FORD FOR TORONTO MAYOR.

Down with the Islamic Regime
Long Live Freedom in Iran

At least 32 Women in the Evin Prison (Iran) Awaiting Execution

2010-10-05T14:36:00.001-05:00

According to news reports from Human Rights and Democracy Activists in Iran, there are currently at least 32 female prisoners (non-political) in the notorious Evin Prison who are facing execution.

According to this news report many of these women have been convicted of charges of possession of drugs or murder. While these are serious charges, it is important to keep in mind that these women live in a country ruled by the Islamic Regime, where there is no due process, many accused do not get to ever meet their lawyers before “trial”, and some don’t get to ever see a lawyer until after they have been “convicted” and “sentenced.” Trials usually take place behind closed doors, without a jury and with a biased judge whose only real training is “religious training.” In a country where the “Supreme Leader” Khamenei has a great 6 education it is not surprising that the so called “justice system” is in the hands of religious fundamentalist who are in no way qualified to be in the positions that they are.

Having said that I think it’s really important to take notice of these women, whose names we have most probably never heard before, and we may never hear again, and to realize that this is just the tip of the ice berg, one prison. We do not know the statistics from prisons in smaller cities where it is much more difficult to obtain any news from prisons.

A few months ago a campaign was started by Ms. Mina Ahadi who is a member of the central committee of the Worker-Communist Party of Iran in support of Ms. Sakineh Ashtiani who had been sentenced to death by stoning by the Islamic Regime. It is unfortunate that Ms. Ahadi has chosen to focus on one individual, and while bringing all media attention on Ms. Ashtiani, has simultaneously managed to take all attention AWAY from other lesser known political prisoners who are facing the same sentence.
This is one of the obvious dangers of individuals campaigns, and it’s a technique which the Islamic Regime has taken advantage of on many occasions, torturing, raping and executing many prisoners while the media attention was on a single case.

I hope that will not be the case on this occasion and I really hope all freedom loving people who have taken part in Ms. Ashtiani’s campaign and have supported her will do the same thing for other lesser known prisoners who are facing the same faith.

Please note at least in 10 0f these cases the “judge” who sentenced these women to death was Aziz Mohammadi.

The names of these women is as follows:

1. Ms. Soraya Zekr-Nejad, home maker, has been in prison for 4 years, was convicted of possession of drugs and is currently in section 3 of the women’s ward in the Evin Prison.
2. Ms. Ashraf Amiri, (38), home maker, has been in prison for 2 years, convicted of possession of drugs, her husband was executed on similar charges.
3. Ms. Soheila Pourhosseini (19), home maker, has been in prison for one year, has been convicted of murder.
4. Ms. Ashraf Kolher, (45), home maker, has been in prison for 9 years, has been sentenced to death by STONNING on charges of murder and adultery.
5. Ms. Shahla Jahed, has been in prison for 8 years, convicted of murder, the “judge” who sentenced her to death is Jafar Zadeh.
6. Ms. Kobra Rahmanpour, (29), home maker, has been in prison for 9 years, convicted of murder, “Judge” who sentenced her was Aziz Mohammadi.
7. Ms. Sogand Jahani, (28), home maker, has been in prison for 2.5 years, has been convicted of murder, “Judge” who sentenced her is Aziz Mohammadi.
8. Ms. Reyhane Jabri, (25), convicted of murder, has been in prison for 3.5 years,
9. Ms. Sadat Safavi, (45), home maker, has been convicted of possession of drugs, has been in prison for the past 3 years.
10. Ms. Sahar Pari Khani, (23) home maker, has been in prison for 3 years, has been convicted of murder.
11. Ms. Fatemeh Hadad, (34) home maker, has been in prison for 1.5 years, has been convicted of murder.
12. Ms. Akram Ali Mohammadi, (29) has been in prison for 5 years, has been convicted of murder.
13. Ms. Fereshteh Beygovand, (45), has been in prison for 5 years, has been convicted of possession of drugs.
14. Ms. Lila Khajevandi, (32) homes maker, has been in prison for 2.5 years, has been convicted of possession of drugs.
15. Ms. Noghre Khazayi (47) home maker, has been in prison for 4 years, has been convicted of possession of drugs and murder.
16. Ms. Lidiya Tavakoli Mahlati (28) has been in prison for 5 years, has been convicted of murder. The “judge” who sentenced her is Kaveh Kamrahi.
17. Ms. Fatemeh Masih (40) has been in prison for 15 years, has been convicted of murder, the “judge” who sentenced her was Aziz Mohammadi.
18. Ms. Mahbubeh Shikhler (18), convicted of murder, has been in prison for one year, the “judge” who sentenced her was Aziz Mohammadi.
19. Ms. Mina Cheraghi, 25, has been in prison for two years, has been convicted of possession of drugs.
20. Ms. Sherafat Beykovand, has been in prison for 5 years, has been convicted of possession and being a carrier of drugs.
21. Ms. Azita Mlahashemi, has been in prison for 6 years, the “judge” who sentenced her is Aziz Mohammadi.
22. Ms. Farahnaz Nik-khah, has been in prison for 7 years, has been convicted of murder, the “judge” who sentenced her is Aziz Mohammadi.
23. Ms. Raziyeh Julideh (35) and her daughter Ms. Marziyeh Tavakoli (20) has been convicted of murder.
24. Ms. Zarin Taj Gahrib, has been in prison for 4 years, the “judge” who sentenced her is Hemat Yar.
25. Ms. Zahra Adi Gozari Moghaddam, has been in prison for 7 years, has been convicted of murder, the “judge” who sentenced her is Aziz Mohammadi.
26. Ms. Masoumeh Aghayi, has been in prison for 3 years, has been convicted of murder, the “judge” who sentenced her is Aziz Mohammadi.
27. Ms. Saideh Khodayi-Del, has been in prison for 8.5 years, has been convicted of being an accessory to murder, the “judge” who sentenced her is Tabatabayi.
28. Ms. Soheila Pourhosseini, has been in prison for 10 months, has been convicted of murder.
29. Ms. Marziyeh Rahmani, on charges of being accessory to murder, has been in prison for 5 years, the “judge” who sentenced her is Aziz Mohammadi.
30. Ms. Zahra Rahimi, has been in prison for 5 months, has been convicted of murder.
31. Ms. Nasrin Najafi, has been in prison for 1 year, convicted of murder.
32. Ms. Azam Ahmadvand (27) has been in prison for six years, the judge who sentenced her is Aziz Mohamadi.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

News Report from: Human Rights and Democracy Activists in Iran http://hrdai.blogspot.com/2010/10/blog-post_05.html

Toronto Social Housing Fire-Call for Help

2010-09-27T15:10:00.001-05:00

As many fellow Torontonians may be aware one of the social housing buildings on Toronto caught fire on Friday ( September 24th 2010) forcing 1200 residents to be evacuated from their homes. There is concern that the fire has made parts of the apartment building’s structure unsafe. Until the building is deemed to be safe, 1200 residents will remain homeless.

According to various news reports around 800 of the residents have been able to make alternative arrangements to meet their needs by staying with friends and family, however there are still 400 people who are in need of help. This includes elderly citizens, as well as families with children and pets.

About 250 individuals are staying at Wellesley Community Centre while 150 of them are housed at McCaul Street. These people have been left with no change of clothes, no warm clothing, toiletries and children are left without school supplies and all other necessities.

I know many of us may be busy with our own lives and may not even have heard about this latest tragedy in our own city, so I am hoping to bring everyone’s attention to this matter and urge Torontonians to do what they can to help these individuals who have been left temporarily homeless through no fault of their own.

I understand CLOTHING, SCHOOL SUPPLIES, TOILETRIES and other necessities can be dropped off at 519 Church Street between 9:00am to 9:00pm from Monday to Friday and from 10:00am to 5:00pm on the weekend.

Islamic Regime Cinema in Richmond Hill (Toronto) - Canada

2010-09-15T15:46:00.001-05:00

The cultural attaché of the Islamic Regime in Iran, through charity foundations, Iranian-Islamic media friendly, and under pretext of “Iranian cinema”, has been lobbying for and promoting the Islamic regime agenda abroad, particularly in Canada.

For years the Islamic Regime’s agents in Canada have tried to mask the brutality and inhumanity of the Islamic Regime by organizing “cultural” events such as film festivals, poetry nights, and other cultural festivals such as the “Iranian Fire Festival” and “Nowrouz” (Persian New Year) - all in an attempt to hide the real nature of the Islamic Regime.

“Canada’s 2nd Iranian Film Festival” (September 20-25, 2010) is such an event, which is being organized by Persia Film, and supported by “National Youth Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran” headed by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the “Holocaust denier” and president of Islamic Regime and “The Office of “Supreme Leader” Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei”.

The fact that the organizers of this festival are closely related to the “National Youth Organization of the Islamic Republic” and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and “The Office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei” are funding such an event is nothing short of hypocrisy. While restricting and censoring artists inside the country, the Islamic Regime is using these types of cultural events as propaganda and trying to convince the International Community that it respects freedom of expression and the rights of Iranian Artists.

This is also an attempt by the Islamic Regime and its Agents to take the attention away from 31 years of arbitrary imprisonment, torture, rape and execution of thousands of political prisoners. As Canadians who are concerned with freedom of speech and expression and the right to life and liberty we must stand up against events funded by dictatorship governments such as the Islamic Regime which are busy oppression, torturing, raping and executing innocent people at home, while trying to pose as a democratic state abroad.

We ask all concerned citizens to contact Mr. Michael Grit the theatre manager for Richmond Hill Centre for performing arts and voice your concerns.

Artists in Exile – Canadian Chapter
September2010

Contact information for:

Mr. Michael Grit
Theatre Manager, theatre@richmondhill.ca, Tel: 905-787-8471, Ext: 222
10268 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3B7
Administration Phone: (905) 787-8471 Administration Fax: (905) 787-9757

Burning the Koran and its Possible Implications

2010-09-10T10:34:00.001-05:00

Recently Pastor Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Centre announced that his church would be celebrating “Burn the Koran Day” on September 11th 2010 in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks.

This issue has given rise to a lot of controversy and has been covered by almost all major news agencies. I think this issue is important enough for me to write a few paragraphs on it.

Burning the Koran is not only counterproductive but also dangerous. It is dangerous not only because it will most likely lead to a lash-back from fundamentalist Muslims, but because it will help in the creation of many more fundamentalist Jihadists which is the last thing our world needs.

In my opinion Islam is an oppressive, violent and sexist religion, however the way to combat it is not by burning the Koran which millions of Muslims worship and follow blindly without ever having read it.

In order to combat the dangers posed by Islam let’s encourage Muslims to actually read the Koran in their own language and to understand it. How many women who actually read the Koran and understand it will keep on worshipping it and making excuses for the sexism and violence that exists in this book?

I am a strong believer in “if you want to fight against something, first learn everything you can about it.” That’s the only way to fight against evil.

If before the Revolution in Iran in 1979 the Shah had allowed people to read the “Resaleh of Khomeini” instead of outlawing this book, I think today Iran would be in a much different state. After the Revolution once people started reading Khomeini’s Resaleh and realized the type of garbage that was written in it, they started to realize what a huge mistake they had made by supporting him.

If there are campaigns to burn the Koran it will increase the sympathy towards it and it will give a greater excuse to Islamic Government such as the Islamic Regime and Islamic entities such as Al-Qaeda to recruit even more Islamic fundamentalists and terrorists. All they have to say is “look the west is burning the Koran, Islam is in danger” and ignorant people who have never read the Koran will line up to defend Islam and kill innocent people while doing it.

Instead let’s encourage Muslims to read the Koran and challenge them to defend the violence, oppression and sexism which is strongly promoted in this book.

Down with the Islamic Regime
Long Live Freedom in Iran

A message from Deputy FM Ayalon to the Iranian people

2010-08-26T08:14:00.002-05:00

Below is the message of Deputy FM Ayalon to the Iranian people.

Yesterday, (Monday, 23 August 2010), Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon addressed the people of Iran on Kol Yisrael Persian radio. During the broadcast people in Iran called in to the station and spoke with the Deputy Foreign Minister to ask questions. Below is a synopsis of Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon's comments:

"Israel bears no animosity towards the Iranian people. We have deep respect and aspire to cooperate with them to bring about a better reality in the region. The problem is intrinsic to the Iranian regime and its conduct, particularly regarding the nuclear issue. This is a regime that calls for 'Death to the United States, Great Britain and Israel'. The Iranian regime spreads instability, supports terror, and oppresses its own people. It is impossible to accept atomic weapons in the hands of such a regime.

The Iranian reactor constitutes a tremendous danger to the stability of the entire region and to world peace in general because, besides nuclear armaments, Iran is also developing a missile system that threatens countries beyond the Middle East, such as Europe. Nuclear weapons in Iran's hands will enable it to threaten all the Arab governments with its present means (subversive elements in various countries, agents, and so forth). Even now it controls bodies that function as a state within a state, in Lebanon, Yemen, the Palestinian Authority, and other places.

Another point that does not always come up in the Iranian context, due to the nuclear threat, is the glaring violation of civil rights inside Iran. This is an aggressive dictatorial regime, and all progressive elements throughout the world should take action against it, if only for that reason. Israel congratulates the Iranian people for their efforts to liberate themselves from the burden of the oppressive regime. At international forums, Israel has raised the issue of the suffering of the Iranian people and the cruelty of the regime ruling them. That is the main thing we can do for such an illustrious nation suffering from oppression. But in the end, it is the Iranian people themselves who must take their fate in their own hands and act to achieve their rights. The more the citizens of Iran increase their protest activities, the higher the international support will be."

In response to a question regarding the likelihood of regional war, the deputy minister replied that :"There is always the possibility of sudden, unplanned deterioration due to one action or another. Israel is committed to defending its citizens and if attacked will act accordingly. A fear exists that Iran - as it becomes more pressured by sanctions - will goad those under its patronage in Hizbullah and Hamas to initiate military action against Israel. There's also a possibility that Iran will make a military move against the Arab Gulf states and harm the flow of oil to the world, in which case the entire situation will degrade into widespread confrontations. Remember that the sanctions are aimed against Iran's efforts to arm itself with nuclear weapons, and if they don't elicit results, the United States and other nations might consider other options."

http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Speeches+by+Israeli+leaders/2010/Message_DepFM_Ayalon_Iranian_people_23-Aug-2010.htm

In Memory of Akbar Mohammadi, Student Leader, Pro-Democracy Activist and a True National Hero

2010-07-30T14:18:00.002-05:00

Four years ago today, Akbar Mohammadi, a well known student leader died under very suspicious circumstances in the notorious Evin Prison. Mr. Mohammadi had been arrested during the July 9th 1999 pro-democracy student demonstrations that shook Iran and struck fear in the heart of the Islamic Regime.

Mr. Mohammadi was charged with being one of leaders of the July 9th student uprising and was originally sentenced to death, however under international pressure his sentence was reduced to 15 years.

Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to meet Akbar Mohammadi personally or speak to him; however I followed his work very closely. I’ve always considered him a true hero, because he remained defiant against the Regime even under the most brutal circumstances. I had the pleasure of reading his memoir where he described not giving in to the Regime and their requests, even though he knew he would face immediate torture and flogging.

Akbar Mohammadi remained defiant throughout the seven years he spent in the Islamic Regime prisons, standing up for his own rights, rights of other political prisoners and the rights of the Iranian people. In July of 2006 he went on a hunger strike and died under very suspicious circumstances. Many including myself believe that he was murdered by the Regime while in prison, because he refused to cooperate with them.

Today while many other prominent “student activists” who were arrested with him are free, living in Los Angeles of Washington and working with VOA, Akbar Mohammadi is gone… His memory however remains with us as someone who fought for what he believed in, and did not falter even in the face of intolerable hardships.

In his memory and the memory of thousands of other freedom fighters who have lost their lives for a free and democratic Iran.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Three (3) Years of Imprisonment for Hamed Omidi

2010-07-25T12:16:00.002-05:00

According to news received from Mr. Omidi’s family Hamed Omidi, has been sentenced to 3 years of imprisonment by Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran. Mr. Omidi’s family received this news yesterday through a telephone call from Hamed. Mr. Omidi has been in pre-trial custody for the past 160 days.

News Source: Confidential Source

3سال حبس برای دانشجوی کورد حاد امیدی
به گزارش رسیده از سوی خانواده حامد امیدی نامبرده به سه سال حبس از سوی سعبه 28دادگاه انقلاب تهران به ریاست مغیسه از آخوندهای رژیم محکوم شده است .این خبر در پی تماس تلفنی دیروز نامبرده با خانواده اش منتشر شده و هنوز اطلاعات کامل آن از سوی وکیل نامبرده منتشر نشده است .نامبده بیش از 160 روز است که در بازداشت موقت به سر می برد

24 July 2010 - International Sakine Mohammadi Ashtiani Day-Iran

2010-07-19T13:26:00.001-05:00

Sakine Mohammadi is a 43 years old Iranian woman who was sentenced to being stoned to death by the Islamic Regime in Iran for having an “illicit” relationship. Ms. Sakine Mohammadi has had to endure the punishment of flogging (99 lashes) and has been in prison for the past five years.

Due to wide scale international pressure the Islamic Regime ambassador in London issued a statement denying the fact that Ms. Mohammadi- Ashtiani will be stoned to death; however Ms. Mohammadi is still in prison and at risk of imminent execution.

There has been a call by International Committee Against Stoning and International Committee Against Executions to declare July 24th International Sakine Mohammadi Ashtiani Day, and take to the streets where ever we are at 2:00pm to voice our support for Ms. Mohammadi Ashtiani and to voice our abhorrence against the barbaric practice of stoning used by the Islamic Regime.

There will be protest in front of the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa from 12:00pm-3pm on Saturday July 24th 2010 which I will be attending, however I think it is crucial to keep a few things in mind.

1. For every Sakine Mohammadi Ashtiani that we know about there are tens that we don’t know about who may be secretly executed or stoned to death at any moment.

2. For every political prisoner we know about who is currently facing execution there are tens or maybe hundreds that we do not know about and will never find out about.

3. Focusing on one person or one case at a time is never enough for above stated reasons and it is crucial to focus on the cause of the problem, the root which is the Islamic Regime.

There is only one way to make sure no woman in Iran will ever be stoned again, no political prisoner will be raped or tortured or executed, and that the law will be used to protect the people rather than to oppress them. The only way is Regime Change.

So while I will be participating in the protest to bring awareness about Ms. Mohammadi Ashtiani’s situation as well as to shed light on the issue of stoning in Iran, I will also keep in mind the fact that there are many Ms. Mohammadi Ashtiani’s in Iran and the only way to help them all is to focus on total and complete Regime Change in Iran. I hope everyone else will keep this in mind as well.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Date: July 24th 2010
Location: Canadian Parliament-Ottawa, Canada
Time: 12:00-3:00pm

Strike of Merchants in Iran Continues-July 15th 2010

2010-07-15T20:13:00.004-05:00

After more than a week the strike of the merchants in Tehran continues, and has spread to other cities as well. While the merchants (Bazaari’s) have traditionally always supported the Regime, their strike will (even if inadvertently) support the pro-democracy movement in Iran, as the Bazaar has always been a key economical factor in Iran. Below is my translation of various news reports about the strike of the Grand Bazaar in Tehran as well as in other cities.

Strike in the city of Tabriz

According to Iran Press News, the strike of merchants in the Bazaar in Tabriz continued today. It must be noted that the Regime has tried to scare the merchants into breaking their strike by threatening to attack their homes and families, however so far these threats have had the opposite effect and the strike continues, with the support of many ordinary people. Today the stores in the small city of “Valiasr” close to Tabriz was also closed in solidarity with the Tabriz merchants.

Following are two videos from today’s strike in Tabriz. Video 1, video 2

http://www.iranpressnews.com/source/079650.htm

Tehran Grand Bazaar

Today the merchants in the Grand Bazaar in Tehran continued their strike which started last Monday in response to the proposed tax increase by the government. Last week the merchants were attacked by security forces and Basij, and a well known merchant was stabbed and later on died in the hospital. Although the Regime has backed down and has announced a tax decrease, there doesn’t seem to be an end to the strike of the merchants in the Grand Bazaar in Iran.

Video 1

http://www.iranpressnews.com/source/079637.htm

There are also reports that the strike of the merchants has spread to number of other cities including Esfehan, Mashad, Kermanshah, Hamedan and numerous cities in the Kurdistan of Iran.

http://www.iranpressnews.com/source/079620.htm

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Behrouz Javid Tehrani Transferred to the Common Ward after 53 Days of Solitary Confinement and Torture-Gohardasht Prison-Iran

2010-07-15T15:40:00.002-05:00

According to news reports from “Human Rights and Democracy Activists in Iran” Behrouz Javid Tehrani has been finally transferred to the common ward in Section 1 of the Gohardasht prison, after spending 53 days in solitary confinement and being subjected to brutal torture.

Mr. Tehrani a pro-democracy activist who was originally arrested during the pro-democracy protests of July 9th 1999 has spent most of the past 11 years in the Islamic Regime prisons. Mr. Tehrani has sent the past year in the notorious Section 1 of the Gohardasht prison, also known as “the dog house, the dark hole, the end of the road.” The prisoners are taken here to be tortured and to be “broken.”

While in solitary confinement Mr. Tehrani went on a hunger strike in order to defend his own rights and the rights of other political prisoners. Even under the worst conditions imaginable Mr. Tehrani has never given up his fight for freedom and democracy.

Down with the Islamic Regime
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Source of news report: http://hrdai.blogspot.com/2010/07/53.html

18 Tir (July 9th ) Demonstrations in Toronto to Commemorate the 11th Anniversary of Pro-Democracy Student Demonstrations in Iran

2010-07-09T22:06:00.001-05:00

Today pro-democracy activists gathered in the Mel-Lastman Square in Toronto to commemorate the 11th anniversary of the July 9th (18 Tir) 1999 pro-democracy demonstrations.

The July 9th 1999 protests were the first large scale pro-democracy protests since the Islamic Regime had come to power and have become a source of inspiration for activists both inside and outside of Iran.

A student activist Ebrahim Ezat Nejad was shot to death during the protests, while a student leader Akbar Mohammadi was killed by the Islamic Regime agents in the notorious Evin Prison in August of 2006, while serving a 15 year jail sentence for his participation in the protests. Behrouz Javid Tehrani another well known pro-democracy student activist is still in prison 11 years after the 18 Tir protests because of his pro-democracy activities.

Tonight we remember Ebrahim Ezat Nejad and Akbar Mohammadi, while keeping Behrouz Javid Tehrani in our thoughts and prayers. We also remember those who have lost their lives in the past 31 years for a free and democratic Iran.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

News Reports on the Strike of Merchants in Iran-Day 3

2010-07-08T09:05:00.001-05:00

Although the merchants have gone on a strike because of raised taxes rather than a purely political motive, if the strike does continue it is likely that it will have a crippling effect on the Regime and will inadvertently help the pro-demcracy movement in Iran.

According to various news reports from Iran Press News the merchants in the Tehran Market (Bazaar) are on their third (3rd) day of strike. The merchants started their strike in response to the increase in taxes and have continued the strike after a merchant was stabbed and died in the hospital by security forces yesterday afternoon.

According to these news reports between 80-100 merchants gathered in the area of “Sabzeh Meydan” and chanted slogans such as “death to dictator and death to this misleading government.” A number of young students also joined the protests. The protestors were surrounded by security forces and it looked like the security forces may attack the protestors at any moment.

At around 1:30pm most of the stores in the main sections of the Bazaar including gold/jewelry stores, fabric stores, carpet stores and stores selling bulk goods were closed.

The news of the strike of the Tehran Merchants is spreading to cities around Tehran and there is a possibility that they may join the strike.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Sources:

http://www.iranpressnews.com/source/079301.htm

http://www.iranpressnews.com/source/079286.htm

URGENT! The Merchants in the Tehran Bazaar (Market) Are on Their Second Day of Strike

2010-07-07T09:27:00.001-05:00

The merchants going on a strike is very exciting news, as they are generally supporters of Regime and have not been known for going on strikes or showing solidarity with the Iranian people. I think the fact that merchants are going on strike can be seen as a sign of Regime losing some of its most faithful supporters. I am very optimistic about this and will be following the developments closely in the next few weeks.

According to various news reports from Iran Press News this morning a large number of merchants, including those selling gold and cloth did not open their stores in protest against the increase in taxes by the Islamic Regime. The strike which had started yesterday July 6th continued today.

Only few stores were open on the street of gold merchants and the presence of security forces was strong in the Bazaar.

It must be noted that this is a very important development as the Bazaar has traditionally supported the Regime, and even last year after the presidential [s]elections when millions of people protested and many were murdered by Regime Agents, the merchants did not react and did not strike.

According to other news reports from Iran Press News, the merchants in the city of Esfehan who wanted to go on strike in solidarity with the Tehran merchants have been threatened by the security forces. The Regime fears a strike by the merchants as the Bazaar is a very important economical factor in Iran.

At 3:00pm Tehran time the security forces attacked some of the closed stores including number of stores that sell cloth and cause a great deal of economic damage to the stores.

There have also been reports of serious physical altercations between the security forces and the merchants, where many merchants have been arrested, and a well known merchant Haj Kashani was stabbed by security forces and died later on in the hospital.

The security forces have also fired tear gas at the merchants who are reportedly fighting back physically and chanting anti-Regime slogans. All paths to the Bazaar has been closed by the security forces and even the subways are not stopping at the Bazaar station.

Number of well known merchants have announced that tomorrow Thursday July 8th will be a day of general strike by the merchants in protest against the attack of security forces and the murder of Haj Kashani.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Translations by: Sayeh Hassan
Sources:

http://www.iranpressnews.com/source/079231.htm
http://www.iranpressnews.com/source/079234.htm
http://www.iranpressnews.com/source/079239.htm

Behrouz Javid Tehrani on his 11th Day of Hunger Strike-Gohardasht Prison, Karaj, Iran

2010-07-05T09:16:00.002-05:00

According to news reports from Human Rights and Democracy Activists in Iran Mr. Behrouz Javid-Tehrani is on his 11th day of hunger strike in protest against the torture and in-humane treatment he is receiving in Section 1 of the Gohardasht Prison.

Mr. Javid-Tehrani was transferred to Section 1 of the prison, also known as the “dog house,” “the dark whole,” and “end of the road” on May 30th. According to “unconfirmed reports” Mr. Javid-Tehrani is in the worst cell in Section 1 of the prison, and has been subjected to physical torture at least on a number of occasions. The torture has been conducted by Hassan Akhriyan, the head of Section 1 of Gohardasht prison as well as other prison officials.

The cell in which Mr. Javid Tehrani is located is high above the ground and more susceptible to heat. Currently the temperature in Karaj is 40C and with no cooling facilities in the cells, Mr. Javid-Tehrani has lost consciousness on a number of occasions.

Prisoners in Section 1 are given only enough food to keep them alive; they are allowed to use the washroom facilities only three (3) times a day, and to shower once every two (2) weeks. According to this report Mr. Javid-Tehrani has lost a great deal of weight due to these inhumane prison conditions.

It should also be noted that on the order form for his transfer to solitary cells, it is indicated that he must remain there indefinitely and there is no indication as to when this “sentence” may end.

Mr. Javid-Tehrani is a pro-democracy activist who was originally arrested during the July 9th 1999 pro-democracy demonstrations in Iran. He was released briefly in 2004 however was re-arrested when he did not cease to continue his pro-democracy activities. He has been in prison for most of the past 11 years.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Translation by: Sayeh Hassan
Link to original article in Farsi: http://hrdai.blogspot.com/2010/07/blog-post_3654.html

11th Anniversary of July 9th (18 Tir) 1999 Pro-Democracy Student Demonstrations in Iran

2010-07-03T21:41:00.004-05:00

We are fast approaching July 9th which marks the 11th year anniversary of the July 9th (18 Tir) 1999 pro-democracy student demonstration in Iran.

The 18 Tir demonstrations were originally triggered when a reformist newspaper “Salam” was banned from publication. As a reaction to the peaceful protests Regime Agents attacked the student dormitories in Tehran University where they beat and arrested hundreds of students and turned the dormitories into a blood bath. At least one student was murdered by Regime Agents when he was thrown off the dormitory balcony.

The students reacted to this brutal attack to the dormitories by organizing mass pro-democracy protests which quickly took a radical turn towards Regime change and away from reform. Thousands of ordinary freedom loving Iranians joined the students on the streets for the next five days, when Iran saw the largest pro-democracy demonstrations since the Revolution in 1979. Quickly it became very clear that the movement had nothing to do with reform and was about Regime change and democracy in Iran.

Thousands of students were arrested and charged with, among other things “risking national security.” Akbar Mohammadi was one of the students who was arrested and sentenced to death for his involvement in the peaceful demonstrations. Due to overwhelming international pressure his sentence was eventually reduced to 15 years of imprisonment. Unfortunately Akbar Mohammadi died under very suspicious circumstances on August 2nd 2006, in the notorious Evin Prison while he was on a hunger strike.

It is widely believed that he was murdered by the Regime Agents because throughout 7 years of imprisonment and the most brutal torture imaginable he refused to back down and refused to cooperate with the Regime in anyway.

The 18 Tir pro-democracy demonstrations has been perhaps one of the only significant pro-democracy events in the past 31 years that has not been tainted by the concept of reform, and has always been about democracy and Regime Change.

It is therefore extremely unfortunate and even opportunistic on part of some of the Toronto “activists” who have taken upon themselves to organize an event inviting a very well known reformist Mashallah Abbas-Zadeh in a desperate attempt to link the 18 Tir pro-democracy demonstrations to the reformist movement.

Having said that, as hard as these individuals might try, they will not be successful, because 18 Tir movement was a movement with a pure yet strong intention. Akbar Mohammadi sacrificed his life in order to pave the way for a democratic Iran. Behrouz Tehrani sacrificed his youth in order to pave the way for a democratic Iran. It would have been very easy for either one of these individuals to cooperate with the Regime as many well known “student leaders” have done, and live a comfortable life in Los Angeles or Washington, however the path for a democratic Iran is paved with people like Akbar and Behrouz and thousands of other freedom loving Iranians who will not compromise their beliefs and ideas for money or fame or anything else.

That is the reason why these “activists” in Toronto or anywhere else will never be successful in tainting this strong and historic pro-democracy movement. I condemn any opportunistic attempt by certain “activists” in Toronto to use this historic day to further their pro-reformist agenda.

In memory of Akbar Mohammadi and all other freedom loving Iranians who have sacrificed their lives for a free and democratic Iran.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Happy Canada Day to All

2010-07-01T17:55:00.001-05:00

Over the past 17 years I have come to call Canada my home. My family and I have been able to have a new beginning in Canada, away from the tyranny and oppression of the Islamic Regime in Iran. I’ve come to realize that Canada is a country that provides numerous opportunities, as long as you are willing to work hard and take advantage of them.

Canada has given me the opportunity to complete a BA, graduate from law school and become a successful defence lawyer, while at the same time allowing me to stay true to my beliefs and ideas, allowing me to actively pursue my cause which is democracy and Regime change in Iran.

I am so grateful to be living in this country where I can speak my mind and not have to worry about Regime Agents kidnapping me in the middle of the night and taking me to unknown locations. I have no doubt that if I had stayed in Iran, today I would either be in prison or dead, and so I am even more grateful for the amazing life that I have in Canada.

I wish everyone a very happy Canada Day.

Sayeh Hassan
Barrister & Solicitor

Extremely Difficult Conditions in the Women’s Ward in Evin Prison, Iran

2010-06-30T12:29:00.000-05:00

According to news report from “Human Rights and Democracy Activists in Iran” the current conditions of the women’s ward in the notorious Evin Prison has become worse than ever.

Currently there are 28 female political prisoners are housed per prison cell. As the summer temperature in Tehran rises to as high as 40C there is no way for the prisoners to cool themselves. The heat in the cells is to such degree that prisoners have been fainting due to extreme heat.

Also the access to water has been terminated in the women’s ward and the female political prisoners have not even had access to drinking water for a number of days.

Further a number of female political prisoners have been suffering from food poisoning, however they have not been allowed to seek medical treatment. Some of the symptoms displayed by these women has been severe vomiting and diarrhea.

According to this news report there have been efforts by the prison authorities to create a division among the female political prisoners in an attempt to divide and conquer.

For example Ms. Mahdiye Golru, a student activist and a political prisoner was summoned by Tehran prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolat Abadi who threatened her for defending her former cellmate Shirin Alam-Hooli ( a Kurdish political prisoner who was executed on May 9th).

Jafar Abbas Dolat Abadi has also been involved in threatening and warning female political prisoners not to speak out and publisize the prison conditions in the women’s ward, threatening with punishing the entire group if anything about the conditions is published.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Translation by: Sayeh Hassan
Original Link: http://hrdai.blogspot.com/2010/06/blog-post_3062.html

Neda Day in Toronto-June 20th 2010

2010-06-21T10:51:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of the murder of an innocent young woman Neda Agha-Soltan by the Islamic Regime agents in Iran. Neda was shot to death on the streets of Tehran while participating in a peaceful protest, in the aftermath of the Iranian presidential [s]elections. After her death it became clear that Neda had not voted and did not support any of the candidates. She joined the protests because she wanted freedom for the Iranian people. In the past year Neda’s beautiful and innocent face has become the symbol of freedom and hope for the Iranian people.

Yesterday many Iranians gathered in the Mel Lastman Square in Toronto, between 5-7pm to commemorate the memory of Neda and thousands of other innocent, freedom loving people who have lost their lives in order to help create a free and secular Iran.

The highlight of the program was two great speeches by Caspian Makan, Neda’s fiancé and a human rights activist, as well as a speech by Amir Abbas Fakhravar a well known political activist and the Secretary General of the Confederation of the Iranian Students who travelled from Washington to take part in this event.

Mr. Fakhravar’s speech can be seen here; I was quite impressed with his speech which focused on unity of the Iranian people, which I also think is extremely important.

It was a beautiful event and a great way to remember Neda and thousands of others who have lost their lives at the hands of the Islamic Regime in the past 31 years. It is important not only to remember these brave and freedom loving individuals, but to also continue on their path for a free, secular and democratic Iran.

In the memory of all innocent people who have lost their lives on the road for freedom and democracy,

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

In the picture above: Amir Fakhravar, Caspian Makan, Saghar Kasrai, Sayeh Hassan

Liberal MP Irwin Cotler’s motion for solidarity with the people of Iran passes with unanimous consent

2010-06-17T20:52:00.001-05:00

Liberal MP Irwin Cotler’s motion for solidarity with the people of Iran passes with unanimous consent

Ottawa – On the one-year anniversary of the fraudulent Iranian election and subsequent crackdown on human rights – including the death of Neda Agha-Soltan at the hands of Iranian security forces – Liberal MP Irwin Cotler received unanimous consent in the House of Commons for a motion expressing solidarity with the people of Iran and condemning its human rights abuses.

The motion is as follows:
“That, on the one year-anniversary of the fraudulent Iranian election, this House expresses its solidarity with the people of Iran; condemns the loss of life, beatings, and unjust imprisonment of those who peacefully protested; supports the democratic movement in Iran; welcomes the new UN sanctions against the Iranian regime; calls upon the regime to cease and desist from the illegal pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of UN Security Council Resolutions and international law; and expresses its hope that the Iranian people will soon live in peace, security, and freedom.”

Parliamentarians in support of the motion deplored the loss of life, beatings and unjust imprisonment of those who peacefully protested the election, while expressing support for the democratic movement in Iran.

Parliamentarians also called upon the regime to cease and desist from the illegal pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of UN Security Council Resolutions and international law.

While Cotler welcomed the new UN Sanctions against Iran, he believes more is needed to combat the Iranian regime, which is also engaged in state-sponsored terrorism and incitement to genocide.

“It is the hope of the Liberal Party – and indeed all Parliamentarians – that the Iranian people will soon live in peace, security and freedom.”

http://www.liberal.ca/en/newsroom/media-releases/18394_liberal-mp-irwin-cotlers-motion-for-solidarity-with-the-people-of-iran-passes-with-unanimous-consent

Further Reports on June 12th (22 Khordad) Protests in Iran

2010-06-12T10:11:00.002-05:00

• Protests in Sharif University in Tehran continue. Video 1
Video II
• Two students who had been secretly filming the protests in Sharif University were identified by security forces, beaten and taken to an unknown location.

• In Valiasr Square people are fighting back against the security forces, security forces are being forced to move back.

• According to news reports from “Human Rights and Democracy Activists” there is massive physical altercations between young students and the security forces around Tehran University. Number of students who intended to enter Tehran University to join the protests have been beaten by batons and a number of them have been arrested. According to this news report one of the students who has been arrested is from the “Sanati University” in the city of Yazd, his name is Ahmad Shah Rezayi.
o Although there is a heavy presence of security forces, the number of protestors is increasing in “Enghelab Square.”

• According to various news reports a number of Personnel in the building of “Sedao Sima Iran” which is one of the Regime’s official news agency’s have been taken hostage. According to eyewitness reports there has been shooting sounds coming from the building, however it is not yet clear what is going on and what is the motive and goal of the hostage takers.

• According to an eye witness in the city of Mashad, the “Sajad” area there is a strong presence of security forces on their motorcycles. According to this eye witness on this day the Regime has declared war against the people.

• There are protests in various locations in Tehran. One of these locations is Amir Abad, where the first tear gas has been fired, and the protests have entered a new phase. The number of the protestors is increasing.

• There are also protests in Enghelab and Azadi Square where people are chanting “death to dictator.” There presence of female protestors is very strong, the are chanting without any fear.

Translations by: Sayeh Hassan

Presence of Security Forces in Tehran Streets

2010-06-12T06:09:00.002-05:00

Below are two video's which show the heavy presence of security forces in Tehran streets today:

Video 1

video 2

News Report June 12th Protests-Ferdowsi Square, Tehran

2010-06-12T05:49:00.002-05:00

Iran News Agency: demonstrations have also started to take shape in Ferdowsi Square in Tehran despite the heavy presence of security forces in Tehran streets.

خبرنگار آژانس ايران خبر, تهران ساعت 1400: علي رغم تمامي تهميدات امنيتي وعلي رغم گسيل مزدوران حكومتي به خيابان هاي تهران , اعتراض اولیه در میدان فردوسی در حال شکل گیری است

https://www.newsagency-ina.com/News-Details.aspx?newsId=35896&back=1

News Reports from June 12th Protests in Iran

2010-06-12T05:37:00.002-05:00

Iran Press News: At 2pm in Jomhuri Street, under the Hafez Bridge in Tehran an elderly woman started chanting anti-dictatorship slogans. Other people also joined in and the size of the group kept on increasing until they were attacked by security forces that most likely had been hiding in the parking lot of one of the side streets. The security forces were not able to arrest anyone as people fought back against them and forced them to back down and move across the street.

Security forces have gathered under the Hafez Bridge. It seems as though the June 12th protests have started with the security forces receiving a beating from the protestors.

Translation by: Sayeh Hassan

22 خرداد؛ درگیری در خیابان جمهوری زیر پل حافظ

گزارش خوانندگان: خیابان جمهوری زیر پل حافظ ساعت 14:00 . نزدیک مرکز خرید علاءالدین شعارهای علیه دیکتاتور از سوی یک زن مسن سر داده شد و با همراهی مردم این شعارها افزایش یافت که با خروج پر تعداد نیروهای امنیتی و ضد شورش از یکی از کوچه های اطراف که احتمال میرود در پارکینگ یکی از مجتمع های مسکونی پنهان شده بودند به خشونت کشیده شدولی با دخالت و حضور خشمگین مردم نیروهای ضد شورش نتوانستند کسی را دستگیر کنند و به آن سوی خیابان عقب نشینی کردند.هم اکنون جو کاملا امنیتی در زیر پل حافظ برقرار شده
کلید اعتراضات مردمی در22 خرداد با کتک خوردن نیروهای ضد شورش از سوی مردم زده شد.
در زیر پل حافظ این نیروهای پلیس بودند که در دستگیری چند نفر از مردم بخصوص یک زن مسن نه تنها ناموفق بودند بلکه از خشم مردم در امان نماندند و از سوی مردم مورد حمله قرار گرفتند و با تحقیر و هو شدن از سوی مردم به سمت دیگر خیابان فراری شدند .

در زیر پل حافظ این نیروهای پلیس بودند که در دستگیری چند نفر از مردم بخصوص یک زن مسن نه تنها ناموفق بودند بلکه از خشم مردم در امان نماندند و از سوی مردم مورد حمله قرار گرفتند و با تحقیر و هو شدن از سوی مردم به سمت دیگر خیابان فراری شدند .

Why I will Not Participate in June 12th Demonstrations

2010-06-11T08:54:00.002-05:00

While I fully support and stand in solidarity with the Iranian people, and their courageous attempts to take to the streets, despite the risks to their lives and freedom, and at every opportunity, to voice their demands for a free and secular Iran, I will not be participating in June 12th demonstrations because:

1. In Iran there is no such a thing as an election. Presidency candidates are handpicked by the Guardian Council and the Supreme Leader, and that is the way it has been for the past 31 years.

2. The main condition for passing the test to run for presidency is loyalty to the Islamic Regime. (That includes Mousavi and Karoubi who were both handpicked by the Supreme Leader to run for presidency.)

3. While the protests in Iran started with the pretext of dissatisfaction with the [s]election results, the movement became quite radical very quickly, and people started chanting “Mousavi is an excuse the entire Regime is targeted,” “death to the Islamic Regime” and “Independence, freedom, Iranian Republic.”

4. Today the issue at the forefront of Iranian politics is not the [s]election results, it is Regime Change.

5. The protests that are being organized internationally by “Committee for Solidarity with Iran” are generally “silent” protest that do not allow for chanting of anti-Regime slogans.

6. At a time when our compatriots in Iran are chanting “Independence, freedom, Iranian Republic”, those of us who live in free countries cannot remain silent and participate in silent protests.

7. Participating in tomorrow’s protests will be accepting the legitimacy of the election process under the Islamic Regime Rule.

8. Although no doubt many pro-democracy activists will join in the protests with the goal of protesting against the entirety of the Regime, unfortunately because of the way things have been organized internationally, any protest that takes place tomorrow will only serve to strengthen the reformist stand, rather than help the “Regime Change” cause.

I will however come out on June 20th the anniversary of the murder of Neda Agha Soltan by Regime Agents and commemorate her memory as well as thousands of other innocent and courageous Iranians who have lost their lives in a fight for a free, secular and democratic Iran.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran

Dangers of a Nuclear and Genocide Iran and What Canada Can Do-My Speech

2010-06-05T22:36:00.003-05:00

I had the pleasure of speaking at the Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto today, in regards to the human rights violations conducted by the Islamic Regime, and what Canadians can do to help the situation. I had the honour of being part of a series of speeches in Iran, which included renowned speakers such as the Israeli Embassador Her Excellency Miriam Ziv, the Honourable Irwin Cotler and Hershell Ezrin, a renowned political analyst. Below is the text of my speech.

Good afternoon everyone, it is a real pleasure to be here, thank you for having me here today.

Today I would like to speak to you about Iran, in particular the brutal government, the Islamic Regime that has been in power for the past 31 years and the systematic human rights violations committed by them.

I would also like to suggest some ways in which as Canadians we may be able to do help the pro-democracy movement in Iran.

First I would like to give a brief background history on Iran for those of you who might not be very familiar with Iran. Prior to 1979 Iran was a Monarchy headed by the Pahlavi Family. In 1979 there was a revolution by the people in the hopes of bringing freedom and democracy to Iran. Unfortunately the Islamic Government that came to power was anything but democratic.

The Islamic Regime changed our national flag, brought the Sharia Law which was and still is extremely discriminatory against women and started a crack down on anyone they deemed to be against the Islamic Regime.

Universities were shut down to undergo a “cultural revolution” many dissidents who had been active during the revolution and in the over throw of the Shah were thrown into prison because they were deemed to be against the Regime. Between 1979 to 1981 thousands of political prisoners were executed. In the summer of 1988 10,000 political prisoners were executed summarily, after having three (3) minute “trials.” I should note that in 1988 Mir Hossein Mousavi, the reformist leader of today was the Prime Minister of Iran, holding a very key and powerful position, yet he didn’t do anything to try to stop the executions. He did not condemn it and to this day he has never even acknowledged that those executions took place.

The crackdown on dissidents, systematic persecution and rule of force has continued for the past 31 years and has been carried out by the entire regime, both hardliners and the reformists.

That brings us to past year and the events that have taken place since the presidential [s]elections. I refer to it as a selection rather than an election because out of 400 possible candidates, only four (4) with an impeccable record of loyalty to the Islamic Regime and the Supreme Leader were handpicked to run for presidency. These individuals were Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Mir Hossein Mousavi, Mehdi Karoubi and Mohsen Rezaee.

The international community referred to this [s]election as fraudulent and unfair, and i t was, but not because Ahmadinejad won. Because presidential candidates are handpicked by the Guardian Council and the Supreme Leader. Out of 400 candidates they usually pick 3 or 4. These individuals have to have a history of loyalty to the Regime. We will never see a secular candidate or anyone who might be even slightly against the Regime be chosen to run for presidency.

After the selections the brave Iranian people took to the streets in numbers we had never seen before. Many were dissatisfied with the [s]elections, while many more had not voted, had not taken part in the [s]elections and were dissatisfied with the entire Regime. A young girl named Neda Agha-Soltan was shot during the protests by Regime Agents. While reformists tried to link her name to the reform movement it eventually became apparent that she had not taken part in the [s]elections and she had not voted. She did not support any of the candidates.

After the June [s]elections in Iran we all saw the brutal face of the Islamic Regime. We saw peaceful protestors being attacked, beaten and even shot on the streets by Islamic Regime Agents. Finally the international community started seeing what the Iranian people have been faced with for the past 31 years.

Although the nationwide protests started under the pretence of dissatisfaction with the [s]elections, the movement started to become very radical very quickly. While at first people were chanting slogans such as “where is my vote?” this changed quickly and soon people started chanting slogans such as “death to the Islamic Regime, death to Khamenei, death to the Guardian Council, Mousavi is an excuse the entire Regime targeted” and the most popular slogan which was “freedom, independence, Iranian Republic.” By chanting this slogan Iranian people declared their demand for a secular government rather than an Islamic government.

One major reason why Iranians want Regime change is because of the systematic human rights violations they have been subjected to for the past 31 years, and that brings us to the current state of human rights in Iran.

Human Rights violations conducted by the Regime are way too many to count, but just to give an overview Bahai’s, Christians and Jews are persecuted on a systematic basis because of their religious views. Kurds, Turks and Balouchi’s are persecuted because of their ethnicity, women are subjected to persecution on a regular basis as well as students, teachers, journalists, activists doctors, writers and anyone else who might speak up against the Regime.

There are also thousands of political prisoners in Iran, many of whom have been in prison for many years. We don’t have the exact numbers and names of many of these political prisoners, because a lot of this is done secretly. There are many secret prisons which we don’t have any information about because they’re secret; we just know that they exist. It is also very difficult to obtain news from smaller prisoners who are in smaller cities, so it is difficult to get an exact number of how many prisoners there are and what their names are.

One of the areas I focus on is the persecution of the Kurdish people by the Islamic Regime. The Kurdish community has always been very vocal against the Islamic Regime, and as a result the Regime persecutes the Kurds on a systematic basis.
We see Kurdish activists, students, teachers, journalists and workers be arrested on a regular basis, be tortured and raped in order to obtain confessions and then either be sentenced to long prison terms or execution.

Since November of last year atleast 7 Kurdish political prisoners have been executed by the Regime. Five very well known Kurdish political activists were executed on May 9th at the notorious Evin Prison. Their lawyers and families were not informed of the executions until after it had been carried out. Almost a month later and the families still have not been able to obtain the bodies of their loved ones.
There are at least 16 other Kurdish activists who are currently facing executions. One of them, a young student activist named Habibollah Latifi is set to be executed this coming Monday.

I should note that these individuals are tried in mock “trials,” without the presence of a lawyer, behind closed doors and after having been tortured in order to obtain false confessions from them.

The situation is very similar for other activists in Iran. People are arrested without cause, tortured and raped in order to break them and to obtain confessions, they are forced to go through mock trials without the presence of a defence lawyers and are either sentenced to lengthy prison terms or execution. Some are lucky enough to receive shorter sentences, however having been subjected to brutal rape and torture it is very difficult for them to lead an ordinary life once released. Some of them even commit suicide because they can’t deal with what happened to them while in prison. There are also those prisoners who die under torture or commit suicide because of torture.

In terms of what we can do to help:

First any change that is going to happen has to happen from inside Iran, and I don’t mean from the reformists or any fraction of the Regime, but from the Iranian people, and we’ve seen that happen, we have seen the people come out in millions and demand change. What we can do is to be the voice of people inside Iran.

Another concept we need to consider is the fact that focusing on human rights alone is not enough. if we want to help create real change, and to protect the rights of all political prisoners, all ethnic and religious minorities, all women and the Iranian people as a whole, we must also focus on Regime change.

Once we realize this concept, then there are lots of things we can do.

• We can contact our elected representatives, many of whom are open to hearing from us about issues that concern us. They are the policy makers and they are the ones that can introduce bills that can help the pro-democracy movement in Iran. Writing and speaking to them is one of the most useful things we can do.

• We can also inform and mobilize our own community, we can write on blogs, facebook and twitter. We can write about the issues, we can disseminate the news that is coming out of Iran through activists, and that is one way to make sure the voices of activists in Iran are heard.

• We can also join various campaigns, sign petition and take part in protests. These are things that are more symbolic and will let the Iranian people know that there are people outside Iran who know what is going on, care and do support the pro-democracy movement in Iran.

As long as our activities has a clear goal, and as long as that goal is complete Regime change, I believe we will be successful.

There was also a question and answer section of this event which lasted about 45 minutes. I would like to thank everyone who perticipated for their interest in this issue.

Danger of Imminent Execution of Kurdish Activists-Silence of the International Media

2010-05-31T14:33:00.001-05:00

According to news reports from Committee against Execution in Kurdistan, Mr. Habibollah Latifi a Kurdish student and political activist is set to be executed on June 7th 2010 in the city of Sanandaj!!

Also according to this news report two other political activists Mr. Shirkoh Moarefi and Ms. Zeynab Jalaliyan are also at imminent risk of being executed, most probably before June 12th , the anniversary of the so called Presidential [S]elections, in order to create an atmosphere of fear and terror.

Further while most of the activists and human rights organizations have been busy focusing on the hunger strike of Majid Tavakolli, a very well known student activist, there are at least two other “lesser known” Kurdish activists who have been on hunger strike for close to 20 days. According to the news agency Kurdish Perspective Mr. Habibollah Golparipour, a Kurdish activist has been on a hunger strike for close to 20 days and has lost all consciousness as of yesterday, Sunday May 30th and is currently in an unconscious state. Mr. Golparipour’s mother has also started a hunger strike in support of his son. A second activist Mr. Mahyadin Azadi has also been on a hunger strike for two weeks.

While Mr. Tavakolli deserves the support of the activist community, we cannot make the mistake of focusing on only one prisoner at a time, while there are thousands of other prisoners who are in similar situations.

It is true that we may not have the time or the resources to create individual campaigns for each and every prisoner, however we must spend what time, energy and resources we have for campaigns that support and work for the freedom of ALL political prisoners, not just one.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran.

Dangers of a Nuclear and Genocidal Iran and What Canada Can Do -June 5th 2010

2010-05-27T21:08:00.001-05:00

I will be speaking at this event about the human rights violations committed by the Islamic Regime in Iran and what Canada can do to help.

Date: Saturday June 5th 2010

Location: Holy Blossom Temple, 1950 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Canada

Time: 1:00pm

Down with the Islamic Regime

Long Live Freedom in Iran

On the Eve of the Anniversary of the Iranian Presidential [S]elections the Islamic Regime is Creating an Atmosphere of Terror and Fear

2010-05-27T20:31:00.001-05:00

In the past three weeks the Islamic Regime has executed at least 6 political prisoners, 5 of whom belonged to an ethnic minority.

On May 9th 2010 four well known Kurdish political prisoners Farzad Kamangar, Ali Heydariyan, Farhad Vakili and Ms. Shirin Alam Hooli were executed in the notorious Evin Prison along with another political activist Mehdi Eslamiyan.

The Regime claimed that these activists were “Mohareb” (enemy of god) for their alleged involvement in PJAK a Kurdish opposition group. It must be noted that these political prisoners were tortured for months in order to obtain “confessions”, they were “tried” without lawyers behind closed doors, and their rights were violated every step of the way.

On May 24th 2010 Abdolhamid Rigi a senior member of the Balouchi armed rebel group Jondullah was executed in the city of Zahedan. Abdolhamid was the brother of Abdolmalek Rigi, the leader of Jondullah who was arrested by Islamic Regime forces in February of this year.

While many may have disagree with Mr. Rigi’s political view and activities, there is no doubt that he was also tortured, “tried” behind closed door and executed while his rights being violated until the very end.

We are in the wake of the one year anniversary for the so called presidential [s]elections and the nationwide anti-Regime demonstrations which followed. The Iranian people are once again getting ready to pour into the streets and demand freedom, democracy and secularism. It is therefore no wonder that the Islamic Regime is stooping to new lows, out of shear fear of the power of people.

The execution of these political prisoners so close to the one year anniversary of the presidential [s]elections is no doubt a technique to instil fear among the Iranian people in a desperate attempt to keep people from taking to the streets and demanding the overthrow of the Islamic Regime. By executing ethnic minorities the Regime may very well be trying to cause a minority rift among the Kurds and Balouchis’ once again brining the issue of separatism to the forefront. After all as long as the attention is on separatism, it is NOT on the Islamic Regime.

The Regime has also “leaked” out a video of a prisoner in Gohardasht Prison being tortured to death, no doubt in order to create a further atmosphere of terror and show the brave Iranian activists what may be awaiting them if they dare to raise their voice against the Islamic Regime.

What the Regime does not realize (or does) is the fact that it is too late for such ploys, today the people’s slogans are “Guns, tanks, and Basiji are no longer effective” and “Independence, freedom, Iranian Republic.”

I hope in the coming weeks we can keep the focus squarely on the Islamic Regime and do not get distracted by peripheral issues. This is the time, and freedom is within the grasp of the Iranian people.

Down with the Islamic Regime in Iran
Long Live Freedom in Iran